It’s a new month!! The first month of fall, even though it sure doesn’t feel close to that here on the island. I’m happy to announce that this blog has been in production for 3 SOLID YEARS! Wow, hello does time fly.. So keep your eyes peeled for a little special something coming up soon in regards to that…
Now, about these cinnamon rolls. Three words: lip smackin good! This is a great recipe to do over the weekend, because you take Saturday to prep it and Sunday to cook it for breakfast! It’s simple and you just need some basic ingredients and a little bit of time. So if you’re doing chores or are stuck at home for a significant portion of your day, then start these delicious treats – everyone in your house will thank you! (Ours lasted just short of two full days). Adapted from Food52 recipe here. Top two photos are mine, bottom is theirs.
1 cup almond milk, scalded
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/8 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 packet yeast
3 cups gluten free flour, sifted
Zest of 1 lemon
and for the filling:
4 1/2 tablespoons butter, divided
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or half of dried thyme)
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
For the Glaze:
2 oz of cream cheese
4 tbsp almond milk
powdered sugar to meet your consistency (start with at least 1/2 cup).
Here’s What to Do:
- For the dough: combine the scalded milk, sugar, salt, and half of the melted butter in a large mixing bowl; let cool a bit. Once the mixture is lukewarm, add the yeast. Let the yeast sit in mixture until it is active and frothy, about ten minutes.
- Add two cups of flour to the mixture and beat thoroughly. Gradually stir in the remaining flour, adding just enough to form a light dough (a little softer than bread dough).
- Turn the dough out on a floured surface and knead until smooth, adding more flour as necessary, 1 tablespoon at a time. Using the remaining butter, grease the bottom of a large bowl and place the dough in it; brush the top of the dough with melted butter. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
- Once risen, knead the lemon zest into dough. Roll the dough out into a 14″ by 9″ rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- For the filling: mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, thyme, zest, and salt in a bowl. Brush the dough with 4 tablespoons melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar-aromatics mixture all over. Sprinkle fresh or frozen blueberries evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Beginning with the long side of the rectangle dough, roll the dough into a log and pinch the edges to seal. Cut the dough into 1 1/2-inch slices.
- Coat the bottom of a square or round pan with melted butter. Place the cinnamon rolls in a 9×9 square pan or 10 inch round pan or skillet and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes or so. Cover and refrigerate. These can be made up to 12 hours in advance.
- When you’re ready to bake the following morning, start with a cold oven and put the rolls on the middle rack. Take a shallow dish and fill it with boiling water. Place the dish on a rack directly under the rolls and close the oven. Forget about the rolls for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Take the rolls out of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Once the oven is heated, bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Beat all of the ingredients for the glaze together and then spread over the rolls as they are warm.
