Cinnamon Sticks

Once upon a time, in a magical kitchen far, far away, there was a group of cinnamon sticks who dreamed of becoming something more. They had heard whispers of a recipe for cinnamon rolls, and they longed to be part of it.

One day, a brave baker entered the kitchen and began to gather ingredients for the recipe. The cinnamon sticks watched eagerly as the baker combined flour, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Then the baker added milk, egg, and melted butter, and the cinnamon sticks could smell the delicious aroma of the dough forming.

The baker kneaded the dough on a floured surface, and the cinnamon sticks giggled with delight as they were folded and twisted in with the rest of the ingredients. Then the dough was left to rise, and the cinnamon sticks held their breath, hoping to be included in the next step.

When the dough had risen, the baker rolled it out into a large rectangle and spread softened butter all over it. Then came the moment the cinnamon sticks had been waiting for – the baker sprinkled a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon over the butter, and added chopped pecans and raisins (for those who wanted them).

The cinnamon sticks could hardly contain their excitement as the baker rolled the dough tightly into a log shape and cut it into 12 equal slices. They watched in awe as the slices were placed in a baking dish and put into the oven to bake.

As the cinnamon rolls baked, the kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of cinnamon and sugar. The cinnamon sticks cheered and danced, knowing that they had played a small but important part in creating such a wonderful treat.

When the cinnamon rolls were done, the baker drizzled icing over them and served them up on a platter. The cinnamon sticks looked on with pride, knowing that they had fulfilled their destiny and become something more than just ordinary spices. From that day on, they were known as the magical cinnamon sticks that made the most delicious cinnamon rolls in all the land.

Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• For the icing:
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, warm milk, and beaten egg.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
8. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch (6-mm) thick.
9. Spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough.
10. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter, then add the pecans and raisins (if using).
11. Starting at the long edge of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
12. Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased baking dish.
13. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown.
14. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and enough milk to make a smooth icing.
15. Drizzle the icing over the cinnamon rolls while they are still warm.
16. Serve and enjoy!