Knit a stitch. Plant a seed. Make something that matters.
Category: Cozy Home
Home DIY projects from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels
Discover a treasure trove of do-it-yourself tips and tricks for effortless, speedy, and uncomplicated at-home DIY projects from PurlsAndPixels. Dive into a world of simplicity with my curated collection, designed to make your home improvement endeavors a breeze. Explore step-by-step guides, creative inspirations, and ingenious ideas that transform everyday spaces. From quick décor enhancements to hassle-free repairs, find the perfect DIY solution tailored for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. Unleash your creativity and embark on your DIY journey with confidence, guided by PurlsAndPixels’ expert insights and easy-to-follow instructions. Elevate your space effortlessly—start your next project today!
A new year brings a world of possibilities for knitters. Whether you’re dreaming of cozy sweaters, intricate colorwork, or mastering new techniques, a clear project plan can turn those creative dreams into reality. Organize your space and then plan your next knitting projects with the free Knitting Project Checklist and Knitting Planner at the end of this article. Let’s get intentional about making this your most inspired knitting year yet!
Essential Steps for Knitting Success
1. Stash Assessment
Before diving into new projects, take stock of your yarn:
Inventory your yarn by weight, yardage, and fiber content.
Find your favorites: Note which yarns spark joy or inspire ideas.
Fill in the gaps: Identify missing weights or colors.
De-stash thoughtfully: Plan projects to use yarn that’s been sitting idle.
2. Skill Development Goals
Set intentions for leveling up your knitting this year:
List techniques you want to learn, like brioche, entrelac, or colorwork.
Seek patterns that teach those skills in manageable steps.
Plan for progression—start simple, then tackle complex designs.
Schedule dedicated time for tutorials or classes.
3. Project Timeline
Map out projects by season to stay on track:
Winter (Jan-Mar): Cozy accessories, temperature tracking projects, or indoor comfort items.
Spring (Apr-Jun): Lightweight garments, garden-inspired makes, or Mother’s Day gifts.
Summer (Jul-Sep): Portable projects, beach/travel knitting, or early holiday prep.
Fall (Oct-Dec): Gift knitting, warm layers, or festive decorations.
4. Supply Organization
An organized toolkit makes for smoother knitting:
Take inventory of needles, notions, and tools.
Review storage solutions to ensure everything is easy to find.
Maintain your tools—sharpen scissors, replace worn needles, and clean your knitting bag.
Match patterns to your stash for immediate starts.
6. Comfort Zone Expansion
Stretch your creativity by trying something new:
Experiment with unfamiliar yarn weights or fibers.
Play with bold colorwork or gradients.
Try challenging techniques like double knitting or cables.
Join a knit-along (KAL) focused on skill-building.
Tips for Knitting Joy and Productivity
Start Small: Kick off the year with quick wins like hats, mittens, or dishcloths to build momentum.
Track Your Progress: Use photos or a notebook to document your projects, celebrate successes, and learn from mistakes.
Stay Flexible: Allow space in your schedule for spontaneous inspiration or unexpected challenges.
Build Community: Share your goals with fellow knitters for encouragement and accountability.
Download Your Free Knitting Planner PDF
Plan your year of knitting with these two printable PDFs. Print the knitting project checklists as many times as you need to keep track of all of your patterns this year.
This knitting project checklist isn’t about rigid rules—it’s a flexible guide to help you find joy and creativity in your knitting journey. Ready to get started? Download your free project planner and let’s make this your most organized and inspired year yet! ✨
Knit Your Moments of Thankfulness into a Cozy Blanket 🌟
A Free Knitting Pattern by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.
Friends, let’s be honest: 2024 brought its share of challenges. Between solo parenting, running PurlsAndPixels, and navigating life’s daily surprises, I sometimes forgot to pause and appreciate the small moments. That’s why I’m starting 2025 with intention, and I’d love for you to join me in a mindful knitting project. At the break of the new year, I’ll be starting a Gratitude Blanket as a way to track all the joy this year will bring.🧶
Here is an idea of what your Gratitude Blanket might look like.
Tiny Bumps in the Plan are OK!
Living far from a major city leaves me without yarn on demand. I’ve ordered the fluffy wool blend online, but it’s delayed until January 10th. This means I can’t get started as planned, but that’s just fine! I’m still going to share the pattern with you, so you can start at your leisure. But remember, this blanket is meant to be a reflection of a year’s worth of happiness – don’t let setbacks (like delayed yarn) steal your joy. Have fun and take your time!
