Scent-ual Cinnamon Rolls

I’ve read that the scent of cinnamon rolls is the universal aphrodisiac. Not complex (and expensive) perfumes…not potions created in the back rooms of a shaman’s studio…nope…it’s that combination of soothing vanilla, sweet sugar and spicy cinnamon all wrapped up in a bread.
It is unclear why this is the case, but it seems that numerous studies over the last century or two have found that lovers are more amorous when that sensual smell is in the air.
In some Asian cultures, women adorn their bodies with cinnamon oil to attract a man. In Western culture, cinnamon extract is sometimes included in “musky” perfumes that are said to make the opposite sex “wild” with desire.
Scientifically speaking, the scent has been shown to increase blood flow to the nether regions, thus increasing libido. Pumpkin pie and doughnuts came in a distant second and third among culinary scents with strong aphrodisiac properties.
Cinnamon rolls in the tubes from the grocery store often have cinnamon and vanilla flavored powder inside, but the scent is not as strong as the fresh spices. Making them from scratch is labor intensive and time consuming (there are at least two rising periods for the bread, depending on the recipe).
So, if you are looking for a little sweet romance without a lot of time in the kitchen, what can you do? Here is a simple recipe that makes light and flavorful rolls…that are so “scent-ual”.

“Scent-ual” Cinnamon Rolls

For Rolls
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
2 tablespoons butter, mostly melted
¼ teaspoon vanilla
¼ cup sugar
3 tablespoons cinnamon
½ cup raisins (optional)
For Icing (optional)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoon vanilla
Milk
· Lay the puff pastry flat. Brush with butter mixed with vanilla across the whole surface.
· Mix the cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle evenly over the surface. Toss the raisins, if you are using them, randomly across the whole surface.
· Roll up the pastry sheet, jelly roll style, and cut into eight even pieces.
· Bake at 400 degrees for 17 to 19 minutes.
· If you want to add icing to the rolls, mix the sugar and vanilla and add the milk a teaspoon at a time until it is the consistency of heavy cream. Drizzle it over the rolls when they are cooled.