Awaken your senses with these Heavenly Caramelized Cinnamon Buns, a classic recipe that brings the comforting aroma of cinnamon into your kitchen. These buns are elevated to a divine level with the addition of a rich caramel filling and the juicy sweetness of raisins, all rolled into a tender, fluffy dough. Optional chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch, making every bite a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Freshly ground cinnamon is key to achieving the deep, aromatic essence that sets these cinnamon buns apart from any store-bought variety.
Why You'll Love This: The freshness of these cinnamon buns, enhanced with homemade caramel and the warmth of cinnamon, creates an irresistible breakfast or brunch treat. Preparing and shaping them the night before allows you to enjoy freshly baked goodness in the morning, filling your home with an inviting scent that promises a cozy start to the day. These buns strike the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort, making them a hit for both special occasions and lazy weekend mornings.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for holiday mornings, special family breakfasts, or as a luxurious weekend treat, these caramelized cinnamon buns are sure to become a cherished tradition. They're also a beautiful gesture of love for Mother's Day, Father's Day, or as a thoughtful homemade gift for a friend or neighbor.
Decoration Tips: For an exquisite presentation, drizzle the caramel frosting generously over the warm buns, allowing it to melt into the crevices. A sprinkle of finely chopped nuts adds texture and visual appeal, while a dusting of powdered sugar can create a picture-perfect finish. Serve on a beautiful platter or wooden cutting board for added rustic charm.
Dough Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ cup warm milk
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 whole eggs + 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup sugar
- 8 tbsp soft butter
Caramel Filling Ingredients:
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 6 tbsp butter
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ tbsp freshly ground cinnamon
- Raisins and chopped walnuts/pecans, to taste
Caramel Frosting Ingredients:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- 1 tsp milk (if needed)
Instructions:
- Activate yeast in warm milk and sugar, then mix with flour, eggs, sugar, and butter to form a dough. Let rise until doubled.
- For the filling, melt butter and brown sugar, then blend with cream, salt, and cinnamon. Cool slightly.
- Roll out dough, spread caramel filling, and sprinkle with raisins/nuts. Roll, slice, and let buns rise.
- Bake at 350°F until golden. Drizzle with caramel frosting.
Savor the warmth and sweetness of these Heavenly Caramelized Cinnamon Buns, a delightful way to start your day or celebrate special moments with loved ones. Enjoy the fusion of flavors and the joy of sharing a homemade treat crafted with love.