Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pastries

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat: 11g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 28g (Sugar: 12g)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3.
   In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
4. 4.
   Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. 6.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. 8.
   Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
9. 9.
   Brush the melted butter over the entire surface of the dough.
10. 10.
    In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the melted butter.
11. 11.
    Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
12. 12.
    Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
13. 13.
    Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown.
14. 14.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is cold and cubed for the dough, and melted for brushing over the rolled-out dough.
• Milk — Warm the milk to activate the yeast, but ensure it is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
• If you prefer a sweeter pastry, you can drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled pastries.
• These pastries are best enjoyed warm, so you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving if needed.
• If you don't have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead. Follow the package instructions for the appropriate amount.
• Experiment with different fillings such as chopped nuts, raisins, or even a dollop of Nutella for a decadent twist.

Serving advice

Serve these homemade cinnamon sugar pastries warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Presentation advice

Arrange the pastries on a serving platter or a wooden board, and sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top for an elegant touch. You can also serve them in individual paper liners for a more casual presentation.