Cinnamon Buns: Sweet, Spiced, and Perfectly Indulgent
Eric Howey
Few treats rival the comfort of a warm cinnamon bun fresh out of the oven. With their soft, pillowy dough and swirls of buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, these buns are the ultimate indulgence. Topped with a luscious glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime treat.
While they take a little time to prepare, cinnamon buns are well worth the effort. This recipe simplifies the process with straightforward steps, so you can enjoy bakery-quality buns in the comfort of your home.
Classic Cinnamon Bun Recipe
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add the egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Gradually stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes (or 5 minutes with a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
- Roll & Fill: Roll the dough into a 12x16-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Shape the Buns: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
- Glaze & Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm buns and serve immediately.
These cinnamon buns are best enjoyed warm, but they’re also fantastic reheated for a sweet treat any time!