These are the best Gooey Sticky Cinnamon Buns you’ll ever make! They are fluffy and soft cinnamon rolls with the best gooey caramel sauce in the bottom of the pan. So easy to make them ahead and they’re also freezer friendly!
It's a good thing I don’t eat like this every day! This could seriously wreck all your resolutions and wreak havoc on your life. I am not making any promises of low-fat. I am not going to tell you that you will just have a little bite. This is the kind of breakfast, dessert, or snack (maybe even dinner) that will make you get teary-eyed. These Gooey Sticky Cinnamon Buns are a very special treat for those you love. I've shared quite a few rolls over the years. These pumpkin cinnamon rolls and sweet orange buns are also very special!
I’m also not going to lie and say my kids eat these gooey sticky cinnamon buns every week. This is a new tradition that I will make for my cuties. A very rare and special tradition. Not only for Christmas morning. I will treat them with this ooey gooey yumminess when I feel like spoiling them with a little more sugar. Because this is so ooey and gooey and dreamy, only sometimes!
HOW CAN I MAKE THESE CINNAMON ROLLS AHEAD OF TIME?
The first way to do it is to prep the dough until step 6 of the “DOUGH” directions. Without letting them rise, you cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for a slow cold rise overnight. The next day, remove the dough, roll it out, fill, cut and shape into the buns. Let rise again and bake.
Another option is to bake the rolls the night before and skip adding on the glaze. Let them cool completely and cover with plastic wrap. The next morning, remove the wrap and tent with foil paper. Reheat them at 325F oven for about 10 minutes, or until completely warm. Remove from oven and glaze them.
I do not recommend filling the unbaked rolls and letting them rise overnight in the fridge. We have done that and it resulted in rolls that were not as fluffy and the filling doesn’t stay snug inside the buns.
CAN I USE INSTANT YEAST INSTEAD OF ACTIVE YEAST
Yes, you could use instant yeast. If you do use instant yeast, you will not have to proof the yeast like you do when you use active yeast. When you use instant yeast, you just add to the flour.
HOW TO FREEZE CINNAMON BUNS
The unbaked buns could be frozen for up two 3 months. As we have tried it and found they don't turn out as fluffy as baking the same (or even next day if you do slow cold rise), we don't recommend it.
A better way to do it is freeze the already baked cinnamon buns with the glaze. Simply cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. , with frosting, covered tightly, up to 3 months. Another idea is to leave the glaze off and heat in the oven at 225 degrees F for 20 minutes. This is the way to get rolls that taste as if they were just baked for the first time!
TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE BEST CINNAMON BUNS
The first thing is the dough. Be sure not to rush through the yeast prep. The water shouldn’t be too warm and not too cold or the yeast won’t activate. The yeast will start to bubble and that’s when you know you’ll be good to go to begin the dough. If you don’t have a bubbly yeast, start all over again.
The second step is to make sure it rises. No rushing on the rise time, as this will ensure the fluffiest rolls. I like to find the warmest part of my kitchen or dining area. It has to be a place without a draft so the dough will proof and you’ll get the softest rolls!
Next, once the dough is ready to go, and rolled out, make sure you roll your buns up very tight. If you roll them in a loose way, the filling will leak out.
The last and important step in prepping the buns is the knife. I always use a serrated knife when I cut the rolls. This makes sure they don’t lose their shape and it cuts them in a clean way so they stay puffy, keeping their cinnamon sugar snug inside.
PIN for later!
SOME FINAL NOTES
source: Family Circle-with slight adjustment by me. Slight updates from original post Jan 2011. We recommended when first writing this post in 2011 to not prep the rolls and let them rise overnight in the fridge. A reader back in 2011 mentioned that it "ruins" the rolls. The reader didn't expound on this comment, but we assume it's because of what we found (and mention above), that the rolls are not as fluffy as baking same day as prepping dough.
Gooey Sticky Cinnamon Buns
Ingredients
- DOUGH
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 ounce envelope active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water 100 to 110 degrees
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 4 1/2-5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- FILLING
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons cinnamon depending on how much cinnamon you like
- 1 cup pecans coarsely chopped –optional
- 1 cup raisins optional
- GLAZE
- 2 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 1 -3 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- DOUGH
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat and let stand until cooled to room temperature. Meanwhile, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water in a large bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of the sugar and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Beat in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, eggs and butter. Beat in cooled milk.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, scraping down side of bowl, until a soft dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a floured work surface and knead the remaining flour into the dough, adding more flour if too sticky. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth. The dough will be soft.
- Grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours. Or leave covered in the fridge for a slow cold rise and prep the rolls the next day.
- Coat two 9-inch round baking pans with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottoms with parchment paper; coat paper with spray.
- FILLING
- Mix butter, both kinds of sugar and cinnamon together in a medium-size bowl.
- PREP BUNS
- Punch down dough.
