Description
Homemade “Ooey-Gooey Cinnamon Buns” promise pure breakfast bliss with their swirling layers of buttery dough and sweet spice. Warm cinnamon rolls straight from the oven invite comfort and joy, promising a delightful morning treat you’ll savor to the last crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup softened butter
Topping/Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy and aromatic.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and gradually incorporate softened butter into the yeast mixture, stirring until smooth and well-blended.
- Gradually fold flour into the liquid ingredients, kneading the dough until it becomes elastic and pulls away from the bowl’s sides. The texture should be soft and pliable.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.
- Roll out the risen dough into a rectangular shape, creating a thin, even surface.
- Spread softened butter evenly across the dough, then generously sprinkle brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the entire surface.
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into uniform rounds approximately 1-inch thick.
- Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish, ensuring they are slightly separated. Let them rise again for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
- While baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze by whisking cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Remove rolls from the oven and immediately drizzle with the prepared glaze, allowing it to melt and coat the warm cinnamon buns.
Notes
- Yeast Activation: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to prevent killing the yeast, which can result in dense, heavy buns.
- Dough Handling: Knead the dough gently but thoroughly to develop gluten without overworking, creating a soft, pillowy texture.
- Rising Environment: Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like a slightly heated oven or near a warm appliance to encourage optimal rising.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better structure and elasticity.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg