For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 1 large banana)
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk preferred, but any kind works)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (or cream for richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mashed bananas, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. (Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.)
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12×9 inches.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter, and add nuts (if using).
3. Roll and Cut
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving space between each roll for rising.
4. Let Rise Again
- Cover the rolls with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.
5. Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
- Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes , or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Make the Glaze or Frosting
- For the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- For cream cheese frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until creamy and spreadable.
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