Forget about dry, store-bought imitations – these homemade cinnamon buns are a revelation. Imagine soft, pillowy dough that yields with a gentle tug, a sweet and spicy cinnamon sugar filling that explodes with flavor in every bite, and a decadent cream cheese frosting that’s the stuff dreams are made of.

The aroma that fills your kitchen as these buns bake is pure magic, and the satisfaction of pulling apart a warm, glistening bun is unmatched. Plus, with this recipe, you get a whole pan of 15 buns, perfect for sharing with loved ones (or, we won’t judge, keeping all to yourself for a cinnamon bun bonanza). So, preheat your oven, grab your mixing bowl, and get ready to create these blissful pastries from scratch!

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our dough, all-purpose flour provides structure and gluten development. Gluten is a protein network that gives the dough elasticity, allowing it to rise beautifully and hold its shape during baking.
• Active Dry Yeast: This tiny but mighty ingredient is responsible for the rise of our buns. Yeast feeds on the sugar in the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas that creates air pockets, resulting in those fluffy, light rolls.
• Granulated Sugar: Sugar plays a dual role in this recipe. It not only adds sweetness to the dough and filling, but it also feeds the yeast, helping it rise effectively.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness, flavor, and tenderness to the dough. The fat in butter creates a flaky texture and contributes to the golden brown color of the baked buns.
• Eggs: Eggs bind the dough ingredients together and contribute to the richness and flavor. They also add a touch of moisture to the dough, preventing it from becoming dry and crumbly.
• Warm Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and helps it dissolve evenly throughout the dough. It also contributes to the overall moisture content and softness of the final product.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show! Ground cinnamon adds the warm, spicy heart and soul of a cinnamon bun. Its unique flavor pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the dough.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper, richer sweetness to the filling compared to granulated sugar. The molasses content in brown sugar also contributes a hint of caramel flavor, further enhancing the complexity of the filling.

Freshly baked cinnamon buns are a thing of pure joy, but sometimes you might not be able to devour the entire pan in one sitting (though I wouldn’t blame you if you tried!). Here are some tips on storing your cinnamon buns to keep them fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: For buns you plan to enjoy within a day or two, storing them at room temperature is perfectly fine. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can accelerate drying.

Refrigerator: If you plan to enjoy your cinnamon buns within a week, the refrigerator is a great option. Let the buns cool completely first, then transfer them to an airtight container. The cooler temperature will slow down the growth of bacteria and keep them moist for longer.

Freezer: Got a craving for a warm cinnamon bun days later? No problem! Freeze your buns for longer-term storage. Once cool, place them in a single layer in a covered baking dish for up to a month. Please note: I would recommend frosting the buns after they thaw.

Reheating:

• Room Temperature: For buns stored at room temperature or refrigerated, simply wrap them in a paper towel or aluminum foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Frozen: To reheat frozen buns, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thaw the frozen buns in the refrigerator overnight for best results. Alternatively, you can place them directly from the freezer into the preheated oven, but it will take a bit longer (around 15-20 minutes) for them to warm through. Please note: Again, I recommend that you frost the buns after they are thawed and cooled down a bit, so they are warm and not hot, when you frost them.

No matter how you choose to store them, these tips will ensure your homemade cinnamon buns stay fresh and delicious, ready to satisfy your cravings whenever they strike!

• Spiced Apple Filling: Combine diced apples with ground cinnamon, brown sugar, a touch of nutmeg, and a squeeze of lemon juice to create a delightful spiced apple filling that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
• Pecan Streusel: For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans to your cinnamon sugar mixture along with a touch of brown sugar and melted butter to create a crunchy pecan streusel topping that gets baked into the buns.
• Chocolate Chips: Chocolate and cinnamon are a classic pairing! Sprinkle some chocolate chips over the dough before rolling it up to create pockets of melty chocolate goodness in every bite.
• Dried Fruit and Nuts: Adding chopped dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or cherries alongside some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans will introduce a delightful textural contrast and bursts of sweet and tart flavors.

• Maple Cream Cheese Icing: Substitute the vanilla in your cream cheese frosting with maple syrup for a richer, maple-infused flavor.
• Vanilla Glaze: For a lighter topping, whip up a simple vanilla glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract.
• Cream Cheese Icing with a Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of lemon or orange juice to your cream cheese frosting for a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzle a warm caramel sauce over your frosted buns for a decadent, gooey topping.