Imagine waking up to the most heavenly aroma of freshly baked cinnamon buns, with their soft, pillowy dough swirled with rich, warm cinnamon and sweet brown sugar. These aren't just any cinnamon buns - they're a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will transform your ordinary morning into a culinary celebration. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to deliver bakery-quality treats right from your own kitchen, guaranteed to impress family and friends with every gooey, delectable bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 buns
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk (around 110°F). Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and activated.
- Add melted butter, sugar, and egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients until smooth and well-integrated.
- Gradually add flour to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until elastic and smooth.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
- While dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate small bowl.
- After rising, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangular shape, approximately 12x16 inches.
- Spread softened butter evenly across the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered surface.
- Carefully roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, leaving slight space between each roll for expansion.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 minutes in a warm location until they become puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the centers are cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Optional: Top with cream cheese frosting before serving warm.
Tips
- Ensure your milk is precisely warm (110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Let the dough rise in a draft-free, warm area for optimal volume and texture.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut clean, even rolls without squishing the dough.
- Don't overbake - golden brown edges mean perfectly moist centers.
- For extra softness, cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel during the second rise.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create better dough consistency.
- Optional: Brush with melted butter right after baking for an extra glossy, rich finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
