Description
These Cinnamon Date Rolls are a delightful and wholesome treat that combines the natural sweetness of dates with warm cinnamon spice, rolled into soft, bite-sized snacks. Perfect for a healthy dessert or an energizing snack, these rolls offer a comforting blend of flavors and textures without any refined sugars.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups pitted dates, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg, then mix thoroughly until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Make the filling: While the dough is rising, mix the finely chopped dates, softened butter, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar (if using) in a bowl until well combined, creating a sticky filling.
- Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a rectangle approximately 12 x 15 inches on a floured surface.
- Spread the filling: Evenly spread the date and cinnamon mixture over the dough rectangle, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
- Form the rolls: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Cut this log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife.
- Second rise: Place the rolls cut side up into a greased baking pan, leaving a bit of space between each. Cover the pan with a clean cloth and let the rolls rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffed.
- Bake the rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Prepare the glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust milk quantity for preferred glaze consistency.
- Glaze and serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature for a comforting snack or dessert.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Dates can be substituted with figs or raisins for a different flavor.
- Ensure the milk is warm (not hot) to effectively activate the yeast.
- These rolls can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
