There are some times that I am a little embarrassed to admit that one of my hobbies is food photography. I am not as in to the hobby as some people. I only take a small handful of photos of each of the things that I make and I have yet to really get into props all that much. I do find myself, with each passing meal, visualizing what I would do with certain meals if I had the props. I pour over food magazines and blogs admiring the talent of all of the photographers out there. So, why don’t I spend more time shooting my photos? Because I like to eat hot food even more!
These cinnamon rolls are our traditional treat for Santa as well as our breakfast every Christmas morning. The thing about these cinnamon rolls is that they can’t be beat fresh out of the oven, ooeey and gooey with the filling and frosting. Taking the time to stylize the photo and continuing to take pictures would mean I would miss out on the best part of these cinnamon rolls…the hot, fresh, yumminess.
I hope each and every one of you had a very Merry Christmas! This was a fun year for us…our kids are at a very fun age!
May you and yours enjoy the blessings of the holiday season!
Copycat Cinnamon Rolls for the ABM (from Recipezaar)
Ingredients
Rolls
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 1/2 tablespoons vanilla instant pudding mix about 1/2 package of pudding
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
Filling
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Roll: Place ingredients in the machine following manufacturer's instructions and set for dough cycle.
- After completion of cycle, remove from machine and roll out to 17x10-inch rectangle.
- Filling: Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Spread softened butter over dough and sprinkle brown sugar/cinnnamon mixture over the top.
- Roll tightly from long end, pinching edges closed when finished.
- Slice into sizes of your choice (I usually get 12 rolls from this).
- Place on greased cookie sheet and let rise until doubled.
- Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes, until golden-DO NOT OVERBAKE!
- Frosting: Mix together and spread over hot rolls.
- Enjoy!
I’ve had this recipe bookmarked for ages… seeing your picture of them makes me realize that I really need to give them a try… and soon!
Delicious!!!
And food photography is nothing to be embarrassed about – it’s actually a quite challenging skill. And your photos continue to become more and more beautiful.
Merry Christmas!
Ah yes, hot food, it does taste better. You can’t miss with hot cinnamon rolls.
Merry Christmas!
Gorgeous photo, and I’m with you on the hot food thing! My mark to stop shooting is usually when my OH sighs pretty loudly, worried that I’ll be eating my food cold 😉
And, lucky for me, my mom had sent me a box of instant vanilla pudding a little while ago that I haven’t used yet. I’ll save this recipe for when the sweets around here start running low (should be a while yet if I behave myself though) 😉
I love a deliciously gooey cream cheese frosting on my rolls. It has been years since I made them. Perhaps I am inspired!!! I’m glad your had a wonderful holidays with your family and friends. 2008 will be even better!!!!
Lovely picture! I often wish I would capture my dishes like some are able to do.
Cinnamon Buns are truly delicious! Santa is a lucky guy!
A beautiful photo of what looks like an awesomely delicious cinnamon bun!! I’m drooling…
I’m pleased you have posted yet another one for the bread machine!
I know what you mean about props! for the photography.
Lukewarm/cold food gets beyond a joke sometimes and its always me who ends up with it.
Happy New Year to you and your family. Mx
What a fun tradition! I think that I’m going to make cinnamon rolls for my family before I leave. I’m sure Santa appreciates the change from cookies! 🙂 I’m with you on always taking pictures…sometimes it just gets a little old. You do a good job!
I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas!! I actually know how you feel – but I’m sometimes embarrassed to say that food photography is a hobby, because more often than not, I’m not very happy with my photos. I guess that’s the perfectionist in me!!
Absolutely one of my favorite treats… once I asked my husband to bring me one from the US, from the airport… you know those famous ones they have stores everywhere. Wishing you and your family a blessed season. And I was reading your article on Her life magazine, keep up the good work in 2008, even though I do not comment often, I truly appreciate your writing and recipes here.
That is a great photo! And they do look yummy!
I’m with you, though, about 20 seconds of clicking and I’m ready for the eating. It’s better in summer with salads 😉
Hope you had a merry and wonderful Christmas…and Christmoose.
Forget Santa…I want those CinnyBuns! 😉
Oh my – how good that looks! Its been ages since I’ve had a cinnamon roll…it looks like I might have to do something about that with this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
I know what you mean with the pictures. My family knows to wait before they tear into anything. I’ll hear a voice from the kitchen…’mom, did you already get a picture of this?’ At least they ask!
I have such a weakness for Cinnabon. I need to try these!
We have Cinnamon Rolls for Chirstmas too… and bacon. Yours looks mighty tasty.
Your photography is gorgeous Kristen so keep it up!
Hey kristen, your pic is as lovely as the recipe, though I’ve never tried a hand at buns or rolls at home…maybe you’ve inspired me enough:D
Hope you had a great christmas!!
I know what you mean about just needing to eat your hot food! I was trying to photograph pancakes a couple days ago, and that lasted about 30 seconds. You still got a pretty good shot though!
Julie
Wow, Kristen, look at you. 20 comments. That is so awesome. You are so talented Kristen. I just know something really big in the food world is going to be in your near future. These cinnamon rolls just look so delicious. I can’t wait to get up the nerve to try them. Great job!
It’s a beautiful photo! Merry Christmas to you too… I know it’s a bit late… Have a GREAT new Year 2008! (not too late for that yet!)
I’m having Christmas breakfast at your house next year.
And you do a beautiful job of photographing your masterpieces, might I add? I do enjoy photography. Someday maybe I’ll pick it up as a hobby, as soon as I can get a better camera! 😉
ooooh mee to don’t be embarrassed its addictive i know. this is a beautifully photographed bun. that’s a fine thing in life 🙂
Wait a minute, wait A MINUTE. Are you telling me that this is THE cinnamon bun recipe from THE Cinnabon chain? The most sickeningly awesome cinnamon buns ever to grace a shopping mall, or anywhere else for that matter. Please tell me it’s true.
(Actually, I can’t decide which is worse: to have the recipe or not have the recipe.)
I have such difficulty taking good food pictures too! Whatever I make just seems to enter my mouth unknowingly and there is nothing left to photograph by the time I think of it!
Funny you should say that about your photography – I love your pictures. And I’m loving your blog. It gives me insight into what you are into and who you are. I especially love your Adopt your blogger event (I just realized that it may be closed, but the idea is brilliant) – very thoughtful…