Braided Cinnamon Buns

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the warm, aromatic delight of Braided Cinnamon Buns, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat anytime.

Eleanor Briggs

Created by

Eleanor Briggs

Last updated on 2025-12-21T06:56:02.699Z

These Braided Cinnamon Buns are not just visually stunning, but they also bring together the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar in a fluffy, tender dough. Perfect for a cozy morning or a festive gathering, these buns are bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Why You Will Love These Braided Cinnamon Buns

  • Soft and fluffy texture with a sweet cinnamon filling
  • Beautiful braided design that impresses guests
  • Great for sharing at brunch or special occasions

The Perfect Breakfast Treat

Braided Cinnamon Buns are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are a feast for the eyes as well. Their beautiful braided design makes them a stunning centerpiece for any breakfast table or brunch gathering. Imagine the delight of your family and friends as they indulge in the soft, fluffy texture of these buns while savoring the sweet aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. It’s the perfect way to start a day or to add a touch of sweetness to any occasion.

These buns are ideal for lazy weekend mornings or special celebrations. With a warm cup of coffee or tea, they create a comforting experience that can brighten anyone’s day. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or warmed up later, their delicious cinnamon filling and soft dough ensure that they will be a hit with both young and old alike.

Versatile for Every Occasion

Beyond breakfast, Braided Cinnamon Buns are incredibly versatile. They can easily be served at brunches, holiday gatherings, or even as a delightful dessert. Their inviting sweetness and rich flavor profile make them suitable for a wide range of occasions. Plus, they make an excellent gift when shared with neighbors or friends during festive seasons or special events.

These buns can also be customized to suit your taste. Experiment with different fillings, such as nutmeg, chocolate, or even fruit preserves. This way, you can create a unique twist on the classic recipe, ensuring that every batch has its own delightful flavor, keeping your baked goods exciting and fresh.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Braided Cinnamon Buns, ensure that your ingredients are at the right temperatures. Using warm milk helps activate the yeast effectively, creating a light and airy dough. Remember to knead the dough properly, as this develops gluten, which gives the buns their fluffy texture. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven to help it rise more efficiently.

Additionally, don’t rush the rising process. Allowing the dough to double in size is crucial for achieving that soft, pillowy texture. For the final touch, drizzle the icing over the warm buns just before serving. This adds a sweet finish that enhances the flavor without overwhelming it. With these tips, you’ll be able to bake perfect Braided Cinnamon Buns every time.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Filling

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Icing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Mix all these ingredients to create delicious Braided Cinnamon Buns!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.

Knead and Rise

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter over it, and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Braid the Buns

Cut the dough into strips. Twist and braid the strips together, then place in a greased baking pan. Let rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly.

Make the Icing

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm buns before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Braided Cinnamon Buns!

Storing and Reheating

To keep your Braided Cinnamon Buns fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay good for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their delightful flavor.

When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw the buns at room temperature or warm them in the oven at a low temperature. Adding a bit of butter on top before reheating can help restore some of that freshly baked taste and aroma, making them just as delicious as the day they were made.

Nutritional Information

While Braided Cinnamon Buns are a delicious indulgence, it’s good to be mindful of their nutritional content. Each bun is rich in carbohydrates and sugar, making them a delightful treat but also high in calories. However, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with protein-rich foods like yogurt or eggs during breakfast.

If you're looking to lighten the recipe, consider reducing the sugar in the dough or filling, or substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This way, you can enjoy your favorite cinnamon buns while maintaining a healthier lifestyle.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping.

→ What can I substitute for milk?

You can use almond milk or any non-dairy milk as a substitute.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these buns?

Yes, you can freeze the baked buns. Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Braided Cinnamon Buns

Indulge in the warm, aromatic delight of Braided Cinnamon Buns, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat anytime.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Eleanor Briggs

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

Dough

  1. 4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  4. 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
  5. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  6. 2 large eggs
  7. 1/2 tsp salt

Filling

  1. 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  2. 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  3. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Icing

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tbsp milk
  3. 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 02

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 03

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter over it, and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 04

Cut the dough into strips. Twist and braid the strips together, then place in a greased baking pan. Let rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 05

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly.

Step 06

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm buns before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 4g