Introduction:

The scent of freshly baked cinnamon buns wafting through the air is enough to make anyone's mouth water. These sweet, doughy treats, covered in a gooey layer of cinnamon and sugar, are a beloved indulgence enjoyed by people of all ages. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create your own batch of homemade cinnamon buns that will fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and warm your heart with every bite.


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Ingredients:

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon salt


For the Cinnamon Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon


For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions:

Making the Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.


Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt.


Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.


Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.


Rise the Dough: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Making the Cinnamon Filling:

Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.


Assembling and Baking:

Roll Out the Dough: 

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle, approximately 16x12 inches in size.


Spread the Filling: 

Evenly spread the cinnamon filling mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along one of the longer edges.


Roll Up the Dough: 

Starting from the long edge without the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log.


Cut into Buns: 

Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the dough log into 12 equal slices.


Place in a Pan: 

Arrange the slices in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each.


Rise Again: 

Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes.


Bake: 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon buns for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.


Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Prepare the Frosting: While the buns are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.


Finishing and Serving:

Frost the Buns: Once the cinnamon buns are out of the oven, let them cool slightly, and then generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm buns.

Enjoy: Serve your homemade cinnamon buns while they're still warm, and savor every gooey, sweet bite.


Conclusion:

There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a freshly baked homemade cinnamon bun. With this recipe, you can create your own irresistible cinnamon buns that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat anytime. The combination of soft, pillowy dough, aromatic cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting makes these buns a delightful indulgence for yourself, your family, and your friends. So, get ready to experience the joy of baking and savor the sweet rewards of homemade cinnamon buns. Enjoy!