Cinna-Buns

Another kingarthurbaking.com gem. Ooey-gooey cinnamon buns. Crown with a thick dollup of cream cheese or just plain cinnamon roll frosting. I have included ingredients for both. Your house will smell like a cinnamon roll factory!

Ingredients for Dough:

• 1 cup lukewarm milk
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 4 1/2 cups unbleached flour
• 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast ( found for purchase at Moxie Bakery in Louisville)

Ingredients for Filling:

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons cinnamon

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Icing:

• generous 1/3 cup cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Icing:

• 2 cups confectioner's sugar
• pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or enough to make a spreadable but thick icing

Directions for Dough:

Place all the ingredients in a mixer with attached dough hook and knead together to make a smooth, soft dough.

Place the dough in a lightly oil bowl, turn to grease all sides, cover and allow to rise until nearly doubled in bulk; about 1-2 hours. I placed in the microwave with door closed and rise time was about an hour. To check dough: press your finger in the dough; fingerprint should remain, with a slight spring back.6

Gently deflate the dough and transfer to a lightly greased work surface. Roll the dough to a 16-inch x 21-inch rectrangle. Spread with the butter. Mix the brown sugar together and sprinkle evenly over the dough.

Starting with the short end, roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 slices using dental floss.

Place slices in a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Next time I will try 2 round baking pans.

Cover the buns and rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes.

Place in a 400-degree oven for 15-17 minutes, until golden brown.

While rolls are baking prepare either frosting by beating together all ingredients.

Ice the rolls while still warm.