| I absolutely adore cinnamon rolls. Pulling them apart bit by bit makes me feel like a kid again. Sometimes I need something lighter and not so intense. You have to admit, traditional cinnamon rolls are an intensely flavored and sweet confection. When I make cinnamon rolls some of the most common complaints are that people get a sugar rush, a carb coma and/or heartburn from the sweet treat. I wanted to make something light but just as delightful to pick apart with the fingers. Today I am going to share a simple recipe I created that has fresh flavor and a more mild sweetness for a light, delightful roll that can be enjoyed as dessert or even for breakfast!I am including this recipe in several forms for your convenience. You can make it using your scale with grams or ounces. You can even used a more traditional volume recipe!
Recipe:
1) Combine the water, milk, butter, sugar, salt and yeast in a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer. Stir well and let sit for 6 to 8 minutes, or until you see the yeast begin to foam. 2) Add 5 cups of flour and mix by hand or with the paddle attachment until the dough forms a rough, shaggy mass. The dough will not form a ball at this point, but will be just shy of coming together. 3) Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time and blend with the dough hook until a smooth ball begins to form. Knead by hand for about 10 minutes, or by machine for 4 to 5 minutes until a soft, smooth ball of dough is formed. The dough should feel elastic and slightly tacky to the touch. 4) Lightly spray your work bowl with cooking spray and place the dough in the bowl. Spritz the top of the dough with spray as well and cover lightly with plastic wrap or a shower cap. Let rise for 1 hour at room temperature or until the dough is full and puffy. You will know when the dough is ready because you can poke the dough with two fingers and the indentation will stay. 5) To make the filling: Combine the sugar, flour, and lemon peel. Toss the apples with the lemon juice; combine them with the sugar mixture. Add cranberries. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 6) Gently deflate the dough and pat out to a rough rectangle about 12 inches by 16 inches. Spread with the filling. Starting with a long side, roll the dough into a log and seal the edge. 7) Place the rolls in an 8×8 pan lined with parchment Allow to rise for an hour. 8) Bake the buns for 25 to 30 minutes, until lightly browned. 9) Remove the buns from the oven. Cool for 10 minutes and enjoy! |
 Finished Rolls. Yummy!
 Adding Warm Milk  Mixture after being allowed to sit  Adding Yeast  Adding Flour  Mixing Dough  Collecting Ingredients for filling  Mixed Filling  Dough ready to roll out  Dough rolled out  Spreading Filling on top  Rolling dough to form a log |