The Magic of a Gratitude Blanket
For this blanket, you will work in very simple garter stitch (knit stitches only). Instead of worrying over stitch count, the Gratitude Blanket pattern is meant to let your mind wander away from the project and reflect on the joy each stitch represents.
This isn’t just another knitting project, it’s a chance to weave mindfulness into every day. Each stripe tells a story. Choose colors that make you feel happy and inspired. For me, its:
Peaceful blue rows for quiet cabin moments with my son and our pets.
Sunny yellow stripes for unexpected joys (like perfect knitting weather!).
Growth-inspired green sections for personal victories, big and small.
Daily Practice Guide
Find a Quiet Moment: Mine is usually early morning with coffee.
Reflect: Think about one thing you’re grateful for.
Choose a Color Based on the Feeling:
Blue: Peace and calm (like snowy mountain views).
Yellow: Joy and happiness (like my son’s laughter).
Green: Growth and achievement (like mastering a new pattern).
Knit Your Row: Hold that thought as you knit—it’s like stitching the memory into the blanket.
Gratitude Prompts
Need inspiration? Here are some moments I’m thankful for:
Morning coffee watching the sunrise over the mountains.
A kind comment from our knitting community.
Finally working out that tricky cable pattern.
Cozy cabin moments by the fire.
The peace of knitting while snow falls.
Small victories in parenting or business.
Making this Gratitude Blanket Free Knitting Pattern
With such a simple stitch pattern, even beginners can knit this blanket. Get free knitting lessons that walk you through every step along the way at my Learn to Knit Index. You will need to know:
Three to six 129-yard (8 ounce) skeins of super bulky weight (No. 6) yarn* in your three favorite colors (shown in “Air Force,” “Mustard,” and “Succulent” Hometown Super Bulky Yarn by Lion Brand).
Baby size uses about 9 skeins of super bulky yarn
Throw size uses about 15 skeins of super bulky yarn
Queen size uses about 18 skeins of super bulky yarn
*Weights estimated with Hometown Super Bulky Yarn by Lion Brand; other yarn weights may vary.
12 stitches x 15 rows = 4 x 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch on No. 13 (9.0 mm) needles.
Abbreviations
k = knit
Instructions: Baby Size Gratitude Blanket
(40 inches x 40 inches or desired length)
Instructions: Use the long tail cast on. Knit flat, turning after each row. Make color changes as your joyful memories change. You can start a new row or just start knitting mid-row with a new, happy color for each knitting session.
Row 1: Cast on 146 stitches. (146 stitches) Turn.
Rows 2 – 159: k 146. (146 stitches). Turn. [Work should measure 39.75 inches at this point]
Row 160: Bind off loosely.
Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20.32-cm) tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.
Instructions: Throw Size Gratitude Blanket
(50 inches x 60 inches or desired length)
Instructions: Use the long tail cast on. Knit flat, turning after each row. Make color changes as your joyful memories change. You can start a new row or just start knitting mid-row with a new, happy color for each knitting session.
Row 1: Cast on 182 stitches. (182 stitches) Turn.
Rows 2 – 239: k 182. (182 stitches). Turn. [Work should measure 59.75 inches at this point]
Row 240: Bind off loosely.
Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20.32-cm) tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.
Instructions: Queen Size Gratitude Blanket
(90 inches x 90 inches or desired length)
Instructions: Use the long tail cast on. Knit flat, turning after each row. Make color changes as your joyful memories change. You can start a new row or just start knitting mid-row with a new, happy color for each knitting session.
Row 1: Cast on 328 stitches. (328 stitches) Turn.
Rows 2 – 359: k 328. (328 stitches). Turn. [Work should measure 89.75 inches at this point]
Row 360: Bind off loosely.
Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20.32-cm) tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.
Keep it Visible: Mine will live by my favorite knitting chair.
No Pressure: Catch up during quiet weekends if needed.
Track Your Progress: Take photos to share your journey (great for Instagram!).
Date Your Gratitude Entries in a Journal: Each date becomes part of your story.
Make it easy on yourself: Use the magic knot to join new colors and save time weaving loose ends.
