Cinnamon Buns
Savor the delightful aroma of fresh-baked cinnamon buns wafting through your kitchen. These sweet rolls are a classic treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert. With a soft, fluffy texture and a rich cinnamon filling, they are sure to please any crowd. Follow this easy recipe to create your own batch of gooey goodness that will have everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk, warmed
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
– 2 tbsp cream cheese (for icing)
– 2 tbsp milk (for icing)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 12 delicious cinnamon buns. Preparation time is about 30 minutes, with an additional 1 hour for rising, and baking time is 25-30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cinnamon bun) contains approximately:
– Calories: 270
– Total Fat: 8g
– Carbohydrates: 42g
– Protein: 4g
– Sugar: 12g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture.
3. Stir until combined, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar evenly.
7. Roll the dough tightly from the long end and slice into 12 equal pieces.
8. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
10. While baking, mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, and milk to create the icing. Drizzle over warm buns before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute almond milk for regular milk for a dairy-free version. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan option, and replace regular sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
Serving and Pairings
Cinnamon buns are best enjoyed warm out of the oven, but they pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a special treat, serve with fresh fruit or whipped cream on the side.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using cold ingredients can hinder dough rising.
- Don’t skip the resting period; it’s crucial for fluffy buns.
- Overbaking can lead to dry buns; check doneness early.
- Be careful not to roll the dough too thin.
- Ensure your yeast is fresh for proper rising.
Helpful Tips
- Use dental floss to slice the dough for clean cuts.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg for added flavor.
- Let the buns cool slightly before icing for better adhesion.
- Try adding nuts or raisins for extra texture.
FAQs
Can I make cinnamon buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the buns the night before. Just refrigerate them and let them rise before baking in the morning.
What can I use instead of yeast?
You can use baking powder as a substitute for yeast, but the texture will be different. Baking powder will create a denser bun.
How do I know when my cinnamon buns are done baking?
The buns should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I freeze cinnamon buns?
Absolutely! Freeze them before or after baking. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Why are my cinnamon buns dense?
Dense buns can result from under-kneading the dough or not allowing it to rise properly. Ensure you follow rising times.
Conclusion
Cinnamon buns are a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. With their soft texture and sweet aroma, they make for a perfect breakfast or dessert. Follow this recipe, and you’ll have a batch of irresistible cinnamon buns that will impress family and friends alike!
Cinnamon Buns
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk warmed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar for icing
- 2 tbsp cream cheese for icing
- 2 tbsp milk for icing
Instructions
- Combine warm milk and sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture.
- Stir until combined, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long end and slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, and milk to create the icing and drizzle over warm buns.
