Easy Cinnamon Bun Recipe
Soft, fluffy, and full of gooey cinnamon sugar goodness — this easy cinnamon bun recipe is perfect for cozy mornings or weekend baking. With a simple dough, rich buttery filling, and creamy frosting, these homemade cinnamon buns are a total crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
FOR THE DOUGH
- ¾ Cup Whole Milk (warmed to about 110℉)
- 2¼ tsp (1 packet) instant or active dry yeast
- ¼ cup Honey or maple syrup
- 4 tablespoon Butter (melted but cool)
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 Large Egg yolk
- 3 cups (360 grams) bread flour (plus more as needed)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for greasing bowl)
FOR THE FILLING
- 4 tablespoon Butter (softened)
- ⅔ cup Dark brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
- 4 oz Cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup Powdered Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the yeast:Warm the milk until just lukewarm (not hot). Add the yeast and honey, stir, and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dough:Add melted butter, egg, and egg yolk to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Add flour and salt and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough:Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Let rise:Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling:Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a small bowl until it forms a paste.
- Shape the rolls:Roll out the dough into a rectangle (about 14x9 inches). Spread the filling evenly across the dough. Roll it up tightly from the long side and trim the ends. Slice into 9–12 rolls.
- Second rise:Arrange rolls in a greased or parchment-lined 9x13-inch pan. Cover and let rise again for 1 hour, until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- Make the frosting:In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and serve:Spread frosting over warm cinnamon buns and enjoy while soft and gooey!
Notes
- For overnight cinnamon buns, prepare through Step 7, cover the pan tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let rise for 30–45 minutes before baking.
- Use bread flour for extra fluffy rolls or all-purpose flour for a softer, more delicate texture.
- Add chopped pecans or raisins to the filling for a fun twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.