By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on August 5, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll has become a beloved classic at the Ann Sather restaurant in Chicago, IL. For decades, people have been lining up for a taste of these warm, sweet, and deliciously spiced rolls.
Even though they look like your average cinnamon roll, one bite is all it takes to experience the unique blend of flavors that make this dish so special.
This is a classic and authentic version of Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll, made with all the same ingredients that are used in the original.
Whether you’re looking to make something simple and comforting for breakfast or dessert, this recipe will satisfy your craving for a delicious pastry!
In this article, we’ll cover what Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll is, what it tastes like, how to make them at home, and more. So let’s get started on our journey to making the perfect cinnamon roll!
What is Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll ?
Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll originated from the famous restaurant of the same name. The restaurant opened in 1945, and since then it has served up some of the most iconic cinnamon rolls in Chicago.
These sweet treats are made with a light, fluffy dough filled with brown sugar, butter, and plenty of cinnamon spice. After they’re baked, they are topped with a creamy vanilla icing – making them an irresistible treat.
Not only is it delicious, but Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll is also easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can have these tasty rolls in no time.
What does it taste like?
Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll is a classic American pastry, made with an enriched dough filled with butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
This combination of flavors creates a deliciously warm and comforting treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert. The dough is moist and fluffy, with a hint of sweetness from the sugar.
The cinnamon filling adds depth of flavor, making this a truly unique and indulgent pastry. And finally, the sweet vanilla glaze takes it to the next level – adding just enough sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
How did I first get introduced to the Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll ?
It all started with a trip to Chicago. I had the opportunity to visit the iconic Ann Sather’s restaurant, and I was immediately captivated by the cozy atmosphere and inviting decoration.
I had heard about the restaurant from friends and family, but nothing could prepare me for the delightful smell of the cinnamon rolls that filled the air.
I was so hungry after my long journey that I decided to order Ann Sather’s popular cinnamon rolls. After taking my first bite, I knew I had to find out how they made this delectable treat. Luckily, one of the staff was happy to help me out and gave me the recipe for their famous cinnamon rolls.
The secret is they use a combination of butter and cream cheese in the dough to give it an unique flavor. From there, it was easy enough to follow and soon enough I had a batch of freshly-baked cinnamon rolls!
To this day, my family still enjoys Ann Sather’s cinnamon rolls whenever they come over – I think that speaks volumes about how great these treats are!
How to make Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll ?
Making Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll at home is simpler than it looks! All you need is the right ingredients, a bit of patience and follow the instructions:
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Ingredients
- Dry yeast: This is necessary to help the dough rise.
- Sugar: This will sweeten the rolls and also helps in activating the yeast.
- Warm water: This is necessary for activating the yeast.
- Milk: You can use any type of milk, including almond or oat milk.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is best for flavoring and adding moisture to the dough.
- Salt: Salt helps bring out flavors in your pastries, so don’t forget it!
- Flour: All-purpose flour is best for this recipe. Whole wheat or other types of flour might work as well.
- Ground Cinnamon: This is the key ingredient in this recipe, and will give your rolls that sweet cinnamon taste you know and love!
- Powdered sugar: Used to make the frosting for the rolls, powdered sugar gives a smooth texture and sweet flavor.
- Vanilla extract: To enhance flavor in the frosting.
- Milk: To thin out the frosting, if necessary.
Step by step instructions
step 1
Activate the yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- Stir in the active dry yeast until it is dissolved. Let sit for 10 minutes, or until it is foamy on top.
Step 2
Make the dough
- In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and the activated yeast mixture.
- Slowly add in the flour a cup at a time until it is all combined and the dough is no longer sticky.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour.
Step 3
Make the filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until it is smooth.
Step 4
Roll out the dough
- Take the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll into an 18×12 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Roll up into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
Step 5
Bake the rolls
- Place the rolls onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown. Let cool before frosting.
Step 6
Make the Frosting
- In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cinnamon rolls.
Tips
- If your dough is too sticky, add more flour a cup at time until it is no longer sticky.
- Make sure you let your rolls cool completely before adding the frosting; otherwise the frosting will melt into the rolls.
- Make sure you don’t over bake your rolls or they will be dry.
- If you want a more decadent roll, add some chopped nuts to the cinnamon filling before rolling it up.
