There’s nothing like waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon sugar morning buns. These golden, buttery pastries are soft, layered, and coated in the most delicious cinnamon-sugar crust. I love making them on weekends because they turn an ordinary morning into something special.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour rest time for dough)
- Cooking Time: 20–22 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Serving Size: 10–12 buns
Why You’ll Love It
I adore this recipe because it feels like a mix between a croissant, a cinnamon roll, and a doughnut—all in one bite. These buns have a crisp sugary outside, a soft buttery inside, and they taste better than anything from a bakery. They’re also perfect for family breakfasts, holiday treats, or anytime you want to spoil yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ⅓ cup warm milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Coating
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let it sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, eggs, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes, then knead the softened butter into the dough until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 12×16 inches. Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon evenly, then roll up tightly from the long side.
Step 4: Shape the Buns
Cut the log into 1 ½ inch slices. Place them into greased muffin tins or a baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 20 minutes.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 20–22 minutes, until golden brown.
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm, roll each bun in a cinnamon-sugar mixture so the outside gets sweet and slightly crunchy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
- Add a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence.
- Pair with fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
- Pack them in a picnic basket as a sweet snack.
Tips for Customization
- Add crushed nuts (like pecans or walnuts) in the filling for crunch.
- Swap sugar for brown sugar in the filling for a caramel-like flavor.
- Spread a thin layer of fruit jam before rolling for a fruity version.
- Make mini versions in a mini-muffin tray for bite-sized treats.
Nutritional Info (per bun, approx.)
- Calories: 230–260
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes! Prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, fill, shape, and bake.
Do I need a stand mixer for the dough?
Not at all. You can knead it by hand—it just takes a bit more effort.
Can I freeze the buns?
Yes. You can freeze unbaked shaped buns, then bake them straight from the freezer (just add 5 minutes more baking time).
How do I keep them soft for longer?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for 2 days, but reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
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