My Amish friend recently brought these guys to a potluck and everyone was drooling over them!

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: Start by warming the milk in a microwave-safe bowl or in a saucepan over low heat. You want it to be warm to the touch, but not too hot. Stir in the yeast and sugar into the warm milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate and foam up, signaling that it’s ready to go.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together, then slowly add in the flour, about a cup at a time. Once the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
3. Let the Dough Rise: Grease a clean bowl with a bit of butter or cooking spray and place the dough in the bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is where the magic happens—watching the dough grow into a fluffy, pillowy masterpiece.
4. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling: While the dough is rising, you can prepare the cinnamon sugar filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir until it’s well combined into a spreadable paste.
5. Roll Out the Dough: Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Then, on a floured surface, roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture evenly over the dough, making sure every corner is covered.
6. Shape the Rolls: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the dough into 12 even slices. This will give you those perfect cinnamon rolls that are beautifully swirled on the inside.
7. Second Rise: Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper, and arrange the cinnamon rolls in the dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and filled the dish.
8. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The smell that fills your kitchen will be irresistible!
9. Make the Icing: While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. You want a smooth, pourable consistency.
10. Glaze the Rolls: As soon as your cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the icing generously over the top. The warm rolls will melt the icing into the swirls, making each bite perfectly sweet and creamy.

Why These Amish Cinnamon Rolls Are a Hit:

What sets these Amish-style cinnamon rolls apart from the usual cinnamon roll recipe? The dough is incredibly soft and fluffy, thanks to the generous use of butter and the careful rise time. The cinnamon sugar filling adds just the right amount of sweetness and spice, while the icing is smooth and just the right amount of indulgent.

They’re not too complicated to make, but the results are absolutely showstopping. Whether you serve them as a decadent breakfast, an afternoon snack, or bring them to a potluck like my Amish friend did, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear from the table.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t rush the rising process: Letting the dough rise properly is key to getting those light, fluffy rolls. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in an oven with the light on to create a warm environment for it to rise.
• Add your own twist: Feel free to get creative with the filling! You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or even a bit of cocoa powder for a different flavor.
• Make ahead option: You can prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate them after assembling, and then bake them fresh in the morning. This makes them perfect for holidays or busy mornings.

Conclusion:

If you’ve never tried Amish cinnamon rolls, you’re in for a treat. These soft, sweet, and cinnamon-swirled rolls are perfect for any occasion and will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. From the moment they’re pulled out of the oven, the aroma will have everyone gathered around, eagerly waiting to take that first bite. Just like at my recent potluck, when you make these cinnamon rolls, expect lots of compliments and requests for the recipe. Enjoy!