Mini cinnamon rolls

Mini cinnamon rolls - a sweet delight for all occasions

I invite you to discover with me a delicious recipe for mini cinnamon rolls, perfect to enjoy alongside a strong coffee or a fragrant tea. These fluffy, aromatic rolls soaked in cinnamon sweetness are ideal for a special breakfast, a snack during the day, or even a dessert that will impress anyone. Let’s begin our journey into the culinary world!

Total preparation time: 3 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 20 mini rolls

Ingredients for the dough:
- 750 g wheat flour
- 12 g fresh yeast
- 500 ml lukewarm water
- 60 ml palm oil or 50 g butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for the filling:
- Oil (for greasing)
- Brown sugar (to taste)
- Ground cinnamon (to taste)

Step by step - Preparing the dough:
1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 100 ml lukewarm water with fresh yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Add 2-3 tablespoons of flour and mix well. Let this starter rise for 15-20 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Preparing the flour: In a large bowl, sift the flour and salt. This will be the base of our dough, and sifting will give it a light and airy texture.

3. Mixing the ingredients: Once the starter has risen, pour it over the flour. Add the remaining lukewarm water and oil (or melted butter) to the bowl. Use a spatula or your hands to mix until the dough starts to form.

4. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a clean, floured surface. Knead vigorously for about 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. It’s important to give the dough time to develop gluten, which will lead to fluffy rolls.

5. Proofing: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 - 2 hours until it doubles in volume. You can check if the dough has risen enough by gently pressing it with your finger - if it retains its shape, it’s ready.

Assembling the mini rolls:
1. Dividing the dough: Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface and divide it into equal parts, about 20 pieces.

2. Rolling out the dough: Take a piece of dough and roll it out with a rolling pin until you get a sheet about 5 mm thick. Make sure it is even to achieve rolls of equal size.

3. Greasing and sprinkling: Grease the sheet of dough with a little oil, then generously sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the entire surface. The ratio can be adjusted according to your personal preferences.

4. Rolling: Carefully roll the dough, starting from one end, forming a tight cylinder. After you have rolled the entire sheet, cut the cylinder into pieces about 5 cm long.

5. Shaping the snail rolls: Take each piece and gently press one end to give it the shape of a snail. Place them in a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to expand during baking.

6. Second proofing: Let the rolls rise for another 10 minutes, covered with a clean towel.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the tray with the rolls inside. Bake for 40 minutes, or until they become golden and fluffy. You will smell the wonderful aroma of cinnamon and caramelized sugar throughout the house.

8. Finishing: After removing them from the oven, brush the rolls with a mixture of warm water and sugar to give them an appetizing shine. Cover them with a clean towel for 5 minutes to keep them warm and fluffy.

Serving and suggestions:
These mini cinnamon rolls are excellent served warm, alongside a strong coffee or fragrant tea. You can decorate them with a drizzle of sugar glaze (a mixture of powdered sugar and water) or chopped nuts for added texture. You can also experiment with various fillings, such as ground nuts, raisins, or even chocolate.

Helpful tips:
- Milk version: For an even richer dough, replace the water with 400 ml of lukewarm milk.
- Other types of sugar: You can use white sugar for a less caramelized taste or even honey for an extra natural flavor.
- Proofing: If you have time, let the dough rise longer for even fluffier rolls.

Nutritional benefits:
These mini rolls are a good source of carbohydrates, and cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, moderate consumption is recommended due to the sugar content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast? Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with 4 g of dry yeast. Mix it with the flour before adding the liquids.
- Can the rolls be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Let them thaw and then bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

This mini cinnamon roll recipe is not just a simple snack, but a true culinary experience that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones. I encourage you to try it and share the result with friends and family - they will surely appreciate your effort! Enjoy!