Cinnamon Buns

Instructions

1. 1

   Melt Butter and Milk

   3 min

   In a small saucepan, gently heat 100g of unsalted butter together with 200ml of milk and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir occasionally until the butter has completely melted, then remove from heat and let it cool until it's lukewarm, around 37°C (98°F). This temperature is ideal for activating the yeast in the next step.

2. 2

   Mix Dry Ingredients

   3 min

   In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine 250g of flour, 250g of strong white flour, 1.5 teaspoons of fast action yeast, 1 teaspoon of cardamom, and 1 tablespoon of caster sugar. Whisk these ingredients together to ensure the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will help the dough rise uniformly.

3. 3

   Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

   3 min

   Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and crack in 2 eggs. Pour the lukewarm milk and butter mixture into the well. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a sticky dough begins to form, ensuring that all dry ingredients are incorporated well.

4. 4

   Knead the Dough

   5 min

   Transfer the sticky dough onto a lightly oiled work surface using a dash of olive oil. Knead the dough for about 5 to 8 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and less sticky. You should be able to form it into a ball without it sticking to your hands excessively.

5. 5

   Let Dough Rise

   36 min

   Shape the kneaded dough into a smooth ball and place it into a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately one hour or until it has doubled in size. Look for the dough to be puffy and soft to the touch.

6. 6

   Prepare Cinnamon Filling

   3 min

   In a bowl, mix 75g of softened unsalted butter with 100g of caster sugar and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon until the mixture is well combined and spreadable. This sweet filling will add delightful flavor to your cinnamon buns, so ensure it’s smooth and creamy before setting it aside.

7. 7

   Mix Cinnamon Sugar

   2 min

   In a separate bowl, prepare the remaining 50g of caster sugar and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon by mixing them together until evenly combined. This will be used for sprinkling on top of the buns, enhancing their flavor and texture.

8. 8

   Roll Out Dough

   5 min

   Once the dough has risen, lightly flour your work surface and roll it out into a rectangle measuring approximately 36x24cm (14x9½ inches). Ensure the dough is even in thickness to allow for uniform baking and spread the prepared cinnamon butter mixture evenly across the entire surface.

9. 9

   Roll and Slice Dough

   44 min

   Starting from the longest edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the cylinder into 12 equal pieces, ensuring even cooking and presentation for each bun.

10. 10

    Arrange Buns for Second Rise

    27 min

    Place each sliced piece on a paper cupcake case or directly into a greased muffin tin. Cover them lightly with a tea towel and allow them to rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes until puffed up and slightly larger in size. This step is crucial for achieving soft buns.

11. 11

    Preheat Oven

    3 min

    While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan/Gas 6). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature for baking the buns once they have completed their second rise.

12. 12

    Bake Cinnamon Buns

    ~2 hr

    Once the buns have risen, brush the tops with 1 beaten egg for a shiny finish and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Enjoy these warm with a cup of coffee for a delightful treat!