If you love warm, gooey pastries fresh from the oven, nothing beats glazed cinnamon buns. These classic breakfast favorites combine fluffy, tender dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet, glossy glaze that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or anytime you crave a comforting baked treat, this recipe delivers bakery-quality cinnamon buns you can make at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll soon be enjoying irresistible cinnamon rolls that fill your kitchen with heavenly aroma.
Ingredients
This recipe yields 12 cinnamon buns.
For the Dough
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (one packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes (divided)
- Baking time: 20 to 25 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture to the butter-egg mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Filling and Assemble
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 15 by 9-inch rectangle.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Starting with the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
Step 3: Bake and Glaze
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Remove cinnamon buns from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm buns before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.
- Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
- Toast leftover buns lightly for a quick afternoon treat.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cinnamon bun) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 5 grams |
| Total Fat | 12 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 7 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 45 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sugars | 20 grams |
| Sodium | 220 milligrams |
Key Points:
- Provides a comforting source of carbohydrates for energy.
- Contains moderate protein from eggs and milk in the dough.
- Rich in sugars and fats, making it a perfect occasional indulgence.
- Homemade buns allow control over ingredients and freshness.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Buns
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast properly.
- Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten for soft, airy buns.
- Use fresh yeast for best rise and texture.
- Avoid overbaking to keep buns moist and tender.
- Customize by adding nuts or raisins in the filling if desired.
Variations to Try
- Swap cinnamon sugar for a mix of cardamom and brown sugar for a twist.
- Add cream cheese frosting instead of glaze for richer flavor.
- Make mini buns using a smaller baking dish for party servings.
- Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier, heartier texture.
Glazed cinnamon buns are a timeless treat that bring warmth and sweetness to any morning or brunch. This recipe delivers soft, flavorful rolls topped with a luscious glaze, all made from scratch in your kitchen.
With straightforward steps and classic ingredients, you can enjoy bakery-quality cinnamon buns without leaving home. Treat yourself and your loved ones to these irresistible homemade delights today.