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Matcha Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 126 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delight in these vibrant Matcha Cinnamon Rolls combining the earthy flavor of matcha with classic cinnamon sweetness. Soft, fluffy dough infused with matcha powder is rolled with a luscious matcha and cinnamon filling, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a creamy matcha cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a unique breakfast treat or a special dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar (133g)
  • 1 Tbsp matcha powder (6g)
  • 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon (7g)
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)

Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour + about 1/2 cup (500g-560g)
  • 2 Tbsp matcha powder (12g)
  • 4 1/2 tsp or 2 packets instant dry yeast (14g, 1/2 oz.)
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g)
  • 1 cup whole milk (245g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)

Frosting

  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, room temperature (113g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (8ml)
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (310g)
  • 1 Tbsp whole milk (15ml)
  • 2 Tbsp matcha powder (12g – to be added later)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Matcha Cinnamon Roll Filling: In a medium bowl, combine 2/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1 Tbsp matcha powder, 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients for Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, mix 4 cups flour, 2 Tbsp matcha powder, 2 packets instant dry yeast, and 1/2 tsp salt thoroughly.
  3. Heat Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup softened butter, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Heat in microwave for 1 minute until butter is fully melted, then stir to combine.
  4. Mix Dough: Slowly pour warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed with dough hook or by hand, scraping bowl edges to incorporate flour evenly.
  5. Add Eggs: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing on medium speed after each addition until sticky dough forms.
  6. Knead Dough: Mix on medium-low speed for 2-3 minutes to develop elasticity. Add additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time until dough is tacky but not sticky and pulls away from bowl sides.
  7. Rest Dough: Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let dough rest for 10-20 minutes to relax gluten for easier rolling.
  8. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 14 x 18 inch rectangle approximately 1/2 cm thick.
  9. Apply Butter and Filling: Spread 1/2 cup room temperature butter evenly over dough, leaving a 1/2 inch margin on one long side uncovered. Then spread matcha cinnamon filling evenly over the buttered section.
  10. Roll Dough: Roll the dough horizontally towards the uncovered edge, creating a tight log.
  11. Cut Rolls: Using dental floss for clean cuts, slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and place them spaced apart in a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
  12. Proof Rolls: If baking immediately, cover and let rolls proof in a warm place for about 30 minutes (e.g., inside a turned-off oven preheated to 200°F). If making ahead, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, then thaw and proof 1-2 hours before baking.
  13. Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 28-32 minutes or until golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway to ensure even baking.
  14. Prepare Frosting: Beat together 1/2 cup cream cheese, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 Tbsp whole milk until smooth.
  15. Frost Rolls: Cool the cinnamon rolls for 10-20 minutes before spreading 2/3 of the frosting evenly on top.
  16. Make Matcha Swirl: Mix 2 Tbsp matcha powder into the remaining frosting and spoon it in swirls over the plain frosting for a beautiful visual and additional matcha flavor.

Notes

  • Using dental floss to cut the rolls creates cleaner slices without squishing the dough.
  • Letting the dough rest after kneading relaxes gluten, making it easier to roll out.
  • Proofing the rolls in a warm but turned-off oven helps in consistent rise, especially in cooler environments.
  • Cold proofing overnight enhances flavor and allows for flexible baking timing.
  • Matcha powder in both filling and frosting offers a distinct earthy flavor balanced by sweetness.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure smooth mixing and better dough texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Fusion (Japanese-American)

Keywords: matcha cinnamon rolls, matcha rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, matcha dessert, cream cheese frosting, breakfast baked goods

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Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/matcha-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/