Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns: How to Make Them at Home

If you’re a fan of cinnamon buns, you may have heard of the Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns recipe from Food Network Kitchen. This recipe has gained popularity over the years for its deliciously sweet and cinnamon-filled rolls that are perfect for breakfast or dessert. With its soft and fluffy texture, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

To make these cinnamon buns, you’ll need a few key ingredients such as all-purpose flour, sugar, cinnamon, and unsalted butter. The dough is made from scratch and requires some time to rise, but the end result is well worth the effort. The cinnamon filling is generously spread over the dough before rolling it up to create the classic spiral shape. Once baked, the buns are topped with a creamy glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, the Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns recipe is a must-try. Its popularity is a testament to its deliciousness, and it’s a great way to impress your friends and family with your baking skills. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why these cinnamon buns are almost-famous?

History of Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns

Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns are a popular pastry that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for many years. The origin of cinnamon buns is a hotly debated topic, but it is believed that the sweet roll was invented in Northern Europe, mainly in Nordic countries, such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland. In Sweden, it is called kanelbulle, in Denmark, it is known as kanelsnegl, in Norway, it is known as kanelbolle, skillingsbolle, or kanelsnurr, and in Finland, it is known as korvapuusti.

The Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns recipe was created by the Food Network Kitchen and has become a fan favorite over the years. The recipe was first published on the Food Network website in 2009 and has since been viewed millions of times. The recipe is known for its fluffy, buttery dough and sweet cinnamon filling, topped with a creamy glaze.

When the first Cinnabon shop opened in Seattle’s SeaTac mall in 1985, the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls turned out to be a better marketing tool than the buns themselves: Within a few years, the stores became a food-court fixture. Cinnabon is a chain of American baked goods stores and kiosks, specializing in cinnamon rolls. The company is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and has over 1,200 locations in over 65 countries.

The Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns recipe has been featured on several television shows, including The Best Thing I Ever Ate on the Food Network. The recipe has also been adapted and modified by many home cooks and professional bakers, who have added their own unique twists and flavors to the classic recipe.

Today, Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns remain a beloved pastry, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are enjoying a warm cinnamon roll on a cold winter morning or treating yourself to a sweet treat after a long day, Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients Overview

To make Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns, you will need a variety of ingredients. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need to make these delicious treats:

Dough

The dough is the foundation of the cinnamon buns. To make the dough, you will need milk, sugar, yeast, and all-purpose flour. The milk should be warmed to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the yeast and sugar should be added to the milk. After letting the mixture sit for a few minutes, you can add the flour to make the dough.

Filling

The filling is what gives the cinnamon buns their signature flavor. To make the filling, you will need butter, sugar, and cinnamon. The butter should be softened, and the sugar and cinnamon should be mixed together to create a sweet, spicy mixture.

Glaze

The glaze is the finishing touch on the cinnamon buns. To make the glaze, you will need confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. The confectioners’ sugar and heavy cream should be mixed together until smooth, and then the vanilla extract should be added for flavor.

Other Ingredients

In addition to the main ingredients, there are a few other items you will need to make Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns. These include salt, nutmeg, egg yolk, and water. Salt and nutmeg are added to the dough to enhance the flavor, while the egg yolk is used to bind the dough together. Water is used to help activate the yeast.

Overall, these ingredients come together to create a delicious and satisfying treat that is perfect for any occasion.

Preparation of Dough

To make Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns, you’ll need to prepare the dough first. Here’s how to do it:

1. In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of whole milk, 2 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast (1 packet), and 1/4 cup plus 1/4 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. In a separate bowl, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg.
4. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter to the flour mixture. Use a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer to knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
6. After the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll out the dough into a rectangle shape, about 16 x 12 inches.
7. Brush melted butter over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle with a mixture of 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon.
8. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long edge. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces with a sharp knife.
9. Place the cinnamon buns in a greased baking dish or cake pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the cinnamon buns for 30 to 35 minutes until they are golden brown.

Creating the Cinnamon Filling

To make the perfect cinnamon buns, you need to create the perfect cinnamon filling. The filling is what gives the buns their signature flavor and aroma. Here’s how you can create the cinnamon filling for your Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns:

1. Start by mixing together some ground cinnamon, sugar, and softened butter. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar to suit your taste preferences.
2. Make sure the butter is at room temperature so that it’s easy to mix with the cinnamon and sugar. You want the mixture to be smooth and creamy, without any lumps.
3. Once you have the cinnamon filling mixture ready, you can start spreading it on the rolled-out dough. Be sure to spread it evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. If you want to add some extra texture and flavor to your cinnamon buns, you can also sprinkle some chopped nuts or raisins on top of the cinnamon filling before rolling up the dough.
5. After you’ve rolled up the dough and cut it into individual buns, you can sprinkle some more cinnamon and sugar on top before baking. This will create a delicious caramelized crust on the buns.