- For an extra sweet treat drizzle some melted chocolate over your cinnamon rolls before serving!
Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Equipment
- bowl
- baking sheet
- spoon
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 envelopes of active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup butter room temperature
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
Activate the yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- Stir in the active dry yeast until it is dissolved. Let sit for 10 minutes, or until it is foamy on top.
Make the dough
- In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and the activated yeast mixture.
- Slowly add in the flour a cup at a time until it is all combined and the dough is no longer sticky.
- Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 1 hour.
Make the filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until it is smooth.
Roll out the dough
- Take the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll into an 18×12-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Roll up into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
Bake the rolls
- Place the rolls onto a lightly greased baking sheet. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown. Let cool before frosting.
Make the Frosting
- In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cinnamon rolls.
Notes
- If your dough is too sticky, add more flour a cup at time until it is no longer sticky.
- Make sure you let your rolls cool completely before adding the frosting; otherwise the frosting will melt into the rolls.
- Make sure you don’t over bake your rolls or they will be dry.
- If you want a more decadent roll, add some chopped nuts to the cinnamon filling before rolling it up.
- For an extra sweet treat drizzle some melted chocolate over your cinnamon rolls before serving!
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll ?
Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll can be enjoyed as a breakfast or dessert. For breakfast, serve with fresh fruits and yogurt on the side for a light but satisfying meal.
Or if you’re looking for something more indulgent, try pairing the roll with some ice cream! For a special treat, top the ice cream off with some melted chocolate sauce.
For dessert, try serving the cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warmth from the beverage will bring out all of the flavors in this delicious treat! And if you’re looking for something more refreshing, add a dollop of whipped cream to the top of your roll.
How to store leftover Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll ?
If you can’t finish eating all the delicious Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll in one sitting, don’t worry! This is designed to be stored for a few days. To store them properly, place your rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate.
Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving. Make sure to cover them with a damp cloth when reheating in the microwave to prevent them from drying out.
You can also make a few extra batches of these delicious rolls and freeze them for up to two months! To do this, wrap each roll securely in plastic wrap or freezer paper.
Let the rolls thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Enjoy your delicious Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll anytime you’re craving something sweet and comforting.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can have Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll! It contains only authentic ingredients. Baking with cinnamon has been known to improve digestion and reduce nausea associated with pregnancy. It also contains healthy fats for energy and protein to keep you feeling full.
However, it is important to note that Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll does contain some dairy, which can be a potential allergen for pregnant women. If you are allergic to milk or other dairy products, it is best to consult your doctor before consuming this roll. Our Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll also contains wheat flour and eggs.
So if you have allergies to either of these ingredients, make sure to double-check the process before consuming. Pregnant women should also be mindful of their daily sugar intake when it comes to such treats as these cinnamon rolls. But don’t worry, this recipe is designed to be low in sugar and still taste delicious!
FAQs
How can I make this vegan friendly?
To make Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll vegan friendly, you’ll want to use dairy-free margarine instead of butter for the filling. For the dough, replace the milk with plant-based milk and use vegan egg replacer instead of eggs. Lastly, opt for a plant-based sweetener such as maple syrup or agave syrup.
Is this gluten-free?
Unfortunately, no. This recipe does contain wheat flour as one of its main ingredients. However, you can recreate this recipe using a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix if desired. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the cinnamon rolls may be slightly different.
Can I substitute the brown sugar for something else?
Yes, you can use coconut sugar or unrefined cane sugar as a substitute for the regular light brown sugar. Both of these sweeteners will give your Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll a delicious and unique flavor. Of course, if you don’t have either of these sweeteners on hand, you can just use light brown sugar instead.
Can I add more spices to this?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves. These will all give your Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll a unique and delicious flavor. Just make sure not to overdo it, as too much spice can overpower the flavor of the cinnamon and other ingredients.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for trying out this delicious and authentic Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll! Whether you are a beginner or an experienced baker, we hope you have found this guide helpful.
If you enjoyed learning this and would like to explore other baking procedures ,you can follow our articles. We are sure you will love these just as much as I do.
If you have any questions about it or would like to share your experience with us, please feel free to leave a comment below. We always love hearing from our readers.
Please share this article with your friends and family. Let’s spread the love for Ann Sather’s Cinnamon Roll! Enjoy your delicious treat.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