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to an 18 x 12-inch rectangle.
- Spread the butter-sugar mixture over the dough.
- If you are using nuts and raisins in the recipe, sprinkle them on now. I chose to not use nuts and raisins. Starting on one long side roll up jelly roll fashion and pinch seam to close. Cut crosswise into 12 generous 1 1/2 inch pieces.
- Arrange 6 pieces, cut-side down, in each prepared pan.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let sit in a warm spot until buns double in size, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Uncover pans and bake buns until they are golden-brown and bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. Tent with foil halfway through baking so they will not brown too quickly. I did bake my second batch of roll for less time (closer to 30 minutes). So check the rolls around 30 minutes to see if they are done.
- Transfer to a wire rack and let cool 10 minutes.
- GLAZE
- Mix confectioners' sugar and 1 tablespoon of the milk, adding more milk as necessary, to make a smooth glaze. Invert buns to a serving platter.
- Drizzle glaze on top of buns (about 1/3 cup per pan). Serve warm! ENJOY! If you have any left, refrigerate them. I doubt you will have any leftovers.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
LaPhemmePhoodie says
I like that you don't have to let the dough rest overnight. I'll have to give this recipe a try.
Evan Thomas says
Yum! Warm and flaky cinnamon buns are definitely the ultimate breakfast. These look delicious! Great presentation with the glaze.
SaraOneTribeGourmet says
aaahhh to be young, single & in Italy!!! lovely pics of you and I love the scarf..you are beauty bella!
Oh and the sticky cinnamon buns are to die for...I suddenly have a craving for them...your posts do that to me! not fair! 🙂
Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels says
I already know what you look like but I just have to say oh my word are you gorgeous Lora! You husband is so lucky to have you. Not just because of your looks (sexy mamma lol) but you are honestly the kindest, most caring and hilarious person ever.
I can't see why anyone would do anything to hurt you but if they're like that, then you don't need them! You have such wonderful friends in your neighbors. They sound like such a fun and loving couple. I wish I had neighbors like that! haha
Now onto those delicious looking cinnamon buns (lordy this an essay of a comment! lol). They look incredible! Just as sweet as you. I would seriously eat every single one but I won't. 😉
Nadia says
you're right, all you need is a handful of good friends. the majority of people come and go.
I need to try out your recipe, it's amazing. But I'm reluctant to, because I will probably eat the whole batch of cinnamon rolls all by myself! 😉
Lauren says
Thanks for tweeting me! These buns look awesome - gooey cinnamon rolls are my fave! Happy Friday 🙂
Pegasuslegend says
My son would love these and you! I will have to make these for him...they looks amazingly delicious.... love the frosting too! Great photo's did you take lessons on photography? Italy wow I am so jealous! nice sunset!
Cristina says
Good and true friends are a treasure. It is beyond hurt feelings to feel betrayed by those you felt were your kindred spirit.
These gooey sticky cinnamon buns will surely receive oooo's and aaaah's at any table. Those pictures, Lora...are edible themselves. Yum!
A Thought For Food says
It's the best when you have that connection with your neighbors... doesn't happen to everyone (definitely not me) but it's nice when it does.
One bite of these and I might turn into a pile of goo myself. They look scrumptious!
Anonymous says
Oh my goodness those sticky buns look heavenly!! The frosting is so appetizing!
Paula - bell'alimento says
This is evil & I must have it soon ; ) & I adore the scarf! Very snappy! xoxo
Roxan says
It's true, really good friends are so hard to come by. Over the years my circle of friends has gotten smaller and smaller, but i am totally OK with that. I'm so sorry that you were hurt recently by your friends. That's horrible - you would think that we are old enough not to deceive our friends like that.
And that's so awesome that you found such a good friend in your neighbor! I don't know any of mine. I know - i'm such a bad neighbor.
Anyways, these cinnamon buns look amazing. I don't eat them often, for obvious reasons, but when I do it is such an awesome indulgence.
Hester aka The Chefdoc says
Oh Lora... these sticky buns are absolutely gorgeous, just like you! I totally hear ya about the friendships thing and I can't wait to build even longer ones than the ones I've got now as I get older and settle into a life with family and kids because... it sounds AWESOME! I'm still in the college grind and can't WAIT to be finished in a few years when I'll get my M.S. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. I'll have to make it on a lazy Sunday morning for breakfast 🙂
Amy Bakes Everything says
Gorgeous! I have a cinnamon roll problem and have been researching a solution: the insides run out into the bottom of the pan. It's completely heartbreaking! It doesn't look like yours did that, I'll bookmark this for next time, thanks for sharing!
How To Be Perfect says
These look heavenly!
BakingWithoutaBox says
I saw the hot buns Tweet and came right on over. Truly hot, sticky decadent buns. But how lucky are you to have actually found couple friends! We've tried. Miserable failures each time. So glad you found your "lil sis," separated at birth, but not by too far. Gorgeous cinammon rolls.
