Quick Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2.5 cups flour and 0.5 teaspoon salt with a whisk, stirring until evenly mixed.

Step 2

Make a well in the center of the flour by pushing it to the sides, forming a crater about 4 inches wide.

Step 3

Pour 0.75 cup of warmed milk into the well, then crack 1 egg into the well and add 2 tablespoons melted butter.

Step 4

Using a wooden spoon, stir the liquid ingredients together, then gradually pull flour from the sides into the wet mixture until a shaggy dough forms with no dry flour visible.

Step 5

On a clean countertop, knead the dough by pushing it away from you with the heel of your hand, folding it back over itself, rotating a quarter turn, and repeating for 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly elastic.

Step 6

Pat the dough into a rectangle approximately 9 inches wide and 12 inches long on the countertop, working gently to avoid tearing.

Step 7

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small bowl, then brush it evenly across the entire surface of the dough rectangle.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of the remaining sugar with 2 teaspoons cinnamon until combined, then sprinkle this mixture evenly across the buttered dough.

Step 9

Starting at the short edge (the 9-inch side) closest to you, roll the dough tightly toward the far edge, like rolling a burrito, using your fingers to keep the roll snug.

Step 10

Using a serrated knife or dental floss, cut the roll into 6 equal pieces by slicing perpendicular to the roll every 2 inches, wiping the knife or floss between cuts.

Step 11

Set the oven to 375°F and wait until the indicator light or beep signals it has finished preheating, about 10 minutes.

Step 12

Arrange the 6 roll pieces cut-side up in a 9-inch round cake pan, spacing them evenly so they do not touch the sides of the pan.

Step 13

Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar over the rolls, covering the surface evenly.

Step 14

Place the pan in the oven on the middle rack and bake for 18–22 minutes until the rolls are puffed and the edges are the color of warm honey with slightly darker tops.

Step 15

Remove the pan from the oven using oven mitts and place it on a heat-safe surface; let the rolls cool in the pan for 5 minutes before serving.