Indulge yourself with these Classic Cinnamon Rolls

Vol 8, Issue 11 

A cinnamon roll, also known as korvapuusti in Finland is a sweet delicacy common to the Nordic region. Its origin is believed to be in Sweden as they started incorporating cinnamon spice the roman traders introduced to Europe from Sri Lanka in their pastries.

The main components for a rich cinnamon roll are a soft yeast leavened dough, cinnamon mixed with brown sugar and some butter to layer the cinnamon sugar mix. It’s as simple as that. However, to bake a perfect cinnamon roll it takes true passion and the skill in pastries making. The following recipe would surely help you create this beautiful delicacy at home for your breakfast or for your evening tea time to enjoy with your family.

Ingredients

For the cinnamon roll dough:

• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tsp instant yeast
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp (85g) butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ cups (355ml) milk
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom

For the filling:

• 1/4 cup (55g) butter
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1-2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 4 oz (100g) cream cheese
• 1/4 cup (55g) butter
• 1 cup (120g) powder sugar
• 1tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl add 4 cups of flour, sugar, yeast and salt and thoroughly whisk everything. Then add the milk and butter into a separate heat safe bowl and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds until its slightly warm. Pour that mixture into the dry ingredients with the egg and mix well using a wooden spoon. Add the remaining 1 cup of flour as you mix the dough until you notice the dough is harder to be mixed with the wooden spoon. Once you reach that point use your hands to knead the dough until it doesn’t stick in your fingers. Shape the dough in to a ball, cover it with cling wrap or a serviette and let it rest for 30 minutes in room temperature.

Once the dough is rested enough, flour the counter surface slightly and roll your dough into a rectangular shape. Spread the room temperature butter on top of the dough and sprinkle the mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon generously and spread it slightly with your hands. Now you can roll the dough the long way into a log shape and cut into approximately 12-14 pieces. You can use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for best results.  

Lay the cinnamon rolls on a greased parchment paper, cover and let it sit to rise for an hour in a warm spot. Preheat your oven to 350F and check if the cinnamon rolls have doubled in size. Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown. Allow them to cool on a rack before serving.

These cinnamon rolls can be served as it is or you can add a cream cheese frosting to level up the flavor profile. For the cream cheese frosting whisk the cream cheese and butter in a bowl until softens. Add the powder sugar and vanilla and whisk again until the mixture is somewhat runny. You can spread this divine mixture onto the warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy with your family or share a fresh batch of cinnamon rolls with your neighbors this Christmas.