Irresistible Cinnamon Buns

Few baked goods evoke the warmth and comfort of a well-made cinnamon bun. These spiraled delights, with their tender dough, rich cinnamon filling, and decadent icing, have a universal appeal. You can enjoy these as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack , cinnamon buns hold a special place in our hearts and kitchens.

A Brief History

The origins of cinnamon buns can be traced back to Sweden, where they are known as “kanelbullar.” Introduced in the 1920s, Swedish cinnamon buns are often flavored with cardamom and are less sweet than their American counterparts. In Sweden, they are traditionally enjoyed during “fika,” a cherished coffee break that emphasizes relaxation and connection. The buns’ popularity soon spread across Europe and eventually to North America, where they evolved into the gooey, icing-topped versions we love today.

A great cinnamon bun is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The dough should be soft yet sturdy enough to hold the generous filling without becoming soggy. The filling itself, typically a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and butter, needs to be plentiful but not overpowering. The final touch, an optional drizzle of icing or cream cheese frosting, adds a sweet and creamy contrast that ties everything together.

Baking Tips

Making cinnamon buns at home can be a fun experience, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Here are a few tips for success:

Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active to achieve a fluffy, airy dough.

Don’t Rush the Rise: Allowing the dough to rise fully during both proofing stages is crucial for the right texture.

Generous Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly and generously for consistent flavor in every bite.

Perfect Roll: Roll the dough tightly but not too tight to avoid squeezing out the filling.

Icing Timing: Apply icing while the buns are still warm for a luscious, melty effect.

Cinnamon buns are actually incredibly versatile. They can be customized with nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips. For a seasonal twist, try adding pumpkin spice in the fall or a touch of ginger during the winter holidays. They also freeze well, making them a convenient option for make-ahead breakfasts or snacks.

Irresistible Cinnamon buns, with their rich history and universal appeal, are a testament to the joys of baking and sharing. Whether you stick to a classic recipe or experiment with new flavors, these delightful pastries are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Irresistible Cinnamon Buns

These classic cinnamon buns are soft, sweet, and generously spiced with cinnamon, making them the perfect indulgent treat for any time of day. With this recipe, you’ll produce 12 delicious buns that are sure to delight your family and friends.

4.94 from 75 votes

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Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Bake, Cinnamon, Dairy, Dough, Fruit, Raisins, Spice

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Dough Rising: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 2 hours hours 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 Buns

Calories: 557kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

Dough:

• 1 cup milk warm (110°F/45°C)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs free range
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• 2 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup raisins

Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk maybe 3 tbsp

Instructions

• In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  1 cup milk, 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• Add sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and flour. Mix until well combined.
  1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup unsalted butter, 1 tsp salt, 2 large eggs, 4 cups all-purpose flour
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
  1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• Stir in the raisins.
  1 cup raisins
• Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
• Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
• Roll up the dough tightly from the long side, and cut into 12 even slices.
• Place the slices in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
• While the buns are baking, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
  4 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp milk
• Spread the icing over the warm buns as soon as they come out of the oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 557kcal | Carbohydrates: 86g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 258mg | Potassium: 242mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 712IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 3mg