Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (one packet)
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures the yeast is alive and kicking.
  2. Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens!
  4. While the dough rises, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
  5. Punch down the risen dough. Roll it out into a rectangle about 12x18 inches. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
  6. Roll the dough up tightly into a log, starting from the long edge. Cut into 12 equal slices.
  7. Arrange the buns in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them; ovens vary!
  9. While the buns bake, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, beating until fluffy.
  10. Let the buns cool slightly before frosting generously. Serve warm and enjoy! These easy cinnamon buns recipe easy are a crowd-pleaser.