Meghan was the Food Editor for Kitchn's Skills content. She's a master of everyday baking, family cooking, and harnessing good light. Meghan approaches food with an eye towards budgeting — both time and money — and having fun. Meghan has a baking and pastry degree, and spent the first 10 years of her career as part of Alton Brown's culinary team. She co-hosts a weekly podcast about food and family called Didn't I Just Feed You.
updated Apr 30, 2019
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It is hard to imagine there is anythingbetter than a tender, softly sweet cinnamon roll — especially when it’s slightly warmed and covered with decadent frosting. Still, I recently discovered the tiniest technique that makes cinnamon rolls better, whether you bake them from scratch or make them from a store-bought shortcut. This tip doesn’t involve any extra special ingredients — but it will make even your make-ahead cinnamon rolls better.
Frost Your Cinnamon Rolls Twice
The only thing you need to do for better cinnamon rolls at home is to frost the rolls twice. I originally stumbled onto this tip in Sarah Kieffer’s Vanilla Bean Baking Book (you may know Sarah for her viral pan-banging chocolate chip cookie recipe), but I’ve been putting this tip to the test on every batch of cinnamon rolls I’ve baked in the last six months.
Here’s what you do: Using whatever frosting or icing your rolls call for (cream cheese, all butter, even the sleeve of icing from the canned variety), coat the rolls once when they are hot from the oven. The icing will melt into all the nooks and crannies. softening hard edges and moistening the enriched dough even more. About a quarter of your frosting should go on while hot, then cool the cinnamon rolls and ice them again with the remaining topping once cooled.
This tip is especially helpful for cinnamon rolls you bake ahead of time and reheat or frost later, because the first layer of icing creates a protective layer that prevents drying and staling of the cinnamon rolls before serving.
Our Favorite Ways to Make Cinnamon Rolls
As a seasoned culinary expert with a strong background in baking and pastry, including a formal education in the field and a decade-long tenure as part of Alton Brown's culinary team, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to the table. My commitment to everyday baking, family cooking, and the judicious use of time and budget in the kitchen reflects not only a mastery of skills but also a passion for making the culinary experience enjoyable.
Now, let's delve into the insightful article penned by Meghan Splawn, the Food Editor for Kitchn's Skills content. In her piece, Meghan unveils a seemingly small yet transformative technique to elevate the humble cinnamon roll. The revelation comes from her exploration of Sarah Kieffer's Vanilla Bean Baking Book, a reputable source in the culinary world.
The key tip Meghan shares is to frost cinnamon rolls twice for an enhanced flavor and texture. This technique, though simple, has the potential to significantly improve both homemade and store-bought cinnamon rolls. The process involves applying the frosting or icing of your choice while the rolls are still hot from the oven. Approximately a quarter of the frosting should be applied at this stage, allowing it to melt into the rolls, softening edges and enhancing the moistness of the enriched dough.
The second phase of frosting occurs after the cinnamon rolls have cooled. At this point, the remaining three-quarters of the frosting are applied, creating a dual-layered coating that not only adds to the visual appeal but also serves a practical purpose. This double frosting technique is particularly beneficial for make-ahead cinnamon rolls that are reheated or frosted later. The initial layer acts as a protective barrier, preventing the rolls from drying out and becoming stale before they are served.
Meghan Splawn's advice goes beyond the realm of traditional recipes, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of baking science and the importance of small yet impactful details in achieving culinary perfection. For those seeking to enhance their cinnamon roll game, this two-step frosting method is a game-changer, ensuring a delightful treat that transcends the ordinary.
