Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns Twisted Bun Recipe
Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe)
Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with these Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns! Imagine fluffy, pillowy soft rolls that are twisted into a gorgeous braid and bursting with a sweet, spiced filling. Each bite is a heavenly combination of warm cinnamon, buttery goodness, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar that feels like a cozy hug on a crisp morning. Whether you’re serving them to your family or enjoying them solo with a cup of coffee, these buns will surely bring joy and delight to any table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These irresistible cinnamon buns are not just pretty to look at—they also pack a serious flavor punch!
– Big, Bold Flavors: The blend of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a rich, mouthwatering filling that dances on your taste buds.
– Eye-Catching Presentation: These braided beauties are sure to impress at brunch or any gathering.
– Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, a weekend treat, or a sweet indulgence just because—you’ll find any reason to make them!
– Make-Ahead Magic: Prep your buns ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready for warm, fresh treats!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for these Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns is part of the fun! You’ll be greeted by comforting aromas as you whip these together. Key players like warm milk and butter set the stage for a rich dough, while the cinnamon filling brings that cozy, sweet spice we all adore.
Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 cup milk
– 3/4 cup (1 + 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 eggs
– 4 cups (550g) bread flour
– 1 tbsp (10g) instant dry yeast
– 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
– 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
– 2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Powdered sugar (for topping)
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
The beauty of these Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns is their versatility! Here are a few fun variations to inspire your creativity:
– Go Nutty: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a delightful crunch.
– Add Extra Spice: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an aromatic twist.
– Gluten-Free Option: Swap the bread flour with a gluten-free blend to make these buns accessible for everyone.
– Cheese it Up: Spread a layer of cream cheese in the filling for a rich and tangy surprise.
– Colorful Additions: Toss in some raisins or dried cranberries for a pop of sweetness and color!
How to Make Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe)
Ready to create your own bakery-style buns? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns!
Step 1: Warm the Milk
In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk until it’s warm but not boiling. You want it to feel like a warm bath, perfect for activating our yeast! Remove from heat.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
Add the instant dry yeast and a sprinkle of sugar to the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 3: Create the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, eggs, sugar, and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, then gradually add the bread flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it’s a bit sticky!
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Picture yourself working a soft cloud of dough—it’s therapeutic!
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until well combined. The aroma will be heavenly!
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 8: Spread the Filling
Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the rolled-out dough, making sure every inch is covered!
Step 9: Cut and Braid
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into long strips. Take two strips and twist them together, forming a braid. Place the braided dough on a lined baking sheet.
Step 10: Second Rise
Cover the braided buns with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes. They’ll puff up beautifully during this time!
Step 11: Egg Wash
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Right before baking, brush the tops of the buns with the beaten egg for that golden finish!
Step 12: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and your kitchen smells divine!
Step 13: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once they’re out of the oven and slightly cooled, give your buns a light dusting of powdered sugar for that irresistible finish!
Pro Tips for Making Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe)
– Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk is warm (about 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it!
– Knead Well: Don’t rush the kneading process; a well-kneaded dough leads to soft, pillowy buns.
– Perfectly Braided: For an elegant look, try braiding three strips together instead of two for a more intricate design.
– Check for Doneness: Buns are done when they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
How to Serve Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe)
Garnishes
– Sprinkle with additional powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from milk and powdered sugar for an extra layer of sweetness.
Side Dishes
– Pair these buns with a side of fresh fruit, yogurt, or a steaming cup of coffee for a delightful breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
– Arrange them on a rustic wooden board or in a pretty basket lined with a cloth. You could also serve them in individual cupcake liners for a fun, portable treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them fresh again, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes!
Freezing
Yes! You can freeze these buns before baking. Simply braid them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the buns in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warm and toasty. They’ll be just as delightful as fresh out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of bread flour?
Yes! You can substitute up to half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrients.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all! The sweetness of cinnamon makes these buns comforting and inviting, perfect for all taste buds.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend that has xanthan gum included to help achieve the right texture.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, braid the buns, and refrigerate them overnight for a quick bake in the morning.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the ultimate recipe for Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns! These scrumptious treats are not just a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. With their fluffy texture and rich cinnamon flavor, they’re sure to become a beloved staple in your home. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to whip up a batch that will have everyone raving! Happy baking!
