How to Make Festive Berry Sauce
I still remember the first time I made these cinnamon swirl buns. It was a lazy Sunday morning, and I was rummaging through my mom’s old recipe book. The smell of cinnamon and sugar wafted through the kitchen, and I knew I had to make them. Now, these buns are a staple in my household. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet treat in the afternoon. My kids ask for them all the time, and I’ve even made them for my friends’ birthday parties. They’re that good!
What are cinnamon swirl buns?
Think of cinnamon swirl buns as a sweet, gooey, and indulgent pastry that’s essentially a cinnamon roll, but in a bun shape. They’re perfect for those who love the combination of sugar, spice, and everything nice. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, even for a beginner like me. I always say, “Don’t be afraid to try new recipes,” and this one’s a lifesaver on busy nights when you need something sweet and comforting.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
I love this recipe for so many reasons, but here are a few of the top benefits. Firstly, the flavor is incredible. The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and butter is absolute perfection. Secondly, they’re ridiculously easy to make. I mean, who doesn’t love a recipe that involves mixing a few ingredients together and letting the dough rise? Lastly, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, these buns are sure to impress.
How do you make cinnamon swirl buns?
Quick Overview
Don’t let the thought of making these buns intimidate you. They’re actually quite simple to make, and the end result is well worth the effort. Here’s a quick overview of the process: Mix the dough, let it rise, roll it out, spread the cinnamon sugar mixture, roll it up, cut it into buns, and bake. Sounds easy, right? It is!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- 2 cups of warm water
- 2 tsp of active dry yeast
- 3 tbsp of sugar
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp of milk
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will make cleanup a breeze and ensure that your buns don’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Make sure to get rid of any lumps or bumps in the mixture.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast, and melted butter. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast is activated and frothy.
Step 4: Combine
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a bit rough at this stage. We’ll get to that later.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In another bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until you get a smooth and even mixture.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm). Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border around the edges. Roll the dough up tightly and cut it into 12 equal pieces.
Step 7: Bake
Place the buns on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each bun. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the buns cool for 5-7 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the buns are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the buns once they’re completely cool.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice the buns in half and serve warm. You can also store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
What to Serve It With
These cinnamon swirl buns are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Here are a few ideas on what to serve them with:
For Breakfast: Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea and a side of scrambled eggs or sausage.
For Brunch: Serve with a fruit salad or a side of hash browns.
As Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
For Cozy Snacks: Serve with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a side of marshmallow creme.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cinnamon Swirl Buns
Here are a few tips to help you perfect your cinnamon swirl buns:
Zucchini Prep: Make sure to grate the zucchini using the fine grating attachment on your food processor. This will ensure that the zucchini is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Mixing Advice: Mix the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This will ensure that the dough is well combined and easy to work with.
Swirl Customization: Experiment with different swirl patterns, such as a spiral or a zig-zag, to create a unique and visually appealing design.
Ingredient Swaps: Try substituting the granulated sugar with brown sugar or honey for a different flavor profile.
Baking Tips: Make sure to bake the buns at the correct temperature and for the recommended amount of time. This will ensure that they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Glaze Variations: Experiment with different glaze ingredients, such as maple syrup or cream cheese, to create a unique and delicious flavor combination.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here are a few tips for storing and reheating your cinnamon swirl buns:
Room Temperature: Store the buns at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer Instructions: Store the buns in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make these buns gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Make sure to use a 1:1 ratio and adjust the liquid content accordingly.
No, you don’t need to peel the zucchini. The skin is edible and packed with nutrients. Just make sure to grate it finely to avoid any texture issues.
Yes, you can make these buns as muffins. Simply line a muffin tin with paper liners and divide the dough evenly among the muffin cups. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
You can adjust the sweetness level by reducing the amount of granulated sugar in the filling or using a different type of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey.
You can use a different type of glaze, such as a powdered sugar glaze or a cream cheese glaze. You can also dust the buns with powdered sugar or cinnamon for a simpler look.
Final Thoughts & Conclusion
And that’s it! I hope you enjoy these cinnamon swirl buns as much as I do. Remember, the key to making perfect buns is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overmix the dough. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own unique recipe. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media using the hashtag #cinnamonswirlbuns!
cranberry sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Add sugar, orange zest, water, and orange juice to a medium saucepan. Stir to combine and then cook over medium heat until it comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, add cranberries and cook, stirring often, until they pop and thicken, approximately 8-12 minutes. For a thinner sauce, cook less time. For a thicker sauce, cook the full time. Stir in the cinnamon after cooking.
- Place in a bowl and let come to room temperature, then cover and chill until ready to use. It will thicken more as it cools.
