Cinnamon rolls reimagined with a Cypriot tahini twist

It's hard to find a cinnamon roll recipe that's so simple and yet so surprising at the same time. The fluffy spirals are filled with creamy filling and enveloped in the noble aroma of Ceylon cinnamon. It sounds magical and tastes similar.

Cinnamon rolls with a twist or tahini rolls with Ceylon cinnamon will cause a big stir. The Cypriot twist, which is the addition of tahini paste, will make many people smack their lips in delight. Be sure to try this recipe.

Tahini rolls are characteristic of Cypriot cuisine and a popular street food there. The fluffy dough contains a sweet filling based on tahini, a paste made from sesame seeds, sometimes lightly toasted for a deeper flavour. A common addition that enhances the aroma of tahini rolls is cinnamon.

Why should you choose Ceylon cinnamon? Ceylon cinnamon is sweeter than the variety we know from shops and lighter by a few shades. Additionally, it has a milder and more refined taste. It will work perfectly in tahini rolls, creating a treat reminiscent of the cinnamon rolls we know.

                  
• 240 grams wheat flour,
• 4 tsp instant yeast,
• 50 grams sugar (for the dough),
• 120 millilitres milk,
• 2 large eggs,
• 100 grams butter,
• A pinch of salt,
• 240 grams tahini sesame paste,
• 50 grams sugar (or other sweetener),
• 1 tsp Ceylon cinnamon.

Preparation:

1. Combine the flour, sugar, yeast, warm milk, and eggs. Knead the dough with a kitchen mixer or by hand. Finally, add the salt and chopped butter. Continue kneading for about 6-8 minutes.
2. Leave the kneaded dough to rise for 60 minutes in a warm place covered.
3. Combine tahini, sugar, and Ceylon cinnamon with a whisk until a uniform mass forms.
4. Knead the risen dough once more (for just a few seconds), and then shape it into a rectangle (45 cm x 35 cm) using a rolling pin.
5. Then, spread the dough with the prepared tahini filling, leaving 2 cm uncoated along the longer edge.
6. Roll up the dough into a roll and then cut the roll into 15 smaller pieces.
7. Line a baking tray with parchment paper, place the cinnamon rolls on it, and leave them to rise for 45 minutes under cover.
8. After this time, put the cinnamon rolls in an oven preheated to 190°C for about 20 minutes.
9. Remove the finished cinnamon rolls from the oven and serve with your favourite toppings.