A cozy, creative way to slow down and celebrate the season
There’s something about Thanksgiving mornings. The quiet hum of the kitchen, the smell of cinnamon, and the calm before the day begins. It’s a moment that feels simple, warm, and full of gratitude.
This year, we’re capturing that feeling on paper with a hand-lettered cinnamon roll recipe spread that turns your favorite holiday treat into a piece of art. Created using Tombow Dual Brush Pens and Fudenosuke Brush Pens, this journal page is the perfect way to mix creativity and comfort this season.
A Creative Pause Before the Feast
Thanksgiving can feel like a whirlwind with cooking, traveling, and catching up with family. Taking even a few quiet minutes to draw or write can help you reconnect with the heart of the day: gratitude.
Grab your favorite warm-tone Dual Brush Pens, make a cup of coffee, and fill a blank page with cozy doodles, handwritten ingredients, and sweet notes about what you’re thankful for this year. It’s a simple creative ritual that brings calm and joy to the chaos.
What You’ll Need
- Tombow Dual Brush Pens in warm tones like Burnt Sienna, Marigold, and Chocolate
- Fudenosuke Brush Pen for lettering your title and headers
- MONO Drawing Pen for clean outlines and recipe details
- Optional: a candle, a latte, and your favorite fall playlist
The Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Ingredients for the Dough
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
Ingredients for the Filling
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Ingredients for the Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, as needed for texture
Instructions
- Make the Dough
In a bowl, mix 2 cups of flour with sugar, salt, and yeast. Heat milk, water, and butter until warm (not hot), then add to the dry ingredients. Mix in the egg. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough forms and is soft but not sticky. Knead for 5 minutes on a lightly floured surface, then let rest for 10 minutes. - Prepare the Filling
Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 14×8 inches. Spread softened butter evenly, then sprinkle with a mix of granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. - Shape the Rolls
Roll up the dough tightly and cut into 9 to 12 pieces. Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size. - Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. - Make the Frosting
Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk as needed to reach a spreadable texture. Frost the rolls while warm for that perfect glaze effect. - Optional: Pumpkin-Shaped Rolls
For a festive touch, tie each roll with kitchen twine before baking to create pumpkin-like sections. Add a cinnamon stick in the center for the stem once baked.
How to Bring It to Life in Your Journal
- Start with a title. Hand-letter “Cinnamon Rolls” or “Made with Love” using your Fudenosuke Brush Pen for bold, smooth strokes.
- Add your ingredients and instructions. Write neatly with your MONO Drawing Pen, leaving space for small illustrations.
- Bring in color. Use your Dual Brush Pens to doodle cozy details like flour bags, rolling pins, cinnamon sticks, or stars.
- Make it personal. Write a short gratitude list or a Thanksgiving memory alongside your recipe.
More Than Just a Recipe
This project isn’t about perfect handwriting or flawless design. It’s about slowing down and creating something that feels like you. It’s about mixing creativity with gratitude and making a little space for yourself in a season full of giving.
Featured Artwork by @artsyanica
Created with Tombow Dual Brush Pens and Fudenosuke Brush Pens, this illustrated recipe spread perfectly captures the cozy calm of Thanksgiving morning. It’s a reminder that creativity can be as comforting as a warm cinnamon roll.
Create, Give Thanks, and Get Inspired
This Thanksgiving, take time to create something meaningful — a recipe page, a memory, a small act of gratitude.
Share your journal spreads and Thanksgiving creations using #TombowUSA and tag @tombowusa for a chance to be featured! Happy Holidays! Hi