There is NOTHING better than a hot cinnamon roll fresh from the oven for breakfast any time of year...here are 2 very different recipes and both produce fantastic finished product.
Whole Wheat Honey Cinnamon Buns..no processed sugar
makes 12
1 1/3 cup warm water
2tbsp active yeast
1/4 cup runny honey
Mix together and keep warm, allow it to froth then add to:
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour ( pastry flour is fine)
1 tsp sea salt
2 large eggs beaten
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Mix well then gradually add another 2 cups flour.
The dough should be soft and not dry.
Knead for 3 mins to mix well then place in bowl and keep covered in a warm place until risen double ( under 1 hour)
Do not knock back.
Turn onto a floured board and shape into a log approx 20 inches wide, then roll to 1/3 inch thick.
Brush with 1 stick melted butter and 1/4 cup honey
top with with 1 cup dried fruit and or chopped nuts and ground cinnamon to taste.
Roll like a jelly roll and secure edges.
Cut into 3/4- 1 inch slices..and leaving space for them to rise, place in a buttered pan
Allow 40 mins to rise and become lighter
Bake in preheated 350F oven middle shelf for 20 mins or until golden
Remove and cool in pan, (brush with extra melted butter and honey) invert to serve.
These are paler than those made with sugar.
Oatmeal Cinnamon Rolls makes 12-18 depending on size
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup quick cook rolled oats ( not instant)
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1 package active yeast
Mix well to combine then add
1 cup milk with 2 tbsp butter added to melt
mix well then add
2 beaten large eggs.
Mix very well to combine, the mix will be very wet.
Gradually add 2 1/2 cups extra all purpose flour until a firm dough ( not sticky) is reached.
Roll onto floured board and knead for 3 mins, until silky ( there will still be lumps in it from the oats).
Place in a bowl and allow to rise, covered for 1 hour or until double
Proceed as for previous recipe
For my cinnamon buns this year I used a great product from Trader Joe's Pumpkin spiced date pieces and also some goji berries I had left over from baking this year, you may use any combination of dried fruit (I like mine soaked in rum or whisky and drained), also any chopped nuts are good...or you may omit any fruit and just go with sugar and spice.
No matter how many you make...both recipes can be doubled...there will never be enough!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!! John Nigel
