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#### **For the Dough:**
1. **Activate the Yeast**: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of warm milk (around 110°F or 43°C) with 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. If it doesn’t bubble, your yeast may be inactive, and you’ll need to start with fresh yeast.
2. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This will form the dry base for your dough.
3. **Mix the Wet Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, mash 2 ripe bananas until smooth. Add 2 eggs, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and the yeast mixture to the mashed bananas. Stir to combine.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, but be careful not to add too much, as this can result in dense rolls.
5. **Knead the Dough**: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can use it to knead the dough on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
6. **Let the Dough Rise**: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
#### **For the Filling:**
1. **Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling**: While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon-sugar filling. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Stir until smooth and well combined.
#### **Assembling the Rolls:**
1. **Roll Out the Dough**: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12 inches by 18 inches.
2. **Spread the Filling**: Using a spatula, spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving about a 1-inch border on all sides.
3. **Roll the Dough**: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log. Be sure to roll it evenly to create uniform rolls.
4. **Cut the Rolls**: Slice the dough into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss. Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
5. **Second Rise**: Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up.
#### **Baking the Rolls:**
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Bake the Rolls**: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The edges should be slightly crisp, while the center remains soft and gooey.
3. **Prepare the Glaze**: While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. For a creamier glaze, you can add 2 ounces of softened cream cheese.
4. **Glaze the Rolls**: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze melt into the warm rolls, and serve immediately.
### **Variations and Tips**
While the classic banana bread cinnamon roll recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to personalize it and make it your own. Here are some variations and tips:
– **Nutty Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls**: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts to the filling for a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the dough.
– **Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls**: For a sweeter twist, sprinkle chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar filling. The chocolate will melt into the rolls, creating gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite.
– **Caramelized Banana Filling**: Instead of using a traditional cinnamon-sugar
filling, try caramelizing sliced bananas in butter and brown sugar, then spread them over the dough. This creates a rich, caramelized flavor that enhances the banana flavor.
– **Make-Ahead Option**: If you want to prepare the rolls in advance, you can assemble the rolls and place them in the refrigerator overnight. The dough will rise slowly in the fridge, and you can bake them the next morning.
– **Vegan Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls**: For a vegan version, substitute non-dairy butter and milk, and use a flaxseed or chia seed egg replacement in place of the eggs.
### **Conclusion**
Banana bread cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort food—a perfect blend of moist, banana-flavored dough with the warm, spiced cinnamon filling we all love. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a decadent dessert, these rolls are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone coming back for more. With easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of room for customization, this recipe is one that will become a staple in your baking repertoire for years to come. Enjoy!
