Thank You, Pioneer Woman

I love Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman. But, today, I really love Ree Drummond! I watched her Christmas special on the Food Network last weekend and was immediately inspired to make her cinnamon rolls. I had read about them on her blog and read the recipe in her cookbook numerous times but never could commit to actually making them. Until yesterday and today.

Yesterday I made the dough and refrigerated it overnight (not necessary but it fit my schedule). Today I rolled out the dough, slathered melted butter on top, and sprinkled lots of sugar and cinnamon all over it. I only made a half recipe and, when all was said and done, I had enough for four pans of rolls.

I quickly learned that I had not rolled the dough tightly enough, but when they cooked you would never have known that I had not mastered the "roll". I wish I could describe how my house smelled during the 15 minutes or so it took them to cook. Heaven should smell so good!  While the rolls cooked, I made the icing.

I didn't follow PW's recipe for the icing mainly because I couldn't find the maple extract that she called for. I looked at two grocery stores and neither one had it. I added vanilla extract instead and eliminated the little bit of coffee that she also called for. I wasn't convinced I would like the icing with coffee and maple extract anyway.

In no time, the rolls and the icing were ready. The icing is poured over the warm cinnamon rolls and it just oozes into every little spot it can get to in the rolls.

This recipe is so unbelievably delicious and fairly easy to make. I can't recommend it highly enough! In case you think you might like to make these delicious rolls for Christmas morning, here's the link to the recipe: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/cinammon_rolls_/. (Not my spelling of cinnamon)

As I said, I only made half of the recipe. I don't know what I would do with eight pans of cinnamon rolls (well, I do, but I would never fit in any of my clothes again) unless you are giving them away to family and friends. It would make a very welcome gift!

How tortuous will it be to smell these tomorrow for four hours in the car as I drive to Jacksonville? I'll be sure to put them out of reach on the back seat where I can't get to them!

I hope your holiday baking is all finished, the gifts are wrapped, and that your holiday travels are safe ones!