Overnight Cinnamon Buns: Your Guide to a Deliciously Easy Weekend Treat
So, you crave warm, gooey cinnamon buns but dread the hours of kneading and rising? Fear not, fellow baking enthusiasts! This recipe delivers soft, perfectly spiced cinnamon buns with minimal effort, thanks to the magic of overnight rising. Prepare the dough the night before, and wake up to the heavenly aroma of baking cinnamon buns, ready to be devoured!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 12 large cinnamon buns.
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Filling:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Icing (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cinnamon Bun Bliss
Step 1: Preparing the Dough (Evening)
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This confirms your yeast is alive and kicking!
- Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the egg and melted butter.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough (Optional): Lightly flour a surface and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Assembling the Cinnamon Buns (Evening)
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle (approximately 12x18 inches).
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Roll it Up: Tightly roll the dough from the long side into a log.
- Slice and Place: Cut the log into 12 equal slices. Arrange the buns in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
Step 3: Second Rise and Baking (Morning)
- Overnight Rise: Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 8 hours). This slow rise develops the deep flavor and incredibly soft texture.
- Preheat & Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Ice: Let the buns cool slightly in the pan before inverting them onto a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle with your favorite icing.
Tips for the Perfect Overnight Cinnamon Buns:
- Don't skip the overnight rise: It's the secret to incredibly soft and flavorful buns.
- Use quality ingredients: Fresh yeast and good butter make a difference!
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: Feel free to add more or less brown sugar in the filling.
- Get creative with fillings: Try adding raisins, pecans, or a different type of spice.
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Enjoy your delicious, easy overnight cinnamon buns! Let me know in the comments how yours turn out!
