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Brenda Gantt Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Brenda Gantt's cinnamon rolls are a beloved Southern recipe that have become a sensation online, known for their soft, fluffy texture and unbeatable cinnamon flavor. The recipe features carefully chosen ingredients and and a simple frosting. The result is the ultimate comfort food that's sure to become a new family favorite.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Stand mixer with a dough hook attachment (you can also mix by hand)
  • Rolling Pin
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Pastry brush

Ingredients
  

For the dough

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • 4 tbsp butter (melted)
  • 1/2 package of vanilla instant pudding
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 4 tbsp warm water

For the filling

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 tbsp cinammon
  • 2 tbsp raisins (optional)
  • 2 tbsp pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, beaten egg, melted butter, and vanilla instant pudding.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add in the yeast mixture and the milk mixture, and mix until a soft dough forms.
  • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
  • Spread the softened butter on top of the dough, and sprinkle the sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and/or nuts on top.
  • Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover with a damp towel, and let them rise for another 24 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
  • While the rolls are baking, mix together the powdered sugar, softened butter, and milk to make the frosting.
  • Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes, then spread the frosting on top.
  • Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • The addition of vanilla instant pudding in the dough gives the rolls a slightly sweet and creamy flavor, and also helps to keep them soft and moist.
  • If you don't have vanilla instant pudding, you can substitute it with 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  • You can customize the filling to your liking by adding different types of nuts, dried fruit, or even chocolate chips.
  • If you're short on time, you can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Then, simply roll it out and assemble the rolls in the morning.
  • To ensure that the rolls bake evenly, make sure they are all the same size and spaced apart in the baking dish.
  • If you prefer a more gooey and caramelized topping, you can mix together some brown sugar and melted butter and spread it on the bottom of the baking dish before adding the rolls.
  • To make the frosting extra decadent, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or some cream cheese to the mixture.
  • These cinnamon rolls are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, and also make a great gift for friends and family.
Keyword all-purpose flour, cinnamon, milk, sugar, yeast