Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe)

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that fills your home with the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon and sugar, you’ve come to the right place! These Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe) are not just a feast for the eyes; they also melt in your mouth. I love making these on busy weekends or during family gatherings because everyone gathers around to enjoy them fresh from the oven. They’re perfect for brunch, dessert, or just a cozy afternoon snack!

What makes these buns truly special is their braided design, which makes them look fancy without requiring advanced baking skills. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up with confidence.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cinnamon buns! They’re great for kids and adults alike, making them a hit at any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise overnight. Just shape and bake them in the morning!
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of butter, cinnamon, and sugar creates a deliciously sweet treat that’s hard to resist.
• Stunning Presentation: The braided shape is visually appealing and will make your treats stand out at any event.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is part of the fun! You’ll find that they are simple and wholesome, perfect for creating those beautiful cinnamon buns.

For the Dough

• 1 cup milk
• 3/4 cup (1 + 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 4 cups (550g) bread flour
• 1 tbsp (10g) instant dry yeast
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

For Topping

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar (for topping)

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Course: dessert
Cuisine: Buns

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors or fillings that suit your taste.

• Add Nuts: Chop up some walnuts or pecans for added crunch in the filling.
• Go Fruity: Mix in some raisins or dried cranberries for a pop of sweetness.
• Change Up the Spice: Try adding nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon for a unique twist.
• Glaze It Up: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled buns.

How to Make Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming up your milk until it’s nice and lukewarm—this helps activate the yeast. In a large bowl, combine the milk with softened butter, eggs, bread flour, instant dry yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix everything together until you have a soft dough. Knead it on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic. This process develops gluten in the bread flour which gives your buns that delightful chewy texture.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Place your dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about an hour. This step is crucial as it allows air bubbles to form in your dough, making your buns light and fluffy.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While waiting for the dough to rise, mix together softened butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. This gooey filling is what makes each bite of your Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns so irresistible!

Step 4: Shape Your Buns

Once your dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently to release any trapped air. Roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread your filling evenly over the dough. Then cut it into strips and braid those strips together—this is where those beautiful twists come from!

Step 5: Second Rise

Place your braided buns onto a lined baking sheet. Cover them once more with that kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise allows them to puff up even more before baking.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven while waiting for that last rise! Brush each bun with beaten egg for a lovely golden finish when baked. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. The smell will be heavenly!

Step 7: Serve Warm

Let them cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar if desired. Serve these Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns warm for maximum enjoyment—you won’t be able to resist!

Pro Tips for Making Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe)

Making beautifully braided cinnamon buns is a delightful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you can elevate your baking game to the next level!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your milk, butter, and eggs to room temperature ensures they blend smoothly into the dough, creating a tender and fluffy bun.

• Knead well: Kneading the dough for about 5-7 minutes helps develop gluten, which gives your buns a lovely structure. A well-kneaded dough will rise higher and have a better texture.

• Don’t rush the rising time: Allowing the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size is crucial for achieving that soft and airy bun. Patience pays off!

• Brush with egg wash: Applying an egg wash before baking gives your buns a beautiful golden-brown color and enhances their overall presentation.

• Experiment with fillings: While this recipe features classic cinnamon filling, feel free to get creative by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for an extra twist!

How to Serve Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe)

Serving your beautifully braided cinnamon buns is just as fun as making them! Here are some creative ideas to present these delightful treats.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch and an elegant finish to your cinnamon buns.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle a bit more ground cinnamon on top just before serving.
• Fresh fruit: Add some fresh berries or sliced bananas on the side for a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the buns.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the sweetness of the cinnamon buns, making for a lighter meal.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a creamy side that pairs perfectly with these fluffy treats.
• Chia seed pudding: This nutritious option brings a delightful texture contrast while adding healthy fats and fiber to your meal.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea can enhance the cozy experience of enjoying these delectable buns. It’s the perfect accompaniment for brunch or dessert!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your beautifully braided cinnamon buns will not only taste amazing but also look stunning when served up! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making it an ideal treat for busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the buns to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label the bag with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To freeze before baking, prepare the buns and place them on a baking sheet. Cover and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating

• For refrigerated buns, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• If reheating frozen buns, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming in the oven as mentioned above.
• For a quick fix, microwave each bun for about 15-20 seconds until just warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful treats!

Can I make Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe) without eggs?

Yes! You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce as an egg substitute. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg.

How long do I need to let the dough rise for the Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe)?

Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which usually takes about 1 hour. If your kitchen is cooler, it may take a bit longer.

Can I add nuts or raisins to my cinnamon buns?

Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins onto the filling before rolling up your dough for added flavor and texture.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels sticky while kneading, gradually add more flour—about a tablespoon at a time—until it reaches a smooth consistency that’s easy to handle.

Can I make these cinnamon buns gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose gluten-free flour blend instead of bread flour. Be sure that your yeast is also gluten-free for best results.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Beautifully Braided Cinnamon Buns! They are not only stunning but also bring comfort and warmth to any occasion. Enjoy every twist and turn of this delightful recipe, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with family and friends. Happy baking!