Cinnamon Roll

Cinnamon Roll - a Delight for the Senses

Who doesn't love the inviting scent of cinnamon intertwined with the freshly baked aroma of dough? The cinnamon roll is a classic dessert that has brought joy to people's homes for generations. This roll, with its fluffy texture and sweet, spiced flavor, is perfect for enjoying with loved ones over a cup of coffee or fragrant tea.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 60 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 1 cube of fresh yeast
- 200 ml warm milk
- 50 g margarine (at room temperature)
- 2 eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar

Ingredients for the filling:
- 100 g margarine (at room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons sugar

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour. It is essential to sift the flour to achieve a fluffy dough. Add the dry ingredients: salt and sugar, mixing gently to distribute them evenly.

2. Activating the yeast: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the fresh yeast. Pour the warm milk (not hot, as it can kill the yeast) over the yeast. Finally, add the soft margarine. Knead the dough patiently for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

3. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes or until it doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the margarine with the cinnamon and sugar. This filling will add a special flavor to our roll, so don't skip this step!

5. Shaping the roll: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough into a rectangular sheet about 1 cm thick. Spread the cinnamon margarine mixture over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a 1 cm margin on all sides.

6. Rolling and braiding: Roll the dough tightly to form a log. With a very sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise, leaving 2 cm uncut at one end. Braid the two pieces of dough, with the cut side facing out, to create an attractive visual effect.

7. Shaping the roll: Shape the braid into a circle, joining the ends. At this point, you can brush the roll with the remaining filling for extra flavor.

8. Baking: Place the roll on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the roll for 30 minutes or until golden and fluffy.

9. Cooling and serving: After it has cooled slightly, you can serve it warm or at room temperature. It is delicious alongside a cup of warm milk or fruit tea.

Useful tips:
- If you want a more aromatic roll, you can add some chopped nuts or raisins to the filling.
- The cinnamon roll keeps well in an airtight container, but it is best enjoyed fresh.
- You can experiment with various spices (e.g., nutmeg or ginger) for a personalized taste.

Nutritional benefits:
This roll provides carbohydrates from the flour, which are a quick source of energy. Cinnamon is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In moderation, this dessert can be included in a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the quantity (about 7 g of dry yeast for one cube of fresh yeast).

2. What other fillings can I use?
You can try fillings with chocolate, fruit jam, or even sweet cheese.

3. How can I make the roll less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use sugar substitutes like honey or maple syrup.

This cinnamon roll is more than just a dessert: it is a memory of moments spent with family, a joy that blends tradition with innovation. Enjoy it with pleasure and bring a touch of warmth into the lives of your loved ones!