Cinnamon Buns Recipe
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Filling:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, for thinning)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and egg. Add the yeast mixture once it’s foamy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to knead the dough for the same amount of time.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Lightly grease a large bowl with a bit of oil or cooking spray. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides with the oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough once it has risen. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
- Roll and Cut the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 16×12 inches (40×30 cm). Make sure the dough is evenly rolled out.
- Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
- Slice the rolled dough into 12-15 even pieces, depending on your preferred size. Use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish or two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans. Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the prepared dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
- Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up and touched each other.
- Bake the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. If they start to brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- If the frosting is too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Frost and Serve:
- Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of each roll.
- Serve warm for the best experience, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Tips:
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand. Just be prepared for a bit of a workout!
- For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar filling.
Enjoy your homemade cinnamon buns! They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you need a sweet treat.
