Sweet & Sticky Cinnabon Copycat Cinnamon Rolls

I have been meaning to make cinnamon rolls from scratch for some time now and I finally got around to doing it. They may take ALL DAY LONG, and you may get a little dirty, but the outcome is SO worth it. Taking your first bite of that warm and gooey cinnamon roll that you just spent hours creating, is probably the best taste ever, no really. Give it a go yourself and see what I'm talking about! 

*Makes: 9-12 cinnamon rolls

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast 
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup (60g) buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup (80g) canola or vegetable oil
• 4 1/2-5 cups (580-650g) all purpose flour

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup (120g) butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups (280g) packed dark brown sugar
• 2 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp cornflour (or cornstarch)

For the frosting:

• 3 oz. (90g) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup (60g) butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 
• 1/2 tbsp golden syrup (or corn syrup)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 1/4 cups (160g) powdered sugar

Krispy Kreme Copycat Donuts (Made From Scratch)

Who doesn't love Krispy Kreme Donuts? I remember when they had just opened one in San Antonio, Texas. We lived out in Spring Branch, but my mom would sometimes drive there to order a few dozen so I could be that "cool" girl that brought Krispy Kreme donuts to class. Oh man, those were the days. To think you can just make them in your own kitchen! These are so amazing fresh, so try and eat them the day you make them. Check out the recipe below! 

*Makes: 60+ donuts

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 cups (480ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120g) butter
• 2/3 cup (140g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp yeast
• 4 eggs (beaten)
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 5 cups (650g) self raising flour

For the glaze:

• 3 cups (400g) icing sugar, sifted
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water

Cinnamon Sugar Maple Bacon Donuts (Gourdough's Copycat)

Ever since Gourdough's opened in Austin, Texas, I fell in love with their crazy delicious donuts. They had one that my fiance always got called the "Flying Pig" which consisted of a donut with maple icing and bacon on top (topped with even more maple icing). This is what I decided to attempt to make at home yesterday and they turned out amazing. If I can do it out of my own home, anyone can. Raise your hand if you love donuts like me! If so, give these a try, and make your way to Gourdough's if you are ever in Austin.

*Makes: 7 donuts

Donuts:

• 2 tablespoons water, warmed
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 3/4 cup (180ml) milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 3/4 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• vegetable oil, for frying

Maple glaze:

• 2 tablespoons milk (give or take)
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup 
• 2 cups (260g) powdered sugar

Cinnamon sugar bacon:

• 7 pieces of bacon (you can use more if you would like, this is all I had)
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cinnamon 

Gluten Free Jumbo Size Tagalongs (Girl Scout Cookie Copycat)

I have been interested in making tons of "copycat" cookies and baked goods recently. I mean who wants to buy them at the store when you can make them from your own home? I have already made thin mints (which turned out great), nutter butters (again, great), and yesterday I made Keebler fudge stripe cookies (which were probably my favorite...wait I say that about everything...). Today I decided to stick with one of my favorite Girl Scout Cookies. A simple cookie with peanut butter and chocolate. Doesn't that sound like heaven? I was once a Girl Scout and I remember eating so many boxes of cookies rather than selling them (don't tell my mom). I wanted to re-live my childhood in my kitchen today. I decided to make these gluten free for those who have a sensitivity. Check them out. Oh, and these guys are huge!

*Makes: 24 cookies (depending on size)

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups (320g) gluten free plain flour
• 1 tbsp xanthan gum
• 16 tbsp butter
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (70g) powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cup (220g) milk & dark chocolate, chopped
• 8 tbsp peanut butter (at least)
• 4 tsp powdered sugar, sifted 

Gluten Free Keebler Copycat Fudge Stripe Cookies

Keebler Fudge Stripe Cookies are my dad's favorite cookies in the whole world. I remember staying up late watching TV with him and he would go grab them out of the fridge (because anything chocolate is always better cold rather than at room temperature) and we would devour the entire package. It was kind of like my dad and I were bonding. Yes, my dad and I bonded over sports and cookies, so what? Anyway, I decided to make my very own fudge stripe cookies, gluten free style. Overall, it took me a little over 3 hours for them to be complete (and in my mouth), and it was worth it (I got some stuff done while waiting, don't worry). You should definitely give these a try, gluten free or not. Go!

*Makes: about 36 cookies

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups (300g) gluten free plain flour
• 1 tbsp xanthan gum
• 16 tbsp butter
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (70g) powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cup (220g) milk & dark chocolate, chopped