Sometimes you may wonder, as do I, what the epitome of comfort tastes like. A strange question, sure, but one we’d love to know as we approach the cooler, cozier seasons.

Cinnamon rolls are a thick, fluffy bread with a sweet cinnamon filling, then drenched in a light cream cheese icing. They are often sold in bakeries, grocery stores, cafes, and sometimes by vendors at local events, if you’re lucky. One of my absolute favorite and most comforting places to get a cinnamon roll is Old West Cinnamon Rolls in Pismo. Every time I’ve had one since my visit, I’ve been enveloped in the comforting feeling of the coastal wind hitting my face. They’re warm, they’re sweet, and they remind you of home.

Ingredients to make: whole milk (¾ cup), instant yeast (1 packet), flour (2 & ¾ cup), butter (3 tbsp), salt (½ tsp), egg (1 large), granulated sugar (¼ cup), brown sugar (⅓ cup), cinnamon (1 tbsp), cream cheese (4 oz), confectioners’ sugar (⅔ cup), vanilla extract (1 tsp)

Steps to make - 

1. Whisk your flour, granulated sugar, and salt together in a large bowl, then set aside.

2. Combine butter and milk in a heat-safe bowl, either in the microwave or on the stove. Whisk in your yeast until dissolved.

3. Pour your yeast mixture into your dry ingredients.

4. Add your egg and stir carefully until a dough forms. Do not use a whisk—a rubber/wooden spatula or a hand mixer/stand mixer is preferred.

5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and flour your hands. Knead into a ball (about 3-5 minutes). Then place the dough ball into a lightly greased bowl and cover loosely (such as with a towel), leaving it to rest for about ten minutes.

6. While your dough rests, prep your filling ingredients (brown sugar, butter & cinnamon).

7. After ten minutes, roll your dough into a 14x8-inch rectangle.

8. Spread softened butter over your rectangle. Mix together your brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle entirely over the dough. Try to fill as much space as possible.

9. Roll your dough into a log before cutting it into 10-12 even rolls. Arrange rolls onto a greased pan.

10. Cover your pan with foil, cling wrap, or a kitchen towel for 60-90 minutes, or until they double in size.

11. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 24-27 minutes, or until lightly browned.

12. While rolls cook, use a hand-mixer, stand-mixer, or whisk to beat cream cheese until smooth. Add butter and mix until well combined. Mix in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth and creamy. Use a spatula to spread across rolls.

13. Serve and enjoy. :) 

But wait! That is a lot of time and effort for a sweet treat. Many won’t have the time, energy, or materials for it. How can I make cinnamon rolls with fewer steps and ingredients?

Cinnamon rolls: revised!

Ingredients—Pillsbury cinnamon rolls (one can, any type works, though I typically use original or cream cheese), heavy cream (about ¼ of a cup), butter (2-3 tbsp), brown sugar (2 tbsp), cinnamon (¼ tsp)

1. Following the directions of the cinnamon rolls, preheat your oven and spray a deep dish. It may be round, square, regular, etc., as long as it’s deeper than a typical sheet pan.

2. Distribute cinnamon rolls with some space between them in the pan.

3. Gently cover cinnamon rolls with heavy cream, just enough to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. They should not be swimming in heavy cream.

4. Mix softened (but not melted!) butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Mix thoroughly and distribute evenly on top of the cinnamon rolls.

5. Bake about 3-5 minutes longer than the instructions state, or until most of the heavy cream is soaked into the cinnamon rolls. They should be soft but never underbaked.

6. Remove the metal lid of the icing and place it in the microwave for roughly 10 seconds, no longer. It should be ever so slightly runny, but not water consistency.

7. Drizzle icing over cinnamon rolls while they’re still warm, and enjoy! :)

Regardless of which recipe you choose, they should both bring warmth, comfort, and a little joy to your chilly autumn day.