Korvapuusti
Over the years I’ve collected many recipes for cinnamon buns, known in Finland as Korvapuusti. The recipe included here is an easy, dependable one that yields two dozen of these delicious sweet rolls, which also freeze well. Savor every bite with breakfast or as a treat with coffee, tea or milk.
Korvapuusti (Cinnamon Buns)
INGREDIENTS
1/2 oz. yeast (2 envelopes)
1/2 C. warm water
3/4 C. plus 3 Tbsp. milk
7 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
3/4 C. granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. salt
4 - 4 1/2 C. all-purpose flour
1 C. light brown sugar
2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
3/4 C. raisins (optional)
2 C. powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
Pearl sugar for topping (optional)
Combine the yeast and warm water and set aside for 10 minutes.
Warm 3/4 C. of the milk in the microwave. In a large bowl, combine 4 Tbsp. of the melted butter and the warm milk. Using an electric mixer with a dough hook at low speed, slowly the dissolved yeast into the butter and milk. Add 1/2 C. of the granulated sugar, the egg, and the salt, and mix until combined. Add 4 C. of the flour, 1 C. at a time; mix until smooth. If the dough is sticky, add up to 1/2 C. more flour.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes. Place in a medium bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Stir together the brown sugar, the remaining 1/4 C. of granulated sugar and the cinnamon. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to form 12-by-24-inch rectangle. Brush the remaining 3 Tbsp. of melted butter over the dough, and sprinkle the brown sugar mixture on top. Scatter the raisins over the dough, if desired.
Starting with a long side, roll the dough up into a log, then cut with a sharp knife into generous 1-inch slices. Place in three greased 9-inch round cake pans (7-8 rolls per pan). Let the rolls rise for 45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake, uncovered, until crusty and golden brown on top, 20-25 min.
Whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and the remaining 3 Tbsp. of milk until smooth. Drizzle over the rolls when cool. Sprinkle with pearl sugar, if desired.