Elephant Tracks
Delicious cinnamon rolls with a sweet, sugary filling and soft, fluffy texture, perfect for breakfast or brunch and loved by all ages for their comforting flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine scalded milk, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, and shortening in a bowl.
- Cool the mixture to lukewarm temperature.
- Soften the yeast in lukewarm water.
- Add the yeast mixture to the cooled milk mixture.
- Stir in the egg.
- Add flour and work until smooth.
- Put the dough on a floured board and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Mix together the remaining sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough out into a rectangular shape and brush with butter.
- Sprinkle with some of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Roll and cut slices about 1-inch thick.
- Put a generous amount of sugar on the work surface.
- Roll each slice until flat, creating a 5 to 6-inch circle.
- Place on a greased baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the milk with buttermilk. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used instead. Ensure that the yeast is fresh for the best rise. Be patient with the dough while it rests, as this helps develop the gluten, resulting in a better texture. If you want a sweeter treat, increase the sugar in the cinnamon mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful Elephant Tracks warm with a side of your favorite fruit preserves or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a hearty breakfast like Cheese & Rice Casserole or a light salad.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, or microwave them for 15-20 seconds, ensuring they remain soft and fluffy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elephant Tracks contains roughly 955 calories, with 8g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value) and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1222mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After mixing it, let it rise, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out.
What can I do if the dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Make sure to check the expiration date on your yeast package. Additionally, ensure that the milk mixture is lukewarm, as too hot or too cold temperatures can kill the yeast. Try placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area to encourage rising.
Can I freeze the Elephant Tracks?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked Elephant Tracks. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven to restore their texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).