Indulge in the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon buns. These delightful treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. With a soft, fluffy dough and a rich, cinnamon-sugar filling, these buns are sure to become a family favorite. Topped with a luscious icing, they are simply irresistible.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, you might need to pick up active dry yeast and powdered sugar if you don't already have them. Active dry yeast is essential for the dough to rise properly, while powdered sugar is used to make the icing smooth and sweet.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Buns Recipe
All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, providing structure and texture.
Active dry yeast: A leavening agent that helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps activate the yeast.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to both the dough and the filling.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the dough.
Brown sugar: Used in the filling to add a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice of the filling, giving the buns their signature flavor.
Powdered sugar: Used to make the icing smooth and sweet.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the icing.
Milk: Used to achieve the right consistency for the icing.
Technique Tip for Perfect Buns
When heating the milk, sugar, butter, and salt in the saucepan, ensure the temperature stays between 120-130°F. If the mixture gets too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising properly. Use a thermometer to check the temperature accurately.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the buns denser.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients and doesn't need to be activated in warm water.
warm milk - Substitute with warm almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and moisture to the dough.
butter, melted - Substitute with coconut oil, melted: Coconut oil is a plant-based fat that can replace butter in baking.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg. This is a vegan alternative that helps bind the dough.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and a caramel-like flavor.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other warming spices like nutmeg and cloves.
butter, softened - Substitute with vegan butter: Vegan butter is a plant-based alternative that can be used in the same quantity.
powdered sugar - Substitute with coconut powdered sugar: Coconut powdered sugar is a less processed alternative with a slight coconut flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to the icing.
milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is a creamy, dairy-free alternative that works well in icing.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Buns
- Allow the cinnamon buns to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing. This prevents condensation from forming and making them soggy.
- For short-term storage, place the cinnamon buns in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- To keep them fresh for a longer period, store the cinnamon buns in the refrigerator. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to a week.
- For freezing, individually wrap each cinnamon bun in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them fresh for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the cinnamon buns at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the cinnamon buns on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil. Warm them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can microwave individual cinnamon buns for about 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them tough.
- If you have leftover icing, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or let it come to room temperature before drizzling over the cinnamon buns.
- For an extra touch, you can add a bit of cream cheese to the icing before storing. This adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the cinnamon buns beautifully.
- Enjoy your cinnamon buns with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat any time of the day.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cinnamon buns on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through. This method helps maintain the buns' soft and fluffy texture.
Microwave Method: Place a cinnamon bun on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check if it's warm enough; if not, continue in 10-second intervals. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the bun tough.
Steamer Method: If you have a steamer, this is a fantastic way to reheat cinnamon buns. Place the buns in the steamer basket and steam for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the buns moist and soft, almost like they are freshly baked.
Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the cinnamon buns in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method can give the buns a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the cinnamon buns in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Heat for about 3-5 minutes. This method is quick and helps maintain a nice texture.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cinnamon buns on a baking tray and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for 10-12 minutes. This is a convenient method if you’re reheating just a few buns.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Large mixing bowl: Used to combine the initial flour and yeast mixture.
Saucepan: Heats the milk, sugar, butter, and salt mixture to the appropriate temperature.
Electric mixer: Mixes the dough ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a smooth and elastic dough.
Measuring cups: Measures out the flour, milk, sugar, and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Measures smaller quantities like yeast, salt, and vanilla extract.
Spatula: Scrapes down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
Rolling pin: Rolls out the dough into rectangles for filling and rolling.
Knife: Slices the rolled dough into individual cinnamon buns.
Baking pans: Holds the cinnamon buns while they bake in the oven.
Oven: Bakes the cinnamon buns to a golden brown.
Small mixing bowl: Mixes the powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and milk for the icing.
Whisk: Blends the icing ingredients to a smooth consistency.
Pastry brush: Spreads the softened butter onto the rolled-out dough.
Plastic wrap: Covers the dough while it rises to prevent it from drying out.
Cooling rack: Allows the baked cinnamon buns to cool slightly before icing.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Buns
Prepare the filling: Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in advance and store in an airtight container.
Use a stand mixer: Let a stand mixer do the heavy lifting for kneading the dough.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
Room temperature butter: Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy spreading.
Quick rise method: Use the oven's proof setting or a warm spot to speed up the dough rising process.
Cut with floss: Use dental floss to slice the dough rolls cleanly and quickly.
Cinnamon Buns Recipe
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup butter, softened
Icing
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and yeast.
- 2. In a saucepan, heat milk, sugar, butter, and salt until warm (120-130°F).
- 3. Add milk mixture to flour mixture; add eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.
- 4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough that is smooth and elastic (3 to 5 minutes total). Shape into a ball. Place in a greased bowl; turn once. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double in size (about 1 hour).
- 5. Punch dough down. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half. Cover; let rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly grease two 9x1-½-inch round baking pans or a 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
- 6. Roll each half of dough into a 12x8-inch rectangle. Spread with softened butter. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over butter. Roll up each rectangle, starting from a long side. Seal seams. Slice each roll into 12 pieces. Place slices, cut sides down, in prepared pans. Cover; let rise until nearly double (about 30 minutes).
- 7. Bake in a 375°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly.
- 8. For icing, in a small mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla. Add enough milk to make icing of drizzling consistency. Drizzle over warm rolls.
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