These mini cinnamon babka buns are a delightful twist on the classic babka, offering all the warm, spiced flavors of cinnamon rolls but in an elegant braided bun form. Soft, buttery dough is braided with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and baked to golden perfection. These buns are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, and they can be made extra special with a shiny sugar glaze on top!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it combines the rich, buttery dough of babka with the familiar warmth of cinnamon and brown sugar. These mini buns are easy to portion, making them great for serving at gatherings or enjoying on the go. The braiding technique adds a beautiful, bakery-style presentation, and the option to top them with a syrup glaze adds a touch of sweetness and shine. Despite their impressive appearance, these buns are simple to make and well worth the effort!
The Perfect Occasion
These mini cinnamon babka buns are perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or afternoon coffee breaks. They’re also a wonderful addition to a holiday breakfast spread or as a homemade gift for friends and family. The individual portions make them ideal for sharing, and they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Decoration Tips
For an extra touch, you can drizzle the buns with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish. If you want them to look extra polished, brush the tops with the optional sugar syrup right after baking for a shiny, golden appearance. You could also sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar or cinnamon before baking for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 270g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tbsp dry active yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 55g melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 15g oil (vegetable or canola)
- 125g milk
- 30g granulated sugar
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 70g softened butter
- 70g brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and cornstarch. Add the melted butter, egg, oil, milk, and sugar. Mix everything together using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead the dough on medium speed for about 3 minutes until it forms a smooth, elastic ball.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until a smooth paste forms.
- Roll and Shape: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick). Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.Fold the dough into thirds (like a letter), then cut the folded dough into 12 equal strips. To create the braid, take each strip and slice it lengthwise into three smaller strips, leaving the top intact. Braid the strips and then roll them up into a bun shape.
- Second Rise: Place each braided bun into a greased muffin tin. Cover the buns and let them rise again for 45-60 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully baked through.
- Optional Syrup Glaze: For a glossy finish, prepare a simple syrup by simmering equal parts water and sugar on low heat until it thickens and turns a light amber color. Brush the syrup over the buns right after baking for a shiny, sweet finish.
- Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm!
Enjoy your soft, sweet, and beautifully braided mini cinnamon babka buns!