Domina la Producción de Roles de Canela: Congelar, Masa Fría y Fermentación
Domina la Producción de Roles de Canela: Congelar, Masa Fría y Fermentación is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 12. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Cupkate Pastry on YouTube.
Prep: 3 hrs 10 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 3 hrs 55 min
Cost: $5.55 total, $0.46 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 g Bread Flour (high‑gluten (12‑14% protein) for strong gluten development)
- 250 ml Water (lukewarm, about 30‑35°C)
- 30 g Milk Powder (adds softness without extra liquid)
- 50 g Granulated Sugar (for the dough)
- 10 g Salt (fine sea salt)
- 7 g Instant Yeast (active dry or instant, proofed in warm water with a pinch of sugar)
- 30 ml Vegetable Oil (for the dough, adds tenderness)
- 50 g Unsalted Butter (softened, for the cinnamon filling)
- 100 g Brown Sugar (packed, for the filling)
- 2 tbsp Ground Cinnamon (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 120 g Powdered Sugar (for the glaze)
- 30 ml Milk (for the glaze, can be whole or 2% milk)
Instructions
Prepare the Tanzón (pre‑ferment)
Combine 250 ml water, 250 g bread flour, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth paste. Let it cool to room temperature.
Time: PT15M
Proof the Yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the instant yeast in 30 ml lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5‑10 minutes until bubbles appear.
Time: PT10M
Mix the Dough
In the stand‑mixer's bowl, add the cooled tanzón, proofed yeast, 500 g bread flour, 50 g sugar, 10 g salt, 30 g milk powder, and 30 ml oil. Attach the dough hook and mix on speed 1 for 2 minutes, then increase to medium speed for 8 minutes until the dough passes the window‑pane test.
Time: PT10M
First Rest (Cold Fermentation)
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled 8×8‑inch square pan, press it flat, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator for 8‑12 hours (or overnight).
Time: PT12H
Freeze the Dough for Later Use (Optional)
If you want to make the rolls later, after the 8‑hour cold rest, keep the covered pan in the freezer for at least 3 hours until the dough feels firm but not frozen solid.
Time: PT3H
Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
In a bowl, mix 50 g softened butter, 100 g brown sugar, and 2 tbsp ground cinnamon until a smooth paste forms.
Time: PT5M
Roll the Dough Thin
Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the chilled dough out onto the surface, sprinkle a little flour on top, and roll from the center outward to a rectangle about 44‑45 cm (17 in) long and 0.5 cm thick.
Time: PT15M
Spread the Filling
Evenly spread the cinnamon‑butter mixture over the entire surface of the rolled dough, leaving a tiny border around the edges.
Time: PT3M
Form the Rolls
Fold the short edges toward the center, then roll the dough tightly from one short side to the other, creating a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
Time: PT5M
Cut the Rolls
Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut the log into 12 equal pieces (about 4.5 cm each). Because the dough is cold, the cuts will be clean.
Time: PT5M
Second Proof (Cold)
Place the cut rolls into the prepared 8×8‑inch pan, leaving space between each. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (8‑12 hours) or for at least 2 hours if you plan to bake the same day.
Time: PT12H
Bake the Rolls
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 20‑25 minutes, until golden brown and the tops are set.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 180°C
Glaze the Warm Rolls
While the rolls are still warm, whisk together 120 g powdered sugar and 30 ml milk. Drizzle the glaze over the rolls.
Time: PT5M
Cool and Serve
Allow the rolls to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 40 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Wheat, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bread Flour: All‑Purpose Flour (will be slightly less elastic)
- Instead of Milk Powder: Whole milk (increase water by 30 ml)
- Instead of Instant Yeast: Fresh yeast (double amount)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Melted butter (same amount)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Brown Sugar: White sugar mixed with molasses
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: Honey glaze
- Instead of Milk: Water (will be less sweet)
Equipment Needed
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook
- Mixing Bowl
- Kitchen Scale
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry Scraper / Bench Knife
- 8×8‑inch Square Baking Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Plastic Wrap
- Oven
- Freezer
- Refrigerator
- Sharp Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensuring the tanzón is fully cooled before adding yeast.
- Proofing the yeast to confirm activity.
- Kneading until the dough passes the window‑pane test.
- Chilling the dough until firm before rolling.
- Rolling the dough thin and evenly.
- Cutting the rolls while the dough is still cold.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Using bread flour (high gluten) gives the rolls their characteristic chew and lift.
- Milk powder adds richness without extra liquid, keeping the dough manageable.
