Zimtschnecken Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful traditional German Christmas baking recipe that fills your home with the comforting aroma of warm cinnamon. These soft, doughy rolls are perfect for holiday mornings or as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee. Making Zimtschnecken at home is a wonderful way to embrace the cozy spirit of the season and create delicious memories with loved ones.
**Ingredients:**
-Dough:
-2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
-1 cup warm milk
-1/2 cup granulated sugar
-1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
-2 eggs
-4 cups all-purpose flour
-1 tsp salt
-Cinnamon Filling:
-1 cup brown sugar, packed
-2 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
-1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
-Cream Cheese Frosting:
-4 oz cream cheese, softened
-1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
-1 cup powdered sugar
-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
5. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface, about 16×10 inches.
6. Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
7. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log and cut it into 12 equal pieces.
8. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) while the rolls are rising.
10. Bake the Zimtschnecken cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
11. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
12. Once the cinnamon rolls are done, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the cream cheese frosting on top.
Serve these warm Zimtschnecken Cinnamon Rolls to your family and friends during the holiday season to spread warmth and cheer. Whether enjoyed with a hot beverage or as part of a festive brunch, these delicious treats are sure to become a beloved tradition in your home. Making them from scratch allows you to infuse each roll with love and care, creating an indulgent experience that captures the essence of Christmas. Enjoy the process of baking these cinnamon rolls and savor the magic they bring to your home during this special time of year.
