Traditional Zimtschnecken Recipe: How to Make Delicious Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch

 

  Zimtschnecken, also known as cinnamon rolls, are a popular sweet pastry made with a yeast  dough that is rolled out and spread with a cinnamon and sugar mixture, then rolled up and sliced  into individual portions. They are traditionally baked in the oven, and often served as a breakfast  or brunch dish, or as a dessert. They are popular in Germany, Austria, and other parts of Europe.

 Here's a simple recipe for making zimtschnecken at home:

 Ingredients for the dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

  Ingredients for the filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

 Ingredients for the icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast, warm milk, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the yeast is dissolved.
2. Beat in the egg.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and salt.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
8. Spread the butter over the dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edges.
9. Mix together the sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle it over the butter.
10. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long edge.
11. Cut the roll into slices, about 1 inch thick.
12. Place the slices in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
13. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
14. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
15. While the rolls are baking, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the icing.
16. Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
17. Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls and serve.

  Enjoy your homemade Zimtschnecken!

 You can customize the recipe with different toppings, fillings or glazes.

 You can also make a big batch and store them in the freezer for future use.