soft cinnamon bun recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best soft cinnamon bun recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the soft and fluffy texture of traditional cinnamon buns. As a home cook, I’ve tried countless recipes to perfect this classic pastry. But there’s something special about this recipe that makes it stand out from the rest.

Perhaps it’s the precise balance of spices or the tender, buttery dough that yields to a gentle touch. Whatever the secret, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine. The first time I made these cinnamon buns, my kids were skeptical – they’d had their fair share of store-bought pastries and weren’t sure about this homemade version.

But after one bite, they were hooked. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors was irresistible, and the soft texture melted in their mouths like a cloud. Since then, these buns have been a regular at our family gatherings and potlucks.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. Unlike many modern recipes that rely on fancy ingredients or equipment, this one uses just a few basic pantry staples to create something truly special. It’s also remarkably easy to make – even my youngest child can help with the mixing and rolling out of the dough.

As for the health benefits, let’s be real – cinnamon buns aren’t exactly a health food! However, this recipe uses wholesome ingredients like real butter and sugar instead of artificial additives, making it a slightly more guilt-free indulgence.

Classic Soft Cinnamon Buns

4.6 from 1269 votes

Soft, fluffy cinnamon buns with a sweet, gooey cinnamon filling. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 25 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

1 cup warm milk
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

For the Icing

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
2Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is frothy and bubbly.
3Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture.
4Mix well until combined.
5Gradually add the flour, mixing just until the dough comes together.
6Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
7If the dough is too sticky, add more flour.
8Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
9Preheat the oven to 350°F.
10In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling.
11Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
12Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
13Sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
14Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
15Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
16Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
17Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
18While the buns are baking, prepare the icing by beating the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
19Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until light and fluffy.
20Once the buns are done, let them cool for 5 minutes, then spread the icing evenly over the top.
21Serve warm and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Mixer
9×13 inch baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 350mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 25g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: To make sure your yeast is active, it should start to bubble and foam within 5-10 minutes. If it does not, your yeast may be expired. You can also add a 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the filling for extra spice.

These soft cinnamon buns are perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a comforting treat after a long day.

To store them properly, place any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them individually for up to 2 months.

Reheat frozen rolls by wrapping them tightly in foil and baking at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Cinnamon Buns

Q: What type of flour should I use for these cinnamon buns?

A: For the best results, use high-quality all-purpose flour with a high protein content (such as bread flour). This will give your buns a tender crumb and a delicate texture.

Q: Can I substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast?

A: Yes, you can use instant yeast as a substitute for active dry yeast in this recipe. However, keep in mind that instant yeast may produce a slightly different flavor profile due to its faster fermentation process.

Q: How do I ensure my cinnamon buns don’t become too dense?

A: To prevent overworking the dough, mix it just until your ingredients come together in a shaggy mass. Then let it rest for 10-15 minutes before rolling it out into thin sheets.

Q: Can I make these cinnamon buns ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time by letting it rise in the refrigerator overnight or freezing individual rolls for up to 2 months.

Q: What kind of sugar should I use for these cinnamon buns?

A: For an authentic flavor, use granulated sugar as specified in the recipe. You can also try using brown sugar for a richer flavor profile.

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