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Writer's pictureHigh Altitude Baker

Why are my cinnamon rolls rising too much at altitude?

Updated: Apr 22, 2023


Cinnamon rolls, like other baked goods, can behave differently at high altitudes due to changes in atmospheric pressure and moisture levels.


Here are some possible reasons why your cinnamon rolls may be rising too much at altitude:


Lower air pressure: At higher altitudes, the air pressure is lower, which means that there is less atmospheric pressure pushing down on the dough. As a result, the dough may rise more rapidly, causing your cinnamon rolls to overproof and become too puffy.


Faster evaporation: High altitude environments tend to be drier, which can cause the moisture in the dough to evaporate more quickly. This can result in a faster fermentation process, leading to excessive gas production and a higher rise in the dough.


Different yeast activity: Yeast, the microorganism responsible for fermentation in dough, can behave differently at high altitudes. The lower air pressure and drier conditions can affect the activity of yeast, causing it to ferment more quickly and produce more gas, leading to an overly risen dough.


Different flour characteristics: Flours can also vary in their characteristics at different altitudes, such as protein content and moisture absorption rate. If you're using a different type or brand of flour at high altitude, it may require adjustments to the recipe to compensate for these differences.


To mitigate the issue of cinnamon rolls rising too much at altitude, you can try the following:


Adjust the amount of yeast: Reduce the amount of yeast in the recipe to slow down the fermentation process and prevent excessive rising. You may need to experiment with different amounts to find the right balance.


Reduce the proofing time: Shorten the proofing time, which is the time the dough is left to rise before baking. Keep a close eye on the dough and check for signs of proper proofing, such as it doubling in size, rather than relying solely on the recommended time in the recipe.

Use less sugar: Sugar can speed up fermentation, so consider reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe to slow down the rising process.


Adjust the liquid content: If the dough seems too dry at altitude, you can increase the liquid content slightly to compensate for the faster evaporation. Conversely, if the dough seems too wet, you may need to reduce the liquid content.


Experiment with different flours: If you're using a different type or brand of flour at altitude, try experimenting with different flours or adjusting the flour-to-liquid ratio to find the right consistency for your dough.


Remember that baking at high altitudes can be challenging, and it may take some trial and error to find the right adjustments for your cinnamon rolls. Keep experimenting and adjusting your recipe until you achieve the desired results.


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