Why This Project Works
Mindful: Each row helps us pause and reflect.
Achievable: Simple enough for even the busiest days.
Meaningful: Creates a physical reminder of our journey.
Cozy: The end result? A warm hug of memories.
Start Your Journey
I’m casting on for the new year, and I’d love for you to join me! I’ll be sharing my progress with the Gratitude Blanket pattern here and on Instagram @PurlsAndPixels, along with the moments that inspired each color choice.
Ready to cast on your gratitude journey? Whether you start on New Year’s Day or jump in mid-year, each row adds to your story of thankfulness. Share your progress with #GratitudeKnitAlong. I can’t wait to see your blankets grow alongside mine! And I’m excited to see what colors you choose! What will your first grateful row represent? 🌿
Let’s make 2025 a year of mindful making, one stitch at a time. 💞
This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.
If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.
I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.
As we embrace the New Year, the art of cozy living is evolving into something deeply intentional. Like a perfectly stitched pattern, today’s comfort combines sustainability and mindfulness with 2025 New Year’s crafting spaces and traditions that truly nurture both body and soul. 🧶
Creating Your Sustainable Cozy Haven
This year’s home trends focus on merging comfort with consciousness. Transform your space into a sanctuary with these key elements:
Natural materials: Opt for wood, cotton, or wool for timeless charm.
Sustainable decor: Incorporate vintage finds or upcycled treasures.
Handmade touches: Add warmth with DIY crafts or family heirlooms.
Smart home features: Use technology for energy efficiency and convenience.
Whether it’s a cozy reading nook or a craft station by the window, design spaces that feel as good as they look.
Modern New Year’s Traditions for 2025
Reimagining how we celebrate the New Year can bring fresh meaning to familiar customs. Try these cozy 2025 New Year’s crafting traditions for a memorable and mindful start to your new year:
First Cast-On: Begin a knitting project at midnight to set the tone for the year.
New Year’s Crafting Circle: Gather virtually for creative inspiration.
Mindful Making Resolutions: Set thoughtful crafting goals for the year ahead.
January Comfort Box: Fill it with handmade winter essentials.
Modernizing Traditional New Year Customs
Blend the old with the new for a meaningful celebration:
Digital Declutter: Organize your digital patterns and enjoy a quiet coffee or tea break.
Eco-Friendly Resolutions: Jot down your goals in a handmade journal.
First Sunrise Crafting: Greet the day with early morning creativity.
Memory Project: Start a craft that chronicles your year in stitches.
Daily Comfort Rituals for 2025
Cozy living isn’t just about spaces—it’s about nurturing daily habits:
Morning mindfulness paired with a hot drink in a handmade mug.
Afternoon creative sessions that revive your spirit.
Evening slow-living moments like journaling or knitting.
Dedicated digital-free crafting time to reconnect with analog joys.
Eco-Conscious Crafting & Comfort Trends
Sustainability takes center stage in 2025’s lifestyle trends:
Stash-busting: Use up leftover yarn or materials.
Zero-waste crafting: Embrace upcycling and sustainable supplies.
Natural fibers: Prioritize wool, cotton, or bamboo over synthetics.
Homemade essentials: Create your own candles, blankets, or home accents.
Building Connection in the Digital Age
Community remains at the heart of cozy living:
Join virtual craft circles for shared creativity.
Share patterns and ideas in online forums.
Explore teaching opportunities in your craft niche.
Get involved in sustainability initiatives within your community.
Simple Ways to Start Your Cozy Year
Curate an intentional crafting space.
Commit to learning one new skill.
Join a virtual crafting group.
Establish a daily comfort ritual.
Plan seasonal DIY projects.
Organize your stash for sustainable crafting.
Closing Thoughts
Creating a cozy lifestyle in 2025 is about more than trends; it’s about aligning with what feels authentic to you. Whether you’re casting on your first project of the year or savoring quiet moments in your newly designed space, each stitch and each intention creates a more meaningful year ahead.
Here’s to a 2025 filled with comfort, creativity, and community! ✨ Join me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, or X . I am @PurlsAndPixels. Let’s be friends and share our crafty projects!
