Quick Cinnamon Rolls

Although I am very fond of yeast cinnamon rolls, there are times when I need something quick and easy. This biscuit style roll is quick and fits the bill for easy. The reason I like them so much is that they fulfill my desire for instant gratification. I remember making these in Home Economics in the ninth grade- probably one of the few things I did not burn- I had a ditsy partner. I have seen a few recipes for this type of cinnamon roll and kind of mushed them all into the one below. These come together quickly and bake up in about 18 minutes. You can make a simple icing of milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract (remember quick) or go as far as making a thick and satisfying cream cheese icing. Either way this roll is tops. I filled mine with the usual brown sugar cinnamon mixture as well as cinnamon chips and some caramel bits which were fun and chewy and definitely kept the kids guessing. I imagine you could even put chocolate in there if you wanted.


You may want to double and triple the recipe to keep some on hand in the freezer for a quick heat up and continued instant gratification.


Quick Cinnamon Rolls
4 cups unbleached AP flour
4 T. white sugar
2 1/2 T. baking powder
1 1/2 t. Kosher salt
1/2 cup butter, cut into small pieces
1 1/2 cups buttermilk

In a large bowl mix together all the dry ingredients then cut in butter and mix until the dough is crumbly. Add buttermilk and mix until a nice dough forms. Place dough on a floured surface, knead a little, and roll into a big, big rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.

Toppers:
1/2 cup butter very soft
2 cups brown sugar- yes!
2 T. cinnamon- I just sprinkle
1 cup cinnamon chips, optional
1 cup caramel chips, optional
1 cup chopped nuts, optional

Spread the dough with the butter and then sprinkle with the remaining topper ingredients. Roll the dough length-wise away from you and slice into 14 evenly sized buns. Place 7 buns each in two greased 8 inch cake pans. Bake for 16-18 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Top with icing of your choice such as a simple powdered sugar icing or Browned Butter Cream Cheese Frosting. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon to make them look even prettier. The middle bun may still be a little under done but someone has to take one for the team. Me me me!


I have made these a few times now and they were at hit for our "Breakfast for Dinner" the other night. Made without the "optionals" this time. My kids rave over these and my oldest, Dryden can somehow just about eat two. Thud.

These cinnamon rolls are perfect for eating while getting cozy with family to read all the holiday cards you receive during the Christmas Season.

Robin Sue