By following these simple steps, you can create a cinnamon filling that will make your Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns truly unforgettable.

Forming and Baking the Buns

Now that you have prepared the dough and the cinnamon filling, it’s time to form and bake the buns. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns:

1. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a 16×21 inch rectangle, making sure the dough is even in thickness.
2. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
3. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the edges to seal.
4. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp serrated knife or dental floss. To use dental floss, slide it under the log where you want to slice and cross the ends over each other, then pull tight to cut through the dough.
5. Place the buns in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between them to allow for rising.
6. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the buns rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 45 minutes to an hour or until doubled in size.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the buns for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
8. Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

And there you have it, delicious Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns that are sure to impress!

Preparing the Glaze

To make the perfect glaze for your Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns, you will need a few ingredients, including sugar, milk, vanilla, and confectioners’ sugar. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare the glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar and 1/3 cup of heavy cream until smooth.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and continue whisking until the glaze is thick and creamy.
3. If the glaze is too thick, add more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Once the cinnamon buns are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top of each bun.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

It’s important to note that the glaze should be prepared just before you’re ready to use it. If you prepare it too far in advance, it may become too thick or too runny, and won’t have the desired consistency.

Overall, preparing the glaze for your Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns is a simple and easy process. With the right ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a delicious glaze that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cinnamon buns.

Serving Suggestions

Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns are a classic sweet treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Here are some serving suggestions to help you enjoy these delicious cinnamon rolls:

• Serve warm: Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns are best served warm, straight out of the oven. The warm, gooey cinnamon filling and soft, fluffy dough are irresistible when they’re fresh and hot.
• Add toppings: For an extra indulgent treat, top your cinnamon buns with cream cheese frosting, caramel sauce, or chopped nuts. These toppings add a delicious richness and texture to the rolls.
• Share with others: Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just want to surprise your loved ones with a sweet treat, these cinnamon rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Pair with coffee or tea: Cinnamon buns are the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warm, spicy flavors of the cinnamon and the sweet, buttery dough are a perfect match for a rich, flavorful beverage.
• Enjoy as a dessert: If you’re looking for a sweet, indulgent dessert, Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns are a great choice. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent treat.

Overall, Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns are a classic roll that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Cooking Tools Needed

To make Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns, you will need a few essential cooking tools. Here is a list of the items you will need to prepare the dough, filling, and glaze:

• Saucepan: You will need a medium-sized saucepan to heat the milk and butter for the dough.
• Baking Pan: You will need a large baking pan to bake the cinnamon buns. A 9×13 inch pan works well for this recipe.
• Plastic Wrap: You will need plastic wrap to cover the dough while it rises.
• Dough Hook: If you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook attachment to knead the dough.
• Stand Mixer: A stand mixer is not necessary, but it can make the dough-making process much easier.
• Wooden Spoon: If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use a wooden spoon to mix the dough.
• Cookware Items: You will need several cookware items to prepare the filling, including a frying pan, a spatula, and a wooden spoon.
• Cooking Pots: You may need a cooking pot to heat the glaze ingredients.
• Steamers: If you want to make the cinnamon buns extra soft, you can use a steamer to steam them after baking.
• Colander: You may need a colander to strain any ingredients used in the filling.
• Skillet: You may need a skillet to toast any nuts or coconut used in the filling.
• Knives and Cutting Board: You will need a sharp knife and cutting board to chop any ingredients used in the filling.
• Grater: You may need a grater to grate any ingredients used in the filling, such as orange zest.
• Stockpot: If you are making a large batch of cinnamon buns, you may need a stockpot to mix the dough.
• Measuring Cups: You will need measuring cups to measure the ingredients for the dough, filling, and glaze.
• Tongs: You may need tongs to handle the cinnamon buns when they are hot out of the oven.

By gathering all of these cooking tools before you begin, you will have everything you need to make Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns.

Variations and Tips

When it comes to cinnamon buns, there are endless possibilities for variations and personalization. Here are a few tips and ideas to help you make the perfect batch of Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns:

Dough Variations

• Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier twist, substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add a nutty flavor and a denser texture to your dough.
• Brioche Dough: For a richer and buttery flavor, try making brioche dough instead of the classic cinnamon bun dough. Brioche dough has more eggs and butter, which makes it softer and more tender.
• Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten intolerant, try using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that gluten-free dough may be more delicate and require more attention when handling.

