Soft Fluffy Cinnamon Buns (Print version)

Soft, fluffy buns filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze.

# What You Need:

→ Dough

01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
03 - 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
04 - ⅓ cup granulated sugar
05 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
06 - 1 large egg, room temperature
07 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Filling

08 - ½ cup packed brown sugar
09 - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
10 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

→ Glaze

11 - 1 cup powdered sugar
12 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
13 - ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# Directions:

01 - Combine lukewarm milk and active dry yeast in a small bowl; let stand for 5 minutes until frothy.
02 - In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Stir until dough forms.
03 - Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
04 - Punch down dough and roll into a 16 by 12 inch rectangle.
05 - Spread softened butter evenly over dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over buttered surface.
06 - Roll dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
07 - Arrange rolls in greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise until puffy, 30 to 45 minutes.
08 - Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
09 - Bake rolls for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They actually rise predictably, which means even first-time bakers end up with that soft, pillowy texture everyone wants.
  • The cinnamon-sugar filling isn't overly sweet, so you can eat more than one without feeling guilty.
  • The vanilla glaze feels fancy but takes literally two minutes to whisk together.
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients mix together more smoothly and make a lighter, softer dough; cold ingredients fight you the whole way.
  • If you skip the second rise, your rolls will be dense instead of fluffy; don't rush this part even though you're hungry.
03 -
  • Softening butter by leaving it on the counter takes about 20 minutes and makes spreading the filling infinitely easier than trying to use cold butter.
  • If you want to make these but don't have time to wait for rising, you can prepare everything and freeze the rolls unbaked, then thaw and bake them when you're ready.
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