- Cold‑proofing slows yeast activity, allowing better flavor development and easier handling.
- Rolling the dough to about 0.5 cm thickness maximizes visible spirals after baking.
- If the dough sticks, dust the work surface and rolling pin lightly with flour rather than adding more liquid.
Troubleshooting
Dough is too wet and sticky.
Add flour one tablespoon at a time while kneading until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl but remains soft.
Rolls do not rise during the second proof.
Check that the yeast was active during proofing; if not, start over with fresh yeast. Also ensure the refrigerator is not set too cold (ideally 4‑5°C).
Rolls spread too much and lose shape while baking.
Make sure the dough was firm after chilling and that the rolls were spaced adequately on the pan.
Glaze runs off the rolls.
Apply glaze while the rolls are still warm but not hot; let them sit 5‑10 minutes for the glaze to set.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked, shaped rolls (still on parchment) for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before the final proof and bake.
Room temperature: Not recommended for more than 2 hours; rolls will dry out.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the tanzón and dough up to the first cold rest; freeze the dough for up to 2 weeks.
- The cinnamon filling can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 5 days.
- Glaze can be mixed in advance and kept in a sealed container for 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cinnamon rolls in Mexican cuisine?
Cinnamon rolls, known as "roles de canela" in Mexico, were introduced by European immigrants and adapted with local ingredients like milk powder and tanzón. They are now a popular sweet pastry for breakfast and celebrations, especially in bakeries and home kitchens.
What are the traditional regional variations of roles de canela in Mexican pastry?
In central Mexico, rolls are often filled with a simple cinnamon‑sugar butter, while in the north they may include piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar) and sometimes nuts. Some regions add orange zest or use a caramel glaze instead of a simple powdered‑sugar glaze.
How are roles de canela traditionally served in Mexican households?
They are typically served warm, brushed with a sweet glaze, and enjoyed with coffee or hot chocolate. For special occasions, they may be dusted with powdered sugar and presented on a decorative platter.
What occasions or celebrations are cinnamon rolls associated with in Mexican culture?
Roles de canela are common at family brunches, birthdays, and religious holidays such as Día de los Muertos, where sweet breads play a symbolic role. They are also a staple in Mexican bakeries for everyday treats.
What makes this cold‑dough cinnamon roll method special in Mexican pastry?
The cold‑dough technique slows fermentation, producing a softer crumb that stays tender for days. It also allows bakers to prepare dough in bulk, freeze it, and bake fresh rolls on demand, which is ideal for busy home cooks and small bakeries.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for roles de canela versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include bread flour, tanzón (a cooked flour‑water paste), milk powder, butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Substitutes can be all‑purpose flour (less gluten), whole milk instead of milk powder, and white sugar mixed with molasses for brown sugar.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with cinnamon rolls?
Cinnamon rolls pair nicely with Mexican hot chocolate, café de olla, or a light fruit salad. For a savory contrast, serve them alongside chilaquiles or huevos rancheros for a full breakfast spread.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cold‑dough cinnamon rolls?
Common errors include adding the yeast to a hot tanzón (which kills the yeast), under‑kneading the dough, not chilling the dough enough before rolling, and cutting the rolls while the dough is warm, which leads to ragged edges.
Why does this recipe use a cold fermentation step instead of a traditional room‑temperature rise?
Cold fermentation slows yeast activity, allowing more flavor development and giving the baker flexibility to schedule baking. It also makes the dough firmer, which is essential for rolling thin without tearing.
Can I make the cinnamon rolls ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Shape the rolls, place them on a parchment‑lined pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight for a same‑day bake, or freeze them for up to two weeks. Thaw frozen rolls in the refrigerator overnight, then give them a short final proof before baking.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be golden brown on top, with a glossy glaze, and feel springy to the touch. When cut, the interior should be light, airy, and show distinct cinnamon spirals.
What does the YouTube channel Cupkate Pastry specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cupkate Pastry specializes in Mexican‑style pastries, breads, and desserts, offering detailed tutorials on techniques such as cold‑dough preparation, decorative glazing, and traditional sweet breads.
How does the YouTube channel Cupkate Pastry's approach to Mexican pastry differ from other cooking channels?
Cupkate Pastry focuses on practical, time‑saving methods like cold‑dough fermentation and batch freezing, while still preserving authentic flavors. The channel emphasizes clear visual explanations and real‑world kitchen tips that cater to home bakers.
Last updated: August 18, 2026








