Step-by-step Cinnamon Buns: Here’s how to make them without breaking a sweat
These sticky buns are sweet and buttery with a crisp crust and tender interior while generously spiced with cinnamon. It’s comfort food at its best.
Makes: 8
Preparation time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
STEP 1
Combine 125ml tepid water, 11.25ml instant yeast and 5ml sugar in a bowl and set aside until foamy, 5 minutes.
STEP 2
Combine 1000ml (4 cups / 500g) cake flour, 180ml warm milk, 80ml sunflower oil, 45ml (3 tbsp) brown sugar, 5ml (1 tsp) salt, 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla essence and 2.5ml ground cardamom seeds in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture.
STEP 3
Using a wooden spoon, mix until mostly combined.
STEP 4
Turn the mixture out on a clean surface and knead until smooth, 2 minutes. Dust the surface with some flour if the dough is still slightly sticky. This can often result due to humidity differences in different parts of the country.
STEP 5
Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover and set aside to rise in a warm place, 15 minutes.
STEP 6
Roll the dough out into a rectangular shape that is roughly 0.5cm thick and 30cm x 20cm wide.
STEP 7
Spread 80ml (75g) softened salted butter over the dough. Combine 160ml (133g) brown sugar with 15ml (1 tbsp) of ground cinnamon and sprinkle this over the butter.
STEP 8
If you prefer, you can trim the dough to neaten up the edges. Starting from one of the longest sides of the dough, roll the dough up fairly tightly. Cut the dough into 8 pieces that are roughly 3.5cm to 4.5cm in width.
STEP 9
Arrange the dough pieces in a lined medium-sized square or rectangular baking tin. Cover and set aside in a warm place to rise for 30 minutes.
STEP 10
Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake for 25 to 28 minutes until the buns are golden in colour, the edges are crisp to the touch, but the centres are still slightly tender.
STEP 11
Make the glaze by blending 80g plain cream cheese, 10ml (2 tsp) soft butter, 20ml (4 tsp) milk, 30ml (2 tbsp) maple syrup and 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla essence until smooth.
Spoon it over the warm buns.
Eat warm.
Source: 4akid.co.za/