Name: Fluffy & Moist Matcha Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Ingredients: ¾ cup buttermilk; 1 packet active dry yeast (1/4 oz); ½ cup granulated sugar; 6 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 egg; ¼ tsp salt; 1 tbsp matcha powder; 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature); ¼ cup light brown sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature); 2 oz cream cheese (room temperature); ¼ tsp vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt; ¾ cup powdered sugar; ¾ tsp matcha powder

Ingredients

¾ cup buttermilk

1 packet active dry yeast (¼ oz)

½ cup granulated sugar

6 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)

1 egg

¼ tsp salt

1 tbsp matcha powder

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature, for filling)

¼ cup light brown sugar

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature, for frosting)

2 oz cream cheese (room temperature)

¼ tsp vanilla extract

1 pinch salt

¾ cup powdered sugar

¾ tsp matcha powder

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the buttermilk in the microwave for about 40 seconds until it reaches around 100-110°F (38-43°C). In a liquid measuring cup, combine the warm buttermilk with yeast and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Pour the yeast mixture into a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, the remaining granulated sugar, the egg, and salt. In a separate bowl, sift together the matcha powder and flour to prevent clumping, then add to the mixer bowl.

Step 3: Mix on low speed (speed 2) for one minute, then increase to speed 4 to knead for about 5 minutes until a smooth green dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time until it no longer sticks to your hands. This may require an additional ¼ to ½ cup of flour.

Step 4: Cover the dough with a wet towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Punch down the risen dough to release air and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×12 inch square. Spread 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with light brown sugar and cinnamon.

Step 6: Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 9 equal pieces by first dividing it into 3 equal sections, then cutting each section into 3 equal pieces.

Step 7: Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×9 inch baking pan. Cover and allow them to rise again for 1 to 2 hours, until puffy.

Step 8: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).

Step 9: Bake the rolls uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.

Step 10: While the rolls bake, prepare the matcha cream cheese frosting. In a stand mixer, beat together butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Sift powdered sugar and matcha powder together, then gradually add to the mixer and blend until creamy and well combined.

Step 11: Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for about 10 minutes before spreading the matcha cream cheese frosting over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

If you don’t have buttermilk, use regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

For a more pronounced matcha flavor, you can increase the matcha powder by ½ teaspoon in the dough and frosting.

Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling adds a nice crunch.

Use a warm, draft-free area for proofing the dough to ensure it rises properly.

FAQs

Can I make the dough by hand instead of using a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It may take a bit longer than using a stand mixer.

Can I prepare the cinnamon rolls the night before?

Absolutely. After shaping the rolls, cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the rolls come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.