Harvest Wheat Cinnamon Rolls

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange and the air becomes crisp and cool, there’s no better time to indulge in comforting baked goods that warm the heart and soul. Harvest season brings with it an abundance of flavors, and one treat that captures the essence of this time of year is the Harvest Wheat Cinnamon Roll. These delectable pastries are a twist on the classic cinnamon roll, incorporating the rich, nutty flavors of whole wheat flour and the sweet warmth of autumn spices. In this blog post, we’ll explore the joys of making and savoring these delightful harvest-inspired treats.

Ingredients:

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to create these mouthwatering harvest wheat cinnamon rolls:

Dough:

1. 1 cup of whole wheat flour
2. 2 cups of all-purpose flour
3. 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast
4. 1 cup of warm milk (110°F)
5. 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
6. 1/3 cup of unsalted butter, softened
7. 1 teaspoon of salt
8. 2 large eggs
9. 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Filling:

1. 1/3 cup of unsalted butter, softened
2. 1 cup of brown sugar, packed
3. 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
4. 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
5. 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
6. 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger

Glaze:

1. 1 cup of powdered sugar
2. 2-3 tablespoons of milk
3. 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt.
• Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (approximately 16×10 inches).
• Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Sprinkle the prepared filling mixture evenly over the butter.
• Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
• Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.

4. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls:

• Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they’re golden brown.

5. Make the Glaze:

• While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Adjust the milk quantity to reach your desired glaze consistency.

6. Enjoy Your Harvest Wheat Cinnamon Rolls:

• Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle them generously with the glaze.
• Allow them to cool slightly before serving, and savor the delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors in each bite.

Variations and Serving Suggestions:

1. Add Nuts: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling up the dough. Toasted nuts can also enhance the nuttiness of the whole wheat.
2. Incorporate Dried Fruits: Enhance the autumnal feel by adding dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apples to the filling. Their natural sweetness complements the spices beautifully.
3. Cream Cheese Frosting: If you prefer a creamier glaze, swap out the simple powdered sugar glaze for a rich cream cheese frosting. To make it, blend softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, a bit of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Make Mini Rolls: Instead of the standard-sized rolls, try making mini versions for a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for snacking or serving at parties.
5. Serve with a Warm Beverage: These cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or spiced apple cider. The contrast of the warm, doughy rolls with a comforting beverage is unbeatable.
6. Freeze for Later: If you can’t finish all the rolls in one sitting, freeze the leftovers. Once they’ve cooled completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. To enjoy, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven.