Martha Stewart is an iconic figure in the world of culinary arts, a maestro of the kitchen who has offered countless tips and tricks to enhance the flavor and quality of everyday dishes. When it comes to comfort food, few things are as universally loved as cinnamon rolls, with their warm, gooey centers and sweet, spicy aroma. However, Martha Stewart has a surprising secret ingredient that takes the traditional cinnamon roll recipe to new heights: mashed potatoes.

According to Stewart, incorporating mashed potatoes into the dough of your cinnamon rolls can profoundly affect the texture and moistness of the final product. The starchiness of the potatoes contributes to a more tender crumb while also helping the dough retain moisture throughout baking. This means that every bite of your cinnamon roll will be soft and pillowy rather than heavy or dry.

Stewart’s tip does not just stop at adding mashed potatoes; it’s crucial to ensure that they are plain and not loaded with butter or cream. Seasonings commonly associated with savory dishes don’t translate well into this sweet treat, so she recommends using either leftover mashed potatoes or making them specifically for the recipe.

Here’s how you can implement Martha Stewart’s ingenious trick into your baking routine:

Ingredients:

– 1 cup mashed potatoes (plain)

– 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

– 1 cup milk (room temperature)

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1 large egg

– 2 teaspoons instant yeast

– 1 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

– 3/4 cup light brown sugar

– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

– 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Procedure:

1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine warm mashed potatoes with milk, butter, sugar, egg, yeast, and salt.

2. Gradually add flour to the mixture until a dough begins to form. Knead on a low setting or by hand until smooth, which should take approximately 7 minutes.

3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about an hour.

4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about half an inch thick.

5. Brush melted butter over the dough and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and ground cinnamon.

6. Roll up the rectangle tightly from one long end to another and pinch to seal it closed.

7. Cut into equal-sized rolls (typically makes about 12) using dental floss or a sharp knife.

8. Arrange rolls in greased baking pan (9×13 inches) with space between them.

9. Cover again and let them rise until puffy—about an additional 45 minutes.

10. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit during the final rising period.

11. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

By following these steps while incorporating her unique tip regarding mashed potatoes, you’ll create cinnamon rolls that not only fill your home with an inviting scent but also offer an unmatched texture that sets them apart from any you’ve had before.

Martha Stewart’s mashed potato tip is just one example of how thinking outside the box—and even outside traditional food categories—can lead to extraordinary culinary creations that delight friends and family alike. This simple yet inventive addition might just make these cinnamon rolls your new signature baked good for all occasions requiring something sweet and satisfyingly homemade.