Easy Homemade Zimtschnecken Recipe: German Cinnamon Rolls with Sweet Icing

Zimtschnecken, which are also known as German Cinnamon Rolls. This delicious pastry is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Dough:

• 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of warm milk
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 large egg

Filling:

• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon

Icing:

• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons of milk

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
3. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangular shape.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to make the filling. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
8. Roll up the dough tightly from the long side, and cut it into 1-inch slices.
9. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. While the Zimtschnecken are baking, make the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
11. Drizzle the icing over the warm Zimtschnecken and serve.

Now, let me tell you a bit more about Zimtschnecken. These German Cinnamon Rolls are sweet, buttery, and full of cinnamon flavor. The dough is soft and fluffy, and the filling is a perfect balance of cinnamon and sugar. The icing adds a sweet and creamy finish that brings the whole pastry together.