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There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon buns wafting through your home. These sweet, doughy delights are a beloved treat that brings comfort and warmth to anyone lucky enough to enjoy them. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making homemade cinnamon buns that are soft, gooey, and absolutely irresistible.
What Are Cinnamon Buns?
Cinnamon buns, often referred to as cinnamon rolls, are a classic baked treat consisting of a sweet, yeasted dough rolled with a cinnamon-sugar filling and generously slathered with cream cheese icing. These delectable spirals of goodness are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting snack.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
1 cup (240ml) warm milk
2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:
1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, sugar, softened butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 16x12 inches (40x30 cm).
5. Add the Filling:
Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
6. Roll and Cut:
Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
7. Second Rise:
Place the cinnamon buns in a greased baking pan, leaving some space between each bun. Cover the pan and let the buns rise for another 30-45 minutes.
8. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon buns for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
9. Prepare the Icing:
While the buns are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. Frost and Serve:
Once the cinnamon buns are out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm buns.
Homemade cinnamon buns are a delightful indulgence that's perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own. Their soft, cinnamon-infused centers and sweet cream cheese icing make them an instant favorite. Enjoy these gooey, homemade treats for breakfast or as a delightful dessert.
