Cinnamon Roll Muffins

I love going to the dentist.

For serious.

No, not because of the drugs (I swear).
No, not because my doctor looks like one of those dorky guys in medical school with their smartypants black-rim glasses and "I know i'm totally awesome/smart but I'm all laid back about it" demeanor.
Not even because of the lollipop you get afterwards. Although that's always a welcomed bonus...

None of those things are reasons why I love the dentist.

I love the dentist... 'cause I love getting my teeth drilled.

There is something oddly comforting about someone working on my teeth. Whether it be extracting a tooth or somethin' else... It feels like a nice mouth massage. I know, I am so totally weird. And I mean, the headache afterwards really sucks, but man... The whole vibration in the mouth, against my tooth? So calming! Don't ask me why. I don't know. All I know is that it almost, ALMOST makes up for the fact that they stuck a needle in my mouth. Almost.

Now if they can only switch the lollipops for chocolate, we'll be in business.

I bring this up because I got one my lovely teeth taken out today. Thank God. There is nothing worse than a toothache... for real. I can take burning my hands on a hot pan. Heck, I can even take stepping on a piece of glass every now and then! And migraines. Pfft. One aleve and a nice nap and I'll be better in no time...

But toothaches? Nuh uh. No way. Toothaches = me curled up in bed for five hours crying. No fun. No fun at all.

So even though I'm sitting here, biting down on some gauze and still getting over the fact that ohmygodtheyputafreakingneedleinmymouth, I feel pretty relaxed. And very, very happy. No more toothaches for me. No sir.

Thankfully, I made these wonderful cinnamon roll buns before I went to the dentist. And he didn't even notice. Pffttt.



I know, I know. A blog post about cinnamon roll muffins and dentists...Something isn't right here. But that's okay. Because cinnamon roll muffins are involved.

I've been wanting to make a REAL batch of cinnamon rolls for quite some time now... but to be honest, I fear yeast. Using it scares me. And the whole wait-for-an-hour-thing? Yeah. No thanks. When it comes to my cinnamon rolls, I am a woman of conveniance. Sure, maybe one day I'll make 'em from scratch. But till then, I think I'll just fall back on these cinnamon roll muffins. Not only are they dasterdly cute, but they are a quick breakfast/brunch delight and totally warming from the inside out on a very rainy, yucky day. And although they do use yeast, they came out great and I really didn't have any troubles at all.




Make 'em! Surprise your family. They make your house smell heavenly. And they will kick any craving you may have to go down to your nearest cinnabun. Promise.

Just remember to brush your teeth after you eat one. ;)

Cinnamon Roll Muffins
(Adapted from Joy the Baker)

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
4 tsp active dry or rapid rise yeast
2/3 cup warm milk (100-110F; low fat is fine)
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg

Filling/Topping

2 tbsp butter, room temperature
2/3 cup brown sugar
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch ground cardamom

Icing
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tbsp milk or cream

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt. Dissolve the yeast in a measuring cup filled with the warmed milk, then stir milk mixture, vegetable oil, vanilla extract and egg into the flour mixture. Mix well, until very smooth. Pour into prepared pan and let rest for 15 minutes.

2. While the dough rests, mix together butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and cardamom in a small bowl using a fork until all the butter has been incorporated into the sugar and mixture is crumbly. Divide the batter between 12 greased muffin cups. Sprinkle evenly on top of rested dough and press the mixture down into the dough with your fingertips (or swirl in with a spatula.)

3. Place pan into a cold oven, then set the oven temperature to 350F.

4. Bake for about 20 minutes, until bread is lightly browned at the edges and the center of the bread springs back when lightly pressed. Some of the sugar mixture on top may still be bubbling.

5. Cool for at least 30 minutes before whisking the powdered sugar and milk together to form an icing and drizzling it onto the bread. Serve warm. Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave.