Well, it's the first of the summer holiday weekends. Are we excited? Yes! After the long, cold winter everyone is ready for warm sunny days, cook-outs, swimming, boating, fishing, camping, sand volleyball, baseball, basking in the sun, flip-flops and fireflies. Back in our younger days, we looked forward to an evening at the drive in movies. Unfortunately, there aren't many of those left, but it sure was fun to load up the car with friends or family, fill brown paper grocery bags with popcorn, put a cooler in the trunk with your favorite soda and go to see a double feature. Remember those intermission cartoons with dancing hot dogs and hamburgers counting down until time for the next movie. Ah, those were the good old days.
Summer is a time when many of us will have house guests. The Memorial Day weekend can be the first road trip for many people. School is out and maybe your grandchildren will be spending weekends with you. If you have visitors coming this weekend, or if you just have a few extra days at home and would like a special breakfast treat, give these delicious cinnamon rolls a try. They are great for breakfast with a cup of coffee or a big glass of milk. Oh my, they are so good. There is no yeast so you don't have to wait for the dough to rise making this a very easy recipe. You could make them the night before and pop them in the oven for breakfast or brunch. We are having them for an evening treat. They are good anytime!
Dough
2 cups all purpose flour
2 TBSP Sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3 TBSP butter, softened
3/4 cup milk
Filling
4 TBSP butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
3 tsp cinnamon
Glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
Make the filling first by combining 4 TBSP softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar and 3 tsp cinnamon. Blend until crumbly. (I use my hands to get the consistency I want which will be like a struesel)
Sprinkle 1/2 filling mixture in bottom of 9 inch round non-stick baking pan.
To make dough, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in 3 TBSP of softened butter. (again, I used my hands). Stir in milk to make soft dough which will form a ball. Roll dough out on floured counter using a floured rolling pin. Roll to a 9x13 rectangle. Will be about 1/4 inch thick. Spread rest of filling mixture on dough, leaving 1/2 inch border around dough. Roll up rectangle using long (13 inch) side. Will look like a long cigar. Dampen fingers and press seam to seal. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut in 1 inch circles. (remember, tip of thumb to knuckle is 1 inch). Put each roll in baking pan, leaving small space between each roll. This makes 12 rolls.
Bake in 400 degree oven for 20 - 25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven. Let cool slightly. Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze. I made my glaze in a measuring cup, so all you have to do is pour it over the rolls. Remove the rolls from the pan with a spatula. Eat and enjoy!
Here's to a glorious holiday weekend and an even better summer. These cinnamon rolls will make your family and summer guests feel extra special. Enjoy!
Everyday Donna
Things to remember:
There is no greater power in heaven or on earth than pure, unconditional love.” - Wayne Dyer
