If you’ve ever had the pleasure of sinking your teeth into the heavenly goodness of Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Rolls, you know just how special they are. These delectable treats are a signature item of the Ann Sather restaurant, a beloved institution known for its comforting and mouthwatering breakfast offerings.
In this article, we’ll dive into the delightful world of Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Rolls and share a simplified recipe that allows you to recreate this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your kitchen.
The History of Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Rolls
Ann Sather, a Swedish immigrant, opened her first restaurant in Chicago in 1945. Over the years, Ann Sather’s has become synonymous with delicious comfort food, and their cinnamon rolls are a standout favorite.
The secret behind their success lies in the perfect balance of sweet and gooey cinnamon filling, coupled with a soft and pillowy dough that practically melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions to Make Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Rolls
Activate the yeast
In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Make the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with flour, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Let it rise in a covered bowl for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the filling
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter evenly, and sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture over it.
Roll it up
Carefully roll the dough into a log and slice it into individual rolls.
Bake to perfection
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Frost the rolls
While the rolls cool slightly, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
Enjoy
Dive into the irresistible goodness of your homemade Ann Sather-inspired cinnamon rolls!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that these values are approximations and can vary based on the actual ingredients and portion sizes used.
Dough (per serving):
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Protein: 4-6g
- Fat: 7-10g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugar: 5-10g
Filling (per serving):
- Calories: 100-150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 5-8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15-20g
Cream Cheese Frosting (per serving):
- Calories: 70-100 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
- Protein: 0-1g
- Fat: 5-8g
- Sugar: 8-12g
It’s important to note that these values are estimates and can vary depending on factors such as the specific brands of ingredients, variations in recipes, and portion sizes. Additionally, cinnamon rolls are considered a treat due to their higher sugar and fat content.
Moderation is key when enjoying such indulgent treats, and individuals with dietary restrictions or health concerns should consider consulting with a healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalized advice.
Tips for Making Perfect Recipe
Creating perfect cinnamon rolls requires attention to detail and a bit of finesse in the kitchen. Here are some tips to ensure your Ann Sather-inspired cinnamon rolls turn out soft, gooey, and delicious:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Fresh yeast, good-quality flour, and real butter can make a significant difference in the flavor and texture of your cinnamon rolls.
- Activate the Yeast Properly: Make sure your yeast is active before proceeding with the dough. Allow it to sit in warm milk with sugar until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy dough.
- Knead the Dough Well: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten structure, giving the rolls their soft and pillowy texture. Be patient during this step; it usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Let the Dough Rise Twice: Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size, both after kneading and after shaping the rolls. This double rising ensures a light and fluffy texture.
- Roll the Dough Evenly: When rolling out the dough, aim for an even thickness. This ensures that the filling is distributed uniformly and that each roll bakes consistently.
- Spread Softened Butter Evenly: Ensure the butter for the filling is softened but not melted. Spread it evenly over the rolled-out dough to create a deliciously gooey cinnamon layer.
- Experiment with Filling: While the classic brown sugar and cinnamon filling is divine, feel free to experiment. Add chopped nuts, raisins, or even a hint of citrus zest for a unique twist.
- Cut with Precision: When cutting the rolled dough into individual rolls, use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. This helps maintain the shape and structure of each roll.
- Properly Space the Rolls: Place the rolls in a baking dish with some space between them. This allows room for the rolls to expand as they rise and bake.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cinnamon rolls while baking. Overbaking can lead to dry rolls. Once they turn golden brown, they are likely ready.
- Frost While Warm: Frost the cinnamon rolls while they are still warm. This allows the cream cheese frosting to melt slightly, creating a luscious, gooey topping.
- Get Creative with Frosting: Feel free to customize the cream cheese frosting. Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Remember, baking is both an art and a science, so don’t be afraid to make adjustments based on your personal preferences. Enjoy the process and the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as you create your batch of Ann Sather-inspired cinnamon rolls!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Rolls recipe offers a delightful and achievable way to bring a taste of this iconic establishment into your home. The combination of soft dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting is sure to transport you to a culinary haven.
So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to savor the magic of Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Rolls in every delicious bite.
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Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with flour, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Let it rise in a covered bowl for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter evenly, and sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture over it.
- Roll it up: Carefully roll the dough into a log and slice it into individual rolls.
- Bake to perfection: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Frost the rolls: While the rolls cool slightly, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
- Enjoy: Dive into the irresistible goodness of your homemade Ann Sather-inspired cinnamon rolls!
