Sweet Matcha Cinnamon Rolls with Blueberry Frosting

This recipe takes a classic cinnamon rolls but with matcha and berry twist. These are Sweet Matcha Cinnamon Rolls with a blueberry cream cheese frosting. Matcha is a great addition to baking because it mixes will with the dry ingredients. It also adds a layer of earthy flavor, a kick of caffeine and other benefits like antioxidants. 

Lets dive into making these Matcha Cinnamon Rolls.

Dough:

• ¾ cup buttermilk 

• 1 packet active dry yeast, 1/4 oz

• ¼ cup granulated sugar 

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1 egg

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 ½ tbsp sweet matcha 

• 3 ½ cups all purpose flour 

Filling:

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature

• ¼ cup light brown sugar 

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon 

Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature

• 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

• 1 pinch salt

• ¾ - 1cup powdered sugar

• 1-2 tbsp of blueberry jam 

• Activate the yeast: Warm ¾ cup buttermilk to 100–110°F. Stir in 1 packet active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of the ¼ cup granulated sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

• Make the dough: Add the yeast mixture to a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Add 6 tbsp softened butter, the remaining granulated sugar, 1 egg, and ¼ tsp salt. Mix together 2½ tbsp sweetened matcha and 3½ cups flour, then add to the mixer. Mix on low until combined, then knead on medium for 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth. If it's too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it is soft but no longer sticks to your hands.

• First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size

• Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12 × 12-inch square. Spread with 1 tbsp softened butter, then sprinkle with ¼ cup light brown sugar and 1 tbsp cinnamon.

• Cut and rise again: Roll the dough into a log and cut into 9 equal rolls. Place them in a greased 9 × 9-inch baking pan, cover, and let rise for 45–60 minutes, or until puffy.

• Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges

• Make the blueberry frosting: Beat together 2 tbsp softened butter, 2 oz softened cream cheese, ¼ tsp vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Mix in 1½ tbsp blueberry jam, then gradually beat in ¾–1 cup powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

• Frost and serve: Let the cinnamon rolls cool for 10 minutes, then spread the blueberry cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Enjoy!

Besides the energy boost from caffeine, matcha has a number for benefits. Matcha can help boost metabolism, it is loaded with antioxidants and can help lower cholesterol. Despite the caffeine, matcha has been shown to help reduce stress as well because of the high amount of L-theanine. 

• Change the fruit in the frosting: Try strawberry, blackberry or cherry frosting for a different flavor
• Use unsweetened matcha: If you like cinnamon rolls not as sweet, try unsweetened matcha like Organic Culinary Matcha