Holiday Cut-Out Shape Cookie Recipe (Perfect for Hippos, Too)
Every year, my son and I pull out the flour, sugar, and spices, ready to roll up our sleeves for the ultimate holiday treat: soft, chewy gingerbread cookies. But in our house, there’s a twist. Forget those perfectly symmetrical gingerbread men; we’re making gingerbread hippopotamuses. 🦛
Why hippos, you ask? Because we want a hippopotamus for Christmas, of course! It’s a tradition that started on a whim but has stuck around, making our holidays that much sillier and sweeter.
These cookies are soft enough to bite into without breaking a tooth (important for hippos and humans), perfectly spiced, and incredibly fun to decorate. Whether you make gingerbread men, reindeer, or yes, even hippos, this holiday cookie recipe will be a new family favorite.
Soft Gingerbread Cookies
Serving Size:
36 (3 dozen)
Time:
6-7 minutes
Difficulty:
Easy
Ingredients
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup molasses
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tbsp ginger
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground clove
2 large eggs
1 tsp baking soda
5 cups all-purpose flour
Directions
Cream together butter and sugar. Add salt, vanilla, spices, and molasses and mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat until smooth.
Sift together baking soda and flour and mix into mixture.
Separate into two balls and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate overnight.
Roll out to 1/4 thickness. Cut out shapes or roll into a log and slice in circles.
Bake at 400°F for 6-7 min.
Cool, then decorate with your favorite frosting. Ours is a vanilla cream-cheese icing that I dye in a bunch of holiday colors. Then, it’s time to get a little artsy.
Every year, as the smell of gingerbread fills the house, I get to watch my son’s creativity run wild. Some hippos wear bow ties, others have festive scarves, and one year we even had a hippo superhero. It’s messy. It’s joyful. And it’s become a tradition we both cherish.
So, if you happen to hear the song “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” while you bake your soft gingerbread cookies, just know you’re in good company. We’ll be over here, giggling and making hippos out of cookie dough.
Thanksgiving has come and gone, and I wanted to tell you about my new pie recipe that I tried out for the holiday. This chocolate pie was fun to make and delicious to eat! Definitely a hit with my picky child who won’t dare to taste a fruit or pumpkin pie. That speaks volumes about the taste of this decadent dessert pie.
This indulgent chocolate pie combines a silky, rich filling with a homemade chocolate crust, offering a double dose of chocolate delight. Perfect for special occasions or as a make-ahead dessert, this pie is sure to impress.
And my favorite part? It can be frozen! We did a camping Thanksgiving event this year. I froze this pie and kept it in one of the camper’s freezers until the evening before. Thawing it in the fridge made for the perfect temperature when it was time to serve it up!
Double Chocolate Delight: The combination of a chocolate crust and rich filling offers a luxurious dessert experience.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for busy schedules, this pie can be prepared in advance and frozen until needed. Just thaw in the fridge.
Versatile Presentation: Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or as a decadent treat to satisfy those chocolate cravings.
Let’s get baking!
Decadent Chocolate Pie with Homemade Chocolate Crust
Serving Size:
Serves 6 – 8 people
Time:
3 hours
Difficulty:
Intermediate to Advanced
For the Chocolate Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1/4-inch slices 6–8 tablespoons ice water
For the Chocolate Filling: 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 cups whole milk 4 large egg yolks 6 ounces (one cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions
Prepare the Chocolate Crust In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, salt, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the cold butter slices to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or fork, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, 2 tablespoons at a time, mixing gently until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overmixing. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap, shape it into a round disk, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess. Refrigerate the crust while preparing the filling.
Make the Chocolate Filling In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and begins to bubble; about 10 to 15 minutes. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly add about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens further, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Continue to stir until bubbling stops to prevent the bottom burning. Add the chocolate chips, butter, and vanilla extract to the hot mixture, stirring until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and the filling is smooth.
Assemble and Bake the Pie Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the warm chocolate filling into the prepared chocolate crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the pie in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15 minutes, then lower the heat to 350°F (176.67°C). Continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is set and the filling is slightly puffed. Turn the oven off, crack the door about an inch, and leave the pie in the oven. Allow it to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
Serve and Enjoy Before serving, top the pie with freshly whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired. It’s also very tasty without toppings. Slice and serve chilled.
Tips for Freezing and Thawing a Decadent Chocolate Pie with Homemade Chocolate Crust
Freezing: Once the pie has fully set in the refrigerator, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thawing: Transfer the pie to the refrigerator 24 hours before serving to thaw gradually. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain the best texture.
