Braided Cinnamon Buns
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Indulge in the delightful aroma and taste of freshly baked Braided Cinnamon Buns. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Baked to golden perfection, these Braided Cinnamon Buns boast a rich, sweet filling of cinnamon and sugar, all wrapped up in a soft, fluffy dough. The braiding technique gives them a unique presentation, making them perfect for brunch gatherings or as a treat for your family.
Why You'll Love These Buns
- Warm, gooey cinnamon filling that oozes with each bite
- Beautifully braided design that impresses without extra effort
- Perfectly soft and fluffy texture that pairs wonderfully with coffee
The Perfect Breakfast Treat
These Braided Cinnamon Buns are not just a feast for the eyes; they are a delightful way to start your day. The combination of warm, gooey cinnamon and soft dough creates an irresistible breakfast option that will have your family rushing to the table. Serve them fresh out of the oven with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning experience. Their beautiful braided design makes them perfect for special occasions or weekend brunches, elevating your breakfast game effortlessly.
With their sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, these buns are sure to become a family favorite. The process of making them can be a lovely weekend tradition, bringing everyone together to enjoy the simple pleasure of baking. Plus, the satisfaction of pulling a perfectly braided loaf from the oven is unmatched!
Impressive Yet Easy to Make
One of the best aspects of these Braided Cinnamon Buns is their impressive appearance, which can often seem daunting, but they are surprisingly easy to make! The technique of braiding the dough adds a touch of artistry to your baking, yet it requires no special skills. With just a little practice, you'll be able to create beautiful, bakery-quality buns in the comfort of your own home.
This recipe is designed to be approachable, making it ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. The ingredients are simple and straightforward, ensuring that you can whip these up without a trip to the specialty store. You'll love how quickly they come together, especially when you see the smiles on your loved ones' faces!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it's a lazy Sunday morning, a festive holiday gathering, or a cozy get-together with friends, these Braided Cinnamon Buns fit the bill perfectly. Their delightful flavor and stunning presentation make them suitable for any occasion. You can serve them warm as a comforting snack or dress them up with a drizzle of glaze for a festive touch.
Feel free to experiment with the filling as well. While the classic cinnamon and sugar combination is always a hit, you can add nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips for a unique twist. This versatility makes the recipe a go-to choice for any time you want to impress your guests or simply treat yourself!
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Topping
- 1 egg, for egg wash
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Braided Cinnamon Buns!
Steps
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt.
Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Shape the Buns
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top. Cut the dough into strips and braid them together.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the braided buns with egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Glaze the Buns
Mix powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Drizzle over the warm buns and serve.
Enjoy your freshly baked Braided Cinnamon Buns!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Braided Cinnamon Buns turn out perfectly every time, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even a small deviation can affect the final result. Use a kitchen scale for precision or follow volume measurements closely.
Another tip is to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place. This helps activate the yeast for optimal rising, resulting in light and fluffy buns. If your kitchen is cold, you can warm your oven slightly and then turn it off, placing the dough inside to rise.
Storage and Reheating
If you find that you have leftover Braided Cinnamon Buns, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature, then warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help restore their soft, fluffy texture and melt any remaining glaze, making them taste as good as fresh-baked!
Customizing Your Buns
Customization is the name of the game when it comes to these Braided Cinnamon Buns! Feel free to add different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for an extra layer of flavor. You can also experiment with different types of sugars, such as coconut sugar or honey, to create a unique twist.
If you're looking to make these buns even more indulgent, consider adding a cream cheese filling or a layer of frosting on top after they cool. This can turn your delicious buns into a decadent dessert that everyone will adore!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping.
→ What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
You can use instant yeast instead; there's no need to proof it in warm milk.
→ Can I freeze the buns?
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
→ How do I store leftover buns?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Braided Cinnamon Buns
Indulge in the delightful aroma and taste of freshly baked Braided Cinnamon Buns. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Created by: Nora Ellis
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 buns
What You'll Need
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Topping
- 1 egg, for egg wash
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
How-To Steps
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top. Cut the dough into strips and braid them together. Place the braided dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the braided buns with egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly.
Mix powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Drizzle over the warm buns and serve.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 5g