Bertinet dough with cinnamon

Bertinet Cinnamon Dough – A Fluffy Delight for Unforgettable Moments

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total: 2 hours 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Necessary Ingredients for the Dough:

- 600g wheat flour (choose a high-quality flour for optimal results)
- 200g sugar (you can use brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor)
- 25g fresh yeast (or 10g dry yeast, if you prefer)
- 4 whole eggs (at room temperature, for better integration into the dough)
- 100g butter (melted and cooled, so it doesn’t activate the yeast)
- 300ml warm milk (almost hot, but not boiling)
- Grated zest of one lemon (for an extra flavor)
- Grated zest of one orange (this will add a fresh taste)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or you can use vanilla extract)
- For brushing: 50g butter, 2 tablespoons cinnamon, 100g sugar

Ingredients for the Glaze:

- 1 egg white (for an airy glaze)
- 100g powdered sugar (adds sweetness and shine)
- A few drops of lemon juice (to add a sour taste and enhance the flavor)
- ½ teaspoon sweet cocoa powder (to create a color contrast)
- ½ cup of milk + 3 tablespoons sugar (to soak the cake)

A Bit of Recipe History

Dough rising is a traditional cooking technique used for centuries around the world. It is a popular method due to its versatility; it can be prepared in various forms, from sweet breads to flavored loaves. This cinnamon recipe combines the best elements of classic dough, offering a fluffy texture and inviting aroma, perfect for indulgent moments with loved ones.

Step by Step – Your Guide to Perfect Dough

1. Preparing the Egg Cream: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla sugar using an electric or manual whisk until you get a light-colored, fluffy cream. This will help aerate the dough, resulting in a lighter and fluffier final product.

2. Activating the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with a few tablespoons of warm milk, a tablespoon of sugar, and one or two of flour. Let the yeast rise in a warm room for about 15-20 minutes until bubbles form on the surface. This step is crucial to activate the yeast, allowing the dough to rise correctly.

3. Combining the Ingredients: Add the activated yeast to the bowl with the egg cream. Gradually incorporate the warm milk, stirring constantly. Continue adding flour until the dough becomes sticky. Finally, integrate the melted butter, kneading the dough with your hands until it becomes elastic and slightly less sticky. If it is too sticky, you can add a few tablespoons of flour.

4. Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours. An effective method is to preheat the oven to 50 degrees Celsius, turn it off after 30 minutes, and place the covered dough inside to take advantage of the residual heat.

5. Shaping the Dough: After the dough has risen, place it on a floured work surface. Roll it out into a rectangular sheet. Apply melted butter over the entire surface, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar. These flavors will give your preparation a special taste.

6. Rolling the Dough: Roll the dough sheet like a log, making sure to tighten it well so it doesn’t unravel during baking. If you prefer, you can cut the log into smaller pieces to form donuts or rolls. Place the rolled dough in a buttered baking tray, ensuring the seam side is down.

7. Another Rise: Place the tray in a warm spot and let the dough rise again for 20-30 minutes until it doubles in volume.

8. Baking the Dough: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the dough for 25 minutes, making sure to perform the toothpick test; if it comes out clean, the dough is ready. Halfway through the baking time, you can add a few tablespoons of warm milk with sugar to achieve a golden and moist crust.

9. Preparing the Glaze: While the dough is baking, you can prepare the glaze. Beat the egg white until it becomes frothy, then gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until it becomes compact. Add a few drops of lemon juice and, if desired, a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a more interesting glaze.

10. Finishing the Preparation: After the dough is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the glaze over it while it is still hot. This will create a delicious crust that will add extra flavor to your cake.

Serving Suggestions

This cinnamon dough is delicious served warm, alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can slice it and serve it as a simple yet elegant dessert. You can also add vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a decadent experience.

Variations and Creative Ideas

If you want to experiment, you can add nuts, raisins, or candied fruits to the cinnamon filling. You can also replace the cinnamon with other spices, such as cardamom or ginger, for a different flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is a good source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. Eggs are rich in protein, while butter and milk add healthy fats. Cinnamon not only adds flavor but also has antioxidant properties, benefiting metabolism.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast, being careful to adjust the amount.

2. How can I tell if the dough is ready to bake? The dough should be fluffy and have risen significantly. Perform the toothpick test at the end of the baking time.

3. Can the dough be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Make sure it is well wrapped in plastic wrap.

4. How can I make the dough healthier? You can use whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, or reduce the added sugar.

Now that you have all the necessary information, I encourage you to try this delicious cinnamon dough recipe. It is a perfect treat to impress family and friends or simply to indulge yourself over the weekend. Don’t forget to share your experience and the final result! Enjoy!