Let’s talk about the ultimate homesteading accessory. Nope, it’s not a chicken coop or a shiny new canner (although those are fabulous). It’s a pair of knitting needles! Yes, knitting is the unsung hero of homestead hobbies, and if you’re not already in on this cozy little secret, it’s time to grab some yarn and get started.
Why Knitting and Homesteading Go Hand-in-Hand
Picture this: a crackling fire, a cup of tea in your favorite mug, and you sitting in your comfiest chair knitting a cozy scarf while the bread rises in the oven. Can you feel the warmth and satisfaction already? Knitting fits seamlessly into the homesteading lifestyle because it’s about creating something with your own two hands—just like gardening, baking, or DIY projects.
Plus, knitted items are practical. Socks, sweaters, hats—they’re not just cozy; they’re necessities when you’re braving frosty mornings to feed the chickens or chop wood.
The Patterns You Need Right Now
If you’re ready to dive in, I’ve got you covered with beginner-friendly knitting patterns that are as practical as they are pretty. Start with my Easy Peasy Washcloth Pattern, perfect for scrubbing those farmhouse sinks, or try the Warm and Toasty Hat Pattern, which will keep you snug through snowy winters. And for the advanced knitters out there, my Rustic Rice Stitch Blanket Pattern is a must for curling up on the couch after a long day.
You can find these free patterns and more in my Knitting Patterns Page (go ahead, click—I promise it’s worth it).
Knitting isn’t just about the finished product; it’s about the process. It’s a slow, meditative craft that pairs perfectly with the pace of homesteading life. Need a moment to unwind after wrangling the goats? Pick up your needles. Want to make something special for a loved one? Knit them a hat.
Knitting also has a way of bringing people together. Host a knitting circle in your cozy kitchen, or teach your kids to make their own winter hats. You’ll be passing on a skill that’s equal parts practical and heartwarming.
More Cozy Homestead Inspiration
If you love the idea of adding some rustic charm to your home, be sure to check out my Homesteading Lifestyle Articles for tips on everything from gardening to DIY home décor. Whether you’re a full-fledged homesteader or just dabbling, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to make your home a cozy haven.
Let’s Get Knitting!
So, what are you waiting for? Dust off those needles, grab a skein of yarn, and let’s create something beautiful. Don’t forget to explore my knitting patterns and homesteading articles. I’ve got everything you need to turn your dreams of cozy, handmade living into a reality.
These soft, gooey cinnamon rolls have a delicious twist: a sweet maple cream filling and a simple maple glaze that bring out the cozy flavors of real maple syrup. Perfect for making with kids or sharing with the family!
You will start this project by making a fluffy bread base. Mix together flour, yeast, sugar, milk, melted butter, and an egg.
Knead Dough
Turn the cinnamon roll dough mixture out onto a smooth surface. I used a cutting board, but a smooth and clean countertop works just as well.
With clean hands, knead the dough until it is fully combined and smooth.
Cover Dough and Let it Rise
Place the dough back in the mixing bowl. Cover with clear plastic wrap. Let the cinnamon roll dough rise for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Make the Maple Cinnamon Roll Filling
While the dough rises, you can make the maple cinnamon filling. Combine room-temperature butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Then gently blend together until the mixture is smooth.
Roll out the Dough And Spread the Filling
Using a rolling pen, flatten the dough into a large, 12-inch by 19-inch rectangle.
Spread the filling onto the rectangle of dough.
Roll and Slice Your Maple Cream Cinnamon Rolls
Next comes the tricky part; turn the dough into swirled log by rolling the long edge of the dough up and into itself. Imagine you are rolling up an area rug that is going into storage.
Slice and Bake
Slice into 12 even rolls and place them in a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish. Then, if any leftover filling has squeezed out onto the cutting board, spread it across the top of the rolls. Cover the cinnamon rolls with plastic wrap and allow to rise for another 30 minutes or until they’ve doubled in size.
Drizzle With Heavy Whipping Cream
Warm heavy whipping cream for 15 seconds in the microwave. It may bubble over, so use a coffee cup or larger measuring cup to warm the cream. Then drizzle it over the cinnamon rolls just before baking.
Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and the gooey filling is hot and bubbling.
