Linda CainGather ‘round, sweet tooth fans! Grab a comfy chair, and let’s embark on a delicious journey. Picture this: you’re in a cozy, warm bakery, and the sweet scent of cinnamon rolls wafts through the air, drawing you closer. The cinnamon roll from Neiman Marcus isn’t just any roll; it’s practically legendary.
Having tasted many cinnamon rolls in my travels, I can confidently say that this one stands out. But, what truly makes this cinnamon roll special? Let’s dive deep into its story, ingredients, and the joy of making it yourself.
What is a Neiman Marcus Cinnamon Roll?
The Neiman Marcus cinnamon roll isn’t just a pastry; it’s a celebrated treasure among dessert enthusiasts. Originating from Neiman Marcus—a high-end department store known for its luxury goods—this roll is a testament to indulgence. What makes it stand out?
Imagine fluffy dough generously swirled with a mix of spices and sweetened fillings, all crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s no surprise that people are infatuated with this treat. The combination of flavors, textures, and that sweet aroma is enough to make anyone’s heart skip a beat.
Why You’ll Love This Neiman Marcus Cinnamon Roll
Let’s cut to the chase. You’re going to love this cinnamon roll for a handful of reasons. First, it’s absurdly delicious. I mean, who could resist the blend of buttery dough and cinnamon? Second, it’s perfect for sharing.
Trust me, once you make it, your friends and family will be begging for more. Plus, the joy of baking—there’s something magical about transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Now, imagine pulling apart that roll, the warm filling ooey-gooey and the frosting just melting into it. You’re not just eating; you’re experiencing bliss! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and discover how to make this delightful treat.
The Ingredients
To make this cinnamon roll come to life, you’ll need some basic yet essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather for the dough, filling, and frosting.
Dough
- 1 cup whole milk: This provides richness.
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon active dry yeast: Yeast is the magic that makes the dough rise.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the flavors.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and flavor.
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted: The backbone of the dough.
For the Sweet Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: A base for that gooey filling.
- 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar: For that deep, caramel note.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sorry, not sorry, more sweetness!
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star of our show.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): A little warmth never hurts.
For the Frosting
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened: The creamy component.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For sweetness and smooth texture.
- 2 tablespoons milk: To adjust the consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): A dash for added flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break it down into manageable steps. Baking doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here’s how you can create this masterpiece.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Warm the Milk: Start by gently warming the whole milk until it’s lukewarm. Don’t let it boil; you just want it cozy and inviting.
- Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk. Add a teaspoon of sugar to feed the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If it fluffs up nicely, you’re in the safe zone.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, remaining sugar, and sea salt. This combo is essential to balance the flavors.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the melted butter into the yeast mixture. Then, add this into your flour mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form. It’s okay if the dough looks a bit shaggy.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Knead: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. You want a smooth, elastic texture. Think of it like a mini workout—you’ll feel accomplished!
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm area for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- Blend the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until it turns into a thick paste.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. The thinner you spread it, the more rolls you’ll get!
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the sweet filling over the dough. Make sure every corner gets some love!
- Roll It Up: Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal it.
Step 5: Slice and Second Rise
- Slice: Cut the roll into 1.5 to 2-inch sections. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover and allow to rise again for about 30 minutes. They’ll puff up nicely!
Step 6: Bake
- Preheat the Oven: While you wait, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Once risen, place the rolls in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Your kitchen will start smelling dreamy!
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
- Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and optional vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
Step 8: Frost and Enjoy
- Cool and Frost: Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before slathering them generously with frosting.
And voilà! You’ve just created a stunning Neiman Marcus cinnamon roll at home.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some golden nuggets of wisdom to ensure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfect:
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Time Your Rises: Patience is key. Letting the dough rise adequately yields fluffiness.
- Avoid Over-Kneading: Your dough should be smooth but not overly worked.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the spice blend—cardamom can elevate the flavor!
- Frosting While Warm: Frosting the rolls while they’re still warm allows for a delightful melting effect.
Nutrition Information
Now, let’s chat about the stats. While I’m not saying these are health food, knowing the nutritional information can help you embrace the joy albeit in moderation:
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 65g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 5g
Can I Store Neiman Marcus Cinnamon Roll?
Absolutely! If by chance you have leftovers (which is rare), here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking.
What Can I Serve with Neiman Marcus Cinnamon Roll?
These rolls can stand alone, but they play nicely with others. Here are some ideas:
- Coffee: A classic pairing. The bitter notes of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweetness.
- Tea: A warming chai can also compliment the cinnamon flavors.
- Fresh Fruit: Sliced strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing touch.
- Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt can balance the sweetness and add a tangy twist.
- Ice Cream: Why not? A scoop of vanilla ice cream takes this treat to the next level!
Variations
If you want to give your cinnamon rolls a unique twist, try these variations:
- Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Roll: Simply fold in some mini chocolate chips into the filling for a decadent surprise.
- Maple Pecan Roll: Swap out some ground cinnamon for maple extract in the filling and throw in chopped pecans for crunch.
- Pumpkin Spice Roll: Replace half the dough with pumpkin puree and a mix of pumpkin pie spices for a fall-inspired treat.
- Apple Cinnamon Roll: Add shredded apples into the filling for added moisture and fruity goodness.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top instead of frosting for a chewy, sweet finish.
Neiman Marcus Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon active dry yeast 1 ½ packets
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional, for added warmth
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, for extra flavor
Instructions
- Warm the Milk: Start by gently warming the whole milk until it’s lukewarm. Don’t let it boil; you just want it cozy and inviting.
- Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk. Add a teaspoon of sugar to feed the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If it fluffs up nicely, you’re in the safe zone.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, remaining sugar, and sea salt. This combo is essential to balance the flavors.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the melted butter into the yeast mixture. Then, add this into your flour mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form. It’s okay if the dough looks a bit shaggy.
- Knead: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. You want a smooth, elastic texture. Think of it like a mini workout—you’ll feel accomplished!
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm area for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
- Blend the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until it turns into a thick paste.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. The thinner you spread it, the more rolls you’ll get!
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the sweet filling over the dough. Make sure every corner gets some love!
- Roll It Up: Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal it.
- Slice: Cut the roll into 1.5 to 2-inch sections. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish.
- Second Rise: Cover and allow to rise again for about 30 minutes. They’ll puff up nicely!
- Preheat the Oven: While you wait, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Once risen, place the rolls in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Your kitchen will start smelling dreamy!
- Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and optional vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
- Cool and Frost: Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before slathering them generously with frosting.
Notes
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Time Your Rises: Patience is key. Letting the dough rise adequately yields fluffiness.
- Avoid Over-Kneading: Your dough should be smooth but not overly worked.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the spice blend—cardamom can elevate the flavor!
- Frosting While Warm: Frosting the rolls while they’re still warm allows for a delightful melting effect.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Making the Neiman Marcus cinnamon roll is more than just about satisfying cravings. It’s about the warmth that fills your kitchen and the smiles that will greet you around the table. Not to mention, mastering this recipe adds a delightful skill to your repertoire.
So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and enjoy this sweet experience. You won’t just be baking, you’ll be creating memories that will linger long after the last crumb has vanished. Happy baking!
