While traditional bakeries often use strong, pungent Cassia cinnamon, premium bakers prefer Ceylon cinnamon because its citrusy, bright, and mild sweetness merges perfectly into the brown sugar filling and rich cream cheese frosting without overpowering the dough
Classic American Ceylon Cinnamon Rolls
- Prep time: 25 minutes (plus 2 hours rising time)
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 large rolls
Dough Ingredients
- ¾ cup (180ml) Warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 pack (7g / 2¼ tsp) Active dry yeast
- ⅓ cup (65g) Granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 Large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup (75g) Unsalted butter, melted but cool
- 4 cups (500g) All-purpose flour or bread flour
- 1 tsp Salt
Gourmet Ceylon Cinnamon Filling
- ⅓ cup (75g) Unsalted butter, very soft (room temperature)
- 1 cup (200g) Dark brown sugar, packed
- 2½ tbsp Ground Ceylon cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Ground nutmeg
Vanilla Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz (115g) Cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (60g) Unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups (180g) Powdered sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla bean paste or extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
- Mix the Dough: Whisk the remaining sugar, eggs, and melted butter into the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
- Roll and Fill: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large
inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened filling butter evenly across the dough. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground Ceylon cinnamon, and nutmeg, then sprinkle it evenly over the butter layer.
- Shape the Rolls: Tightly roll the dough into a log starting from the long edge. Cut into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for clean cuts. Arrange the slices in a greased
inch baking pan, cover, and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown on top.
- Frost: While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until completely smooth. Spread the glaze generously over the cinnamon rolls while they are still warm so it melts into the layers.
Alba Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka | Gourmet Ceylon Cinnamon
