The Perfect Cinnamon Pastry from Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you a fan of cinnamon rolls but longing for a fresh, homemade version? Making cinnamon pastries from scratch is easier than you might think! This classic recipe, often resembling cinnamon rolls or pastries, involves creating a flaky, tender dough filled with a delicious cinnamon sugar mixture. Follow our detailed guide to whip up these delightful treats in your very own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp salt 2 tbsp granulated sugar 1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes 1/4 cup ice water

For the Cinnamon Filling:

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1 tbsp ground cinnamon 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Optional Egg Wash:

1 egg 1 tbsp milk

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.

Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.

Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

Soften Butter: Ensure your butter is softened and spreadable.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Flour the Surface: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.

Roll the Dough: Roll the dough out into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Aim for a size of approximately 12x16 inches.

Step 4: Assemble the Pastry

Spread Butter: Evenly spread the softened butter over the rolled-out dough.

Add Cinnamon Filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

Roll Up: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.

Cut into Pieces: Slice the log into 1-inch thick rounds.

Step 5: Bake the Pastry

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Arrange Pastries: Place the sliced pastries on the baking sheet, leaving space between them.

Apply Egg Wash: (Optional) Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush the mixture over the tops of the pastries.

Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Cool: Allow the pastries to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.

Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Tips for Perfection

Keep Ingredients Cold: Ensure your butter is cold to achieve a flaky texture.

Do Not Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to prevent it from becoming tough.

Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding nuts, raisins, or a drizzle of icing for extra flavor.

Enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon pastries!