Cinnamon Rolls and Other Spiced Treats
With Halloween marking the end of Autumn for some, we start to look towards the festive end of the year. Although technically Winter doesn’t start until December 21st (with the Winter solstice), the changing weather certainly didn’t get the memo. And with cold bitter days comes the desire to fire up our ovens and enjoy winter-spiced desserts. A favourite of which are the ever-popular cinnamon rolls. In today’s blog, we talk about about this baked good, where it originates from, and how you, too, can make it. Additionally, we propose other spiced treats you should try out!
What Are Cinnamon Rolls?
Cinnamon rolls are a sweet roll commonly served in Northern Europe (mainly Scandinavia, Austria, and Germany) and North America. Each of the former countries have their own word and variation of this beloved treat.
But, essentially, its main ingredients are flour, cinnamon, sugar, and butter. It consists of a rolled sheet of yeast-leavened dough with a cinnamon and sugar mixture sprinkled over a thin coat of butter. Roll-makers then roll the dough, cut it into individual portions, and bake or deep fry it.
The size of cinnamon rolls vary from place to place. Ultimately, Finland has the larger variety where it can be up to 20 cm (7.9 inches) in diameter and weigh up to 200 g (7.1 oz).
Additionally, another difference comes in the substance used to top the pastries. Swedes, for example, prefer pearl sugar. Meanwhile, North America uses icing — sometimes cream-cheese based.
So, where do they originate from?
While cinnamon rolls do not have a direct descendant, we know that they couldn’t have existed without the titular spice. This Sri Lankan flavour wasn’t introduced to Europe until the Roman time.
How to Make It
Are you now craving cinnamon rolls? Check out how to make it!
- For the dough. Mix 300g self-raising flour, 2 tbsp of sugar, and 1 tsp of ground cinnamon with a pinch of salt, Then, in a separate bowl, whisk 70g of melted butter, 2 egg yolks, and 130ml of milk. Combine to make a soft dough, then turn out and roll to a rectangle of a floured surface.
- For the filling. Mix 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, 55g of brown sugar, 2 tbsp of caster sugar, and 40g of melted butter. Spread evenly over the dough then roll length wise to form a log. Next, cut the log in even-sized slices and place in a greased cake tin. Brush with some milk then bake in the oven for 30-35mins and 180 C.
- To Eat. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from tin. Top with caster sugar, or sugar or cream cheese icing. Enjoy!
Other Spiced Treats
Eaten too many cinnamon rolls? Check out these other spiced baked goods.
- Gingerbread cookies. Often shaped to resemble little men, these treats use ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, and molasses to get their sweet and spicy taste.
- German spice cookies. Another syrup-based dough, these fragrant nibbles use candied lemon peel, almonds, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, and cardamon.
- Nutmeg doughnuts. Adding a spicy crunch to a classic, nutmeg is ground and mix with sugar before sprinkling on a homemade doughnut.
- Spiced carrot caked. Use orange juice and zest, cinnamon, and ginger to add a kick to another classic dessert.
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