Cinamon Buns

🍯 The Master Recipe

Prep Time: 30 mins + 2 hours rising | Bake Time: 25-30 mins | Yield: 12 large buns

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F/43°C)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 ½ cups (565g) bread flour (all-purpose works, but bread flour is chewier)
• 1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cardamom or nutmeg (optional, but amazing)
• Pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp milk or cream

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit 5-10 mins until foamy.
• Add remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, flour, and salt. Using the dough hook, mix on low until combined, then knead on medium for 5-7 mins until smooth and elastic.
• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled.

2. Roll & Fill:

• Punch down dough. On a floured surface, roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
• Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
• Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and spices; sprinkle evenly over butter. Press gently to adhere.
• Starting from the long edge, roll tightly into a log. Pinch seam to seal.

3. Cut & Second Rise:

• Using dental floss or a serrated knife, cut log into 12 even slices (about 1.5 inches thick).
• Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or round pan, leaving space between. Cover and let rise 45-60 mins until puffy.

4. Bake:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 mins until golden brown and internal temp reaches 190°F (88°C).
• Optional: Brush with melted butter right after baking.

5. Glaze & Serve:

• Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until pourable.
• Drizzle glaze over warm (not hot) buns. Serve immediately.

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🔥 Pro-Tips for Perfect Buns

1. Yeast Check: If milk is too hot, it kills yeast; too cold, it won’t activate.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even rising.
3. Roll Tightly: Prevents gaps in the swirl.
4. Don’t Overcrowd Pan: For pull-apart buns, place close; for individual buns, space apart.
5. Use Dental Floss: For clean cuts without squashing the log.

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🔄 Flavor Variations

Variation	Filling & Dough Twists	Glaze & Topping
Orange Cardamom	Add orange zest to dough + cardamom to filling.	Orange juice in glaze + orange zest.
Apple Cinnamon	Spread applesauce under butter + add diced apples to filling.	Caramel drizzle.
Pecan Sticky Buns	Pour 1 cup brown sugar + ½ cup butter + pecans in pan before adding buns. Invert after baking.	No glaze needed.
Chocolate Hazelnut	Spread Nutella under butter + chopped hazelnuts.	Chocolate ganache glaze.
Vegan	Use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese.	Coconut cream glaze.