Let Cool while Making the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
The Maple Cream Cinnamon Rolls will need to cool for about 10 minutes before you can frost them, so right after they come out of the oven is a great time to mix up your frosting. Combine powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted cream cheese, milk and just a pinch of course kosher or sea salt to cut the sweetness.
Mix the frosting together then, (if it has been 10 minutes) drizzle it over the cinnamon rolls.
Serve and Enjoy
When your Chicken and Rice Soup recipe has finished cooking, you are ready to eat! Let it cool a little, then serve cozy meals to your whole family. Or, save the batch in individual soup containers and freeze for later.
Maple Cream Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Serving Size:
Makes 12 Rolls
Time:
45 Minutes
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Oven Temperature 350°F (175°C)
Ingredients For the Dough:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
¼ cup butter, melted
1 egg For the Filling:
½ cup butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup real maple syrup
¼ cup heavy whipping cream (for extra gooeyness) For the Maple Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp real maple syrup
2 tbsp melted cream cheese
2 tbsp milk
Pinch of coarse Kosher or Sea Salt (to balance the sweetness)
Directions
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup until well combined.
Roll and Fill the Dough: Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 even rolls.
The Extra Gooey Secret: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread any excess filling onto the top of the cinnamon rolls. Warm the heavy cream slightly and pour it evenly over the rolls before baking.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes. Warm the heavy cream slightly and pour it evenly over the rolls before baking. Bake for 35 – 40 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling at the edges.
Make the Maple Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, real maple syrup, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Glaze and Serve: Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the maple glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, maple-flavored goodness!
Tips for Success:
Make Ahead: You can prep the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Make sure you have let the rolls rise until they are double in size before refrigerating to keep them fluffy. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise a bit longer before baking (2-3 hours on the counter or 45 minutes in a bread-proofing oven.)
Use Real Maple Syrup: The deep flavor of real maple syrup makes all the difference.
Don’t Skip the Heavy Cream: This is what makes the rolls ultra-soft and gooey, creating a caramel-like layer.
Fall is in full swing and there is nothing better than a warm and cozy bowl of chicken and rice soup. Make this soup quickly by using leftover chicken and my recipe; you can hip up a pot in as little as 45 minutes.
Don’t have already cooked chicken? Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a glass or ceramic oven dish, bake one (or two) chicken breasts for about 30 minutes. Use a cooking thermometer to ensure the inside temperature reaches 165 degrees to kill ensure food safety. Let it cool a bit, then you can dice your chicken and start your soup.
Chicken Broth
Bring a pot of chicken broth to a boil, then reduce the heat on your stove to a simmer. If you do not have chicken broth on hand, you can make your own with bullion. I like to keep Premium Better than Bullion Roasted Chicken Base on hand; this is what I used. Follow the recipe on your bullion package to create enough broth for your soup.
Carrots & Celery
Slice about three large carrots and two large celery stalks into even pieces. Put them in the simmering broth. Add the chicken to the broth, as well.
Seasoning
Next, add your seasonings. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your tastes.
After all the other ingredients have had time for the flavors to meld, add rice the soup. It will complete cooking while the other ingredients simmer. I used Mahatma Extra Long Grain White Rice in this recipe, but other rice might be a suitable substitute.
Simmer the Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
Allow your soup to simmer until the rice and vegetables have become tender, but not yet soggy. This is especially important if you are planning to meal-prep this soup and freeze it for later. You don’t want overly-mushy soup after it is re-heated.
Serve and Enjoy
When your Chicken and Rice Soup recipe has finished cooking, you are ready to eat! Let it cool a little, then serve cozy meals to your whole family. Or, save the batch in individual soup containers and freeze for later.
Cozy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
Serving Size:
1.5 cups (serves 10)
Time:
45 Minutes
Difficulty:
Easy to Intermediate
Ingredients
8 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups sliced carrots (about three large carrots)
1 cup sliced celery (about two large stalks)
1 1/2 cups fully cooked, diced chicken (about one large chicken breast)
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons Poultry Seasoning Blend
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
2 cups rice
Directions
Bring broth to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer (low to medium low heat).
Add carrots, celery, diced chicken, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add rice and cover. Continue simmering for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
Let cool slightly, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
This chicken and rice soup recipe freezes well. Once the soup cools, I put mine in disposable paper soup cups then toss in the freezer. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove and you have a cozy meal in no time!
