Cinnamon Buns
I don’t think I need to do much explaining about this one. Cinnamon buns are amazing fresh out of the oven and here is a recipe for them. If you are feeling extra indulgent you could add a cream cheese frosting to them because what the heck? You are practically eating sugary butter at this point anyways. Yum.
CINNAMON BUNS
Prep time: 2 hours
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Yield: 15 large cinnamon buns
INGREDIENTS
For the Dough
2 tablespoons dry active yeast
2 tablespoons white sugar
½ cup warm water or milk
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
¼ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 cup warm water or milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Inside Layer
¼ cup melted butter
¾ brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
*optional 1 cup favourite nuts or raisons
For the Topping
¾ cup butter
¾ brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
DIRECTIONS
In a small bowl combine first 3 ingredients for the dough and let rise for 10 minutes or until the mixture has doubled. This shows that the yeast is alive and active. Place in countertop mixer and add all remaining dough ingredients, adding the flour 1 cup at a time. Mix together with the dough hook until a smooth ball is formed and then turn it out onto to the counter and knead until soft and smooth. Lightly oil the ball of dough, place in a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled in size (approximately 1 hour). If you turn the oven on low briefly for a few minutes, turn it off and then pop the bowl of dough in there it will rise faster.
In a small saucepan melt all ingredients for the topping on medium low heat. Pour into greased 9x13 inch baking pan and set aside.
When the dough has doubled in bulk, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle with straight edges. Brush the rectangle with melted butter “for the inside layer”, sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon along with any optional add-ins. Roll up the rectangle jelly roll style and cut into 15 pieces with a serrated knife. Place the cut buns on top of the melted topping mixture in your prepared baking pan. Cover and let rise until doubled in size (~1 hour). Bake in a preheated oven at 375 F for 20-30 minutes. Invert them onto a serving tray as soon as you remove them from the oven to avoid them sticking to the pan. Serve warm with a fresh pot of coffee.
