Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked buns, each one a warm, gooey delight that melts in your mouth. "Holiday or Birthday Morning Buns" are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavors that will transform any ordinary morning into a festive occasion! With a perfect blend of cinnamon, sugar, and optional nuts, these buns are the ultimate indulgence for holidays and special celebrations. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to fill your kitchen with warmth and cheer. Dive into the recipe below and discover the joy of making these scrumptious morning buns!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 buns
Ingredients
- 1 package of active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk (around 110°F). Add 1/4 cup sugar and let sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and activated.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Whisk thoroughly to blend all wet ingredients together.
- Gradually add flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or electric mixer until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangular shape, approximately 12x18 inches.
- In a separate small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using). Spread this mixture evenly across the rolled-out dough surface.
- Carefully roll the dough from the long side into a tight log, then slice into 12 equal rounds using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place the bun rounds in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, leaving slight space between each bun. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Once buns have risen, bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Optional: Drizzle with cream cheese glaze or sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips
- Activate Your Yeast Properly: Ensure your milk is at the right temperature (around 110°F) to activate the yeast effectively. If it's too hot, it can kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate.
- Knead for the Right Texture: Knead the dough for at least 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives the buns their delightful texture.
- Warm Rising Environment: For optimal rising, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can turn on your oven for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
- Don’t Skip the Second Rise: Allowing the buns to rise a second time after shaping them enhances their fluffiness and ensures they bake evenly.
- Experiment with Toppings: While the traditional cinnamon-sugar filling is delicious, feel free to add your favorite ingredients like chocolate chips or dried fruits for a unique twist.
- Glaze for Extra Indulgence: For an extra special touch, drizzle with cream cheese glaze or sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
- Store for Freshness: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze them for longer freshness. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to enjoy them warm again!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 50mg
