Print

Fluffy & Moist Matcha Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 148 reviews

These fluffy and moist Matcha Cinnamon Rolls combine the delicate grassy flavor of matcha with the warm spice of cinnamon. Soft, green-hued dough is enveloped around a sweet cinnamon sugar filling and finished with a luscious matcha cream cheese frosting, perfect for an indulgent breakfast or brunch treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 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

Filling

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Frosting

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Heat ¾ cup of buttermilk in the microwave for 40 seconds until it reaches 100-110°F (38-43°C). In a liquid measuring cup, add 1 packet active dry yeast and 1 tsp granulated sugar to the warm buttermilk and mix. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Prepare Dough: Pour the yeast mixture into a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add 6 tbsp unsalted butter, the remaining granulated sugar, 1 egg, and ¼ tsp salt. In a separate bowl, sift together 1 tbsp matcha powder and 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour to prevent clumping, then add to the mixer bowl.
  3. Knead Dough: Mix on low speed (speed 2) for 1 minute, then increase to speed 4 and knead for 5 minutes until the dough forms a smooth green ball. If the dough is too wet or sticky, add additional flour 1 tbsp at a time until no longer sticky, up to ½ cup more.
  4. First Rise: Cover the dough with a damp towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Shape Rolls: Punch down the dough to release air, then roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×12 inch square. Spread 1 tbsp unsalted butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with ¼ cup light brown sugar and 1 tbsp ground cinnamon.
  6. Form and Cut Rolls: Starting from one edge, roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 3 equal sections, then cut each section into 3 equal pieces for a total of 9 rolls.
  7. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×9 inch baking pan, leaving some space between them. Cover and let them rise again in a warm place for 1-2 hours until puffed.
  8. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) to warm while the rolls finish rising.
  9. Bake Rolls: Bake the cinnamon rolls uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn light golden brown.
  10. Make Frosting: While baking, combine 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 oz cream cheese, ¼ tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a stand mixer. In another bowl, sift together ¾ cup powdered sugar with ¾ tsp matcha powder and add to the mixer. Beat until creamy and smooth.
  11. Frost Rolls: Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for about 10 minutes after baking, then spread the matcha cream cheese frosting evenly over the warm rolls.

Notes

  • Ensure that the buttermilk is warmed to the right temperature before adding yeast to activate it properly; too hot will kill the yeast.
  • Sifting the matcha powder with flour and powdered sugar prevents lumps and ensures even flavor distribution.
  • If the dough is sticky, adding flour gradually is normal; do not add too much to keep rolls soft.
  • Allowing two rises contributes to the rolls’ fluffiness and tenderness.
  • Cooling the rolls slightly before frosting prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting and sliding off.

Keywords: matcha cinnamon rolls, matcha rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, matcha cream cheese frosting, fluffy cinnamon rolls, brunch recipes