Craving something sweet and comforting for breakfast or an afternoon treat? Look no further than this delightful recipe for Zimtschnecken, a traditional German cinnamon roll that will fill your home with the warm, cozy aroma of cinnamon and sugar. These soft and fluffy pastries are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, or for sharing with loved ones on a lazy weekend morning. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get baking!
Zimtschnecken
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
– Cream cheese frosting:
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until smooth.
3. Gradually stir in the remaining flour to form a soft dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 6-8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle of about 16×12 inches.
6. Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough, then add the chopped nuts if desired.
8. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
9. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown.
11. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach your desired frosting consistency.
12. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting on top.
13. Serve the Zimtschnecken warm and enjoy the irresistible combination of soft dough, sweet cinnamon, and creamy frosting.
Enjoy these delicious Zimtschnecken with your loved ones or savor them as a special treat just for yourself. Their heavenly aroma and decadent flavor will bring joy to any occasion. So, don’t hesitate to try this recipe and bring a taste of German coziness into your home!
