Korvapuusti - Finnish cinnamon rolls

Finnish Cinnamon Rolls - Korvapuusti

I invite you to dive into the fragrant and fluffy world of Finnish cinnamon rolls, known as Korvapuusti. These delights are not just a special dessert, but also a tradition that brings joy and warmth to every home. The aroma of cinnamon combined with the soft and buttery dough will make you fall in love with every bite. I will guide you step by step, providing useful tips and tricks to achieve perfect rolls that you can enjoy alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 60 g butter (high quality, do not use margarine or blends)
- 50 g sugar
- 200 ml warm milk
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)

For the filling:
- 80 g butter (melted)
- 8 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preparation:

1. Activating the yeast:
Start by warming the milk in a small pot until it is lukewarm, but not hot. Add the sugar, vanilla, and fresh yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until a light foam forms on top. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to ferment the dough.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the egg yolk. Pour the milk-yeast mixture and melted butter over the flour. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and non-sticky. It is essential to use quality butter, as poor quality butter can affect the texture of the rolls. If you are unsure about a certain type of butter, always choose organic or artisanal options.

3. Rising the dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for one hour, or until it doubles in size and becomes fluffy. This is the perfect time to prepare the filling!

4. Preparing the filling:
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. If you chose to use cardamom, add it now. This combination will give your rolls a wonderful flavor, and the cinnamon will fill the entire house with an irresistible aroma.

5. Shaping the rolls:
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a rectangular sheet, about 0.5 cm thick. Brush each sheet with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture.

6. Rolling and cutting:
Roll each sheet tightly to form a cylinder, then cut into trapezoidal shapes. In the middle of each trapezoid, gently press with the handle of a brush or your finger to create a dent. This detail not only looks good but also helps the rolls bake evenly.

7. Baking:
Place the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to rise. Brush them with a mixture of egg yolk and milk for a golden and shiny crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes until they are golden and fluffy.

8. Finishing:
After taking them out of the oven, let them cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar for an even more attractive appearance. You can serve them warm, but they are just as delicious cold.

Useful tips:
- Use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature of the milk. It should be between 37-40°C to activate the yeast effectively.
- If you don’t have cardamom, you can omit it or replace it with a bit of grated nutmeg.
- You can experiment with the filling by adding chopped nuts or raisins for an interesting texture.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, but use about 10 g of dry yeast, mixing it with the flour.
- Can I store the rolls? They keep well in airtight containers for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them to enjoy later.

Serving suggestions:
Korvapuusti pairs wonderfully with a fine cup of coffee or aromatic tea, making every meal a special occasion. You can also add a teaspoon of fruit jam or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert.

These cinnamon rolls are not only delicious but also easy to make, being a perfect choice for a relaxing afternoon or to impress guests. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, Korvapuusti will bring a touch of joy to every bite. So, put on your apron and get ready to enjoy a wonderful culinary experience!

 Ingredients: Ingredients: 500 g flour, 25 g yeast, 60 g butter, 50 g sugar, 200 ml milk, 1 egg, 2 teaspoons ground cardamom (I honestly don't see the point of this spice, but since I had it at home and the recipe calls for it, I added it, but I personally didn't taste the cardamom, cinnamon being much stronger). Filling: 80 g butter, 8 teaspoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

 Tags:  cinnamon rolls