Filling Variations

• Nutella: Spread a layer of Nutella over the dough before adding the cinnamon sugar mixture. This will add a rich and chocolatey flavor to your cinnamon buns.
• Fruit Jam: Instead of the classic cinnamon sugar filling, use your favorite fruit jam or preserves. This will add a fruity and sweet flavor to your cinnamon buns.
• Cream Cheese: Mix cream cheese with the cinnamon sugar mixture for a tangy and creamy filling.

Frosting Variations

• Classic Frosting: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a classic frosting for your cinnamon buns.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to make a tangy and creamy frosting for your cinnamon buns.
• Maple Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk to make a sweet and sticky glaze for your cinnamon buns.

Tips

• Freshly Baked: Cinnamon buns are best when they’re freshly baked and still warm. Try to serve them right out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.
• Low Sodium: If you’re watching your sodium intake, use unsalted butter and reduce the amount of salt in the dough and filling.
• Easy Level Recipe: The Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns recipe is rated as an easy level recipe, which means it’s perfect for beginners or those who don’t have a lot of experience in baking.
• Warm Water: Use warm water (around 110°F) when activating the yeast to help it dissolve and activate faster.

With these tips and variations, you can make the perfect batch of Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns that suits your taste and preferences.

Nutritional Information

If you’re wondering about the nutritional information of Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns, we have got you covered. While these buns are undoubtedly delicious, they are not the healthiest option out there. Here’s what you can expect in terms of nutrition:

• Calories: One serving of Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns (1 bun) contains around 300-350 calories. This number can vary depending on the recipe and serving size.
• Sugar: Cinnamon buns are high in sugar, with one serving containing around 20-30 grams of sugar. This is roughly equivalent to 5-7 teaspoons of sugar.
• Butter: Cinnamon buns are made with butter, which adds to their rich flavor and texture. One serving can contain around 10-15 grams of butter.
• Milk: Most recipes for cinnamon buns call for milk, which provides moisture and richness to the dough. One serving can contain around 50-100 milliliters of milk.
• Flour: Cinnamon buns are typically made with all-purpose flour, which is a refined flour with lower nutritional value compared to whole wheat flour. One serving can contain around 30-50 grams of flour.
• Egg: Some recipes may call for eggs, which add richness and structure to the dough. One serving can contain around 1-2 eggs.
• Low Sodium: Cinnamon buns are not a low-sodium food. Most recipes call for salt, which can add to the overall sodium content of the buns. If you are watching your sodium intake, it’s best to limit your consumption of cinnamon buns.

Overall, Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns are a tasty treat that should be enjoyed in moderation. While they are not the healthiest option out there, they can be a great indulgence every once in a while. If you are looking for a healthier alternative, you can try making cinnamon buns with whole wheat flour, using less sugar, and reducing the amount of butter in the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make cinnamon buns from scratch?

To make cinnamon buns from scratch, you will need to prepare a dough using flour, yeast, sugar, and butter. After the dough has risen, it is rolled out and spread with a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and butter. It is then rolled up and sliced into individual buns. The buns are left to rise again before baking in the oven. For a detailed recipe, check out the Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns Recipe from Food Network.

What are some variations of cinnamon buns?

There are many variations of cinnamon buns that you can try. Some popular variations include adding raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips to the filling, or using different types of glazes or frostings. You can also experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or ginger, to add extra flavor.

What is the best way to store cinnamon buns?

Cinnamon buns are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To prevent them from drying out, you can place a piece of bread in the container with the buns. Alternatively, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week, but be aware that the texture may change slightly.

Can cinnamon buns be frozen?

Yes, cinnamon buns can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, allow the buns to thaw at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for a few seconds to warm them up.

What is the difference between cinnamon rolls and cinnamon buns?

Cinnamon rolls and cinnamon buns are essentially the same thing, but the terms are often used interchangeably. Some people use the term “cinnamon roll” to refer to a larger, fluffier bun that is typically served with frosting on top, while “cinnamon bun” may refer to a smaller, denser bun that is often served without frosting.

What are some tips for making the perfect cinnamon buns?

To make the perfect cinnamon buns, be sure to use fresh yeast and high-quality ingredients. Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly and allow it to rise properly before rolling it out. When rolling out the dough, be sure to spread the filling evenly and roll it up tightly. For a softer texture, you can add a bit of milk or cream to the dough. Finally, be sure to let the buns rise again before baking, and don’t overbake them or they may become dry.