cinnamon buns

Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1–2 hours rising)
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 2.5–3 hours
Servings: 12 buns
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (Intermediate)
Category: Breakfast | Dessert | Baked Goods
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Introduction

Warm, gooey, and swirled with cinnamon-sugar goodness—homemade cinnamon buns are the ultimate baking indulgence. Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe is everything a cinnamon bun should be:

• Fluffy and buttery dough

• Rich cinnamon-brown sugar filling

• Melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese frosting

This is the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery and keeps people coming back for seconds (or thirds).

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 4–4½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed

• 2½ tbsp ground cinnamon

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin, if needed)

Time Breakdown

Want to bake fresh in the morning? See Overnight Option below!

Step-by-Step Instructions

 Activate the Yeast

1. In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast.

2. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be dead—start over with fresh yeast.

 Make the Dough

1. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture.

2. Gradually mix in flour—start with 4 cups. Mix until dough comes together.

3. Knead with the dough hook (or by hand) for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add extra flour only if the dough is too sticky.

4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1–1.5 hours).

 Make the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together:

• Brown sugar

• Cinnamon

• Softened butter

Set aside.

 Roll & Shape the Buns

1. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle (about 16″ x 12″) on a lightly floured surface.

2. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.

3. Roll tightly from the long side to form a log, seam side down.

4. Slice into 12 equal pieces (about 1.5” thick) using a sharp knife or floss.

5. Place rolls in a greased 9×13” baking dish, spaced slightly apart.

 Let Them Rise Again

Cover the rolls with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.

 Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden on top and cooked through.

• Don’t overbake—they should be soft and tender!

 Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the buns bake, beat together:

• Cream cheese

• Butter

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla

• Salt

• Milk (as needed to thin)

For extra decadence, double the frosting.

 Frost and Serve

• Let buns cool for 5–10 minutes out of the oven.

• Spread frosting generously over warm rolls so it melts into all the swirls.

• Serve immediately for maximum gooeyness.

Overnight Option

Want fresh cinnamon buns in the morning?

1. Follow the recipe through shaping the rolls.

2. After placing them in the baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.

3. The next morning, remove from the fridge and let them come to room temp and rise for about 45–60 minutes.

4. Bake as directed.

Storage & Reheating

• Room Temp: Keep frosted or unfrosted buns in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Fridge: Store for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before frosting.

Nutrition Estimate (Per Bun with Frosting)

Values vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.