Only cinnamon bun recipe you will ever need!

Only cinnamon bun recipe you will ever need! is a medium American recipe that serves 12. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With Brooke's Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 32 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 3 hrs 12 min

Cost: $3.06 total, $0.26 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup Milk (warm to about 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast)
  • 1/4 cup White Sugar (granulated)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoon Active Dry Yeast (any brand)
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
  • 1 large Egg (room temperature)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 2 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 3/4 cup Butter (softened, not melted, for filling)
  • 1 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 2 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon (freshly ground)
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar (sifted)
  • 2 tablespoon Milk (for glaze, any milk)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast

    In a measuring cup, combine warm milk, white sugar, and yeast. Whisk until dissolved and let sit 5 minutes until foamy.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Combine Wet Ingredients

    In the mixing bowl, add melted butter, the egg, and salt, then pour in the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Add Flour and Knead

    Add sifted all‑purpose flour to the bowl. Using the electric mixer with a dough hook, knead on medium speed for 5 minutes, then turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 2 minutes until smooth.

    Time: PT7M

  4. First Rise

    Lightly oil the mixing bowl, place the dough back inside, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and set in a warm spot (around 80°F/27°C) for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

    Time: PT1H30M

  5. Prepare Filling

    While the dough rises, soften 3/4 cup butter, measure 1½ cups packed brown sugar and 2 tbsp ground cinnamon. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Roll Out Dough

    Punch down the risen dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a rectangle about 12×9 inches, about ½‑inch thick.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Spread Butter and Add Filling

    Brush the softened butter evenly over the rolled dough. Sprinkle the brown‑sugar‑cinnamon mixture over the butter, spreading it to the edges.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Cut and Shape Buns

    Instead of traditional rolls, cut the dough into strips about 1‑inch wide, then roll each strip into a bun shape, placing them seam‑side down in a greased 9×13‑inch casserole dish. You should obtain 12 buns.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Second Rise

    Cover the dish with foil or a towel and let the buns rise for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (177°C).

    Time: PT30M

  10. Bake Buns

    Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

    Time: PT25M

    Temperature: 350°F

  11. Make Glaze

    In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Glaze Buns

    Drizzle the glaze over the warm buns, allowing it to set slightly before serving.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
4g
Carbohydrates
35g
Fat
10g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Milk, Egg, Wheat, Butter

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Only cinnamon bun recipe you will ever need!

Recipe by Cooking With Brooke's Kitchen

A step‑by‑step guide to making soft, buttery cinnamon buns that are fluffy on the inside and caramelized on the outside. This recipe from Cooking With Brooke's Kitchen includes a simple glaze and a handy trick for cutting the dough into strips for cleaner rolls.

MediumAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 49m
Prep
25m
Cook
23m
Cleanup
3h 37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.06
Total cost
$0.26
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Activate yeast and let it foam
  • First rise until dough doubles
  • Properly roll and cut dough into strips
  • Second rise before baking
  • Bake at correct temperature for 25 minutes
  • Glaze while buns are warm

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oven – use oven mitts when handling the casserole dish.
  • Glaze contains hot milk – stir carefully to avoid burns.
  • When whisking yeast mixture, avoid splashing hot liquid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of cinnamon buns in American cuisine?

A

Cinnamon buns, often called cinnamon rolls, became popular in the United States during the early 20th century as a sweet bakery treat. They are rooted in Scandinavian knäckebröd traditions but evolved into a distinctly American breakfast pastry enjoyed in diners and coffee shops.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of cinnamon buns in the United States?

A

In the Midwest, especially Minnesota, the "sticky bun" version adds a caramelized pecan topping. In the South, some recipes incorporate a cream cheese glaze, while New England bakeries often serve them with a simple powdered‑sugar glaze like in this recipe.

cultural
Q

How are cinnamon buns traditionally served in American breakfast culture?

A

They are typically served warm, either plain or with a sweet glaze, alongside coffee or tea. Many cafés pair them with a side of butter or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are cinnamon buns traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Cinnamon buns are a staple for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, and special family gatherings such as Easter or Thanksgiving morning. Their comforting sweetness makes them a popular treat for school bake sales and community potlucks.

cultural
Q

What makes cinnamon buns special or unique in American bakery tradition?

A

The combination of a soft, yeasted dough with a buttery, caramelized cinnamon‑sugar swirl creates a texture contrast that is uniquely American. The optional glaze adds a glossy finish that distinguishes them from European roll breads.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are used in classic American cinnamon buns versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional American cinnamon buns use all‑purpose flour, active dry yeast, unsalted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Acceptable substitutes include whole‑milk milk for richer dough, instant yeast for convenience, and coconut oil or margarine for a dairy‑free version.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with cinnamon buns?

A

Cinnamon buns pair nicely with classic American breakfast items such as scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit salad. They also complement a cup of hot coffee, chai latte, or a glass of cold milk.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cinnamon buns at home?

A

Common mistakes include using milk that is too hot, which kills the yeast; under‑kneading the dough, leading to a dense texture; and skipping the second rise, which prevents the buns from puffing up properly.

technical
Q

How do I know when the cinnamon buns are done baking?

A

The buns are done when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The glaze should be set but still slightly glossy, indicating the interior is fully cooked and fluffy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking With Brooke's Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cooking With Brooke's Kitchen specializes in approachable home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on classic comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and detailed baking guides for beginners and intermediate cooks.

channel

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