Cucina di Barbara says
This is a real treat!
Lovely pictures and lovely women!
Lindsay @Eat, Knit, Grow says
Oh my! I want 1 or 7 right now. I may have to change my weekend plans to accommodate these. lol
briarrose says
Yum! This would definitely put a hurt on my healthy eating program....but it would be worth it. 😉 I love cinnamon buns so much.
Tiffany says
These buns make me want to jump through my computer screen! And I love that you feel such gratitude for the special people in your life. It makes living so much more fun!
Pauline says
Hi and Happy New Year - Have just had a great Christmas in Florida and guess what? one of the first things I bought were Cinnamon Buns - we can't get them here in the SW of England - I used to get them at an Italian bakers in Holborn in London!! but you have read my mind I wanted to make them back at home and these look great.
Dionne Baldwin says
Your buns look absoultely heavenly. The last time I saw a flight attendant the men and women were wearing ties. YOu look very "sheek" as they say in France...I think they still say that. Pardon my spelling.
Amy says
Your sticky buns look amazing and full of cinnamony goodness! I wish I had one for a snack right now :)!
Jennifer says
What you said about friends is true. The good ones are hard to find, and sometimes once you've found them, they're just as hard to keep, but through all the ups and downs keeping the good ones is always well worth the work.
And I bet these awesome-looking cinnamon buns will win you tons of new friends. And maybe even help you keep a few. Thanks for sharing another spectacular recipe.
Sandra says
Ooey, gooey and waiting for me to have one (or two) with tea. I have to save this one!
sara @ CaffeIna says
I'm so glad I do not have new year's resolutions hehe. My hubby has been asking me for cinnamon buns forever and i kept postponing with the excuse that "we already eat too much anyway during the holidays" not the holidays are over and I have found the perfect recipe so I guess I have no more excuses 🙂 Brava Lora!
Chow and Chatter says
lovely cinnamon buns sorry about your friends happens to us all the good ones stick around hugs
Koci says
Looks like you've got some truly wonderful friends! I love that you and your neighbors hang out so much! Those cinnamon buns look very, very yummy, by the way. 😀
Sandra says
Yummyy! Oh I could eat at least few pieces:))))
Kim - Liv Life says
Beautiful buns!! They look so light. Liv says yours are bigger than the ones I make and she wants these!! Love 'em!
Ilke says
They look great - both the buns and your friends!
Whoever ends up getting out of your life might be a good thing. In this short life, we do not need unnecessary dramas and negative energy..
Angie's Recipes says
olala...these buns look heavenly!
Jamie says
I too have girlfriends who are more like sisters and I find that I am so lucky to have found them. Sadly we don't live near each other so only have internet and a twice-a-year weekend! Feel yourself lucky!
I love cinnamon buns and should make them much more often! Yours are beautiful!
Dinners and Dreams says
The sticky buns as well as the persimmon bread below both look to die for. Have a great weekend!
Nisrine
Lindsay says
Wow, these look absolutely amazing!!!
Evan @swEEts says
Aren't good friendships wonderful? I feel so blessed to have such good friends, especially having moved around a lot of my life. Now that I'm having to plan my wedding it makes those friendships so much more important to me. These sticky buns sound fantastic.. one of our best friends is living with us right now and cinnamon rolls are her fave.. i'm going to make these for her 🙂
Lizzy says
Oh, gosh, my family would be thrilled with a pan of these! My waistline is still suffering from my orange rolls, so I'll put this recipe on the back burner for now...just briefly, though.
Always love reading your thoughts...I have many dear friends, and happy to have a whole flock of new blogger friends. I'm sorry to hear you had "friends" who hurt you...
PS...I think you look chic in your scarf!
Katie@Cozydelicious says
Oh man, these look amazing! I'm going to have to invite a few girlfriends over tomorrow morning and bake these. I can almost smell them now!
Carolyn says
Gooey, sticky and fantastic! And I love when you share your stories with us, I love hearing about your friends and trips and such.
Eileen says
Lora, I love your story. You are so right about friends. It's odd how close you can be to someone and then lose contact with them for one reason or another - things change in one or both of your lives and time slips away. I have to say those cinnamon buns look incredible. I'd love one with a cup of coffee right this minute! Have a great week!
Magic of Spice says
What a lovely post Lora, sorry about the friends that have hurt you recently...but you are right as long as you have those special few then you are blessed. And these sticky buns are just gorgeous, I say dinner would be a great time for them 🙂
Liren says
Oh my godness, Lora, I made cinnamon buns last week but they did not look quite as gorgeous as these! And you are right - true friends are such a blessing - we must be thankful for them each and every single day!
The Mistress of Spices says
I love your writing! Sorry to hear about the friends that disappointed you, but it sounds like you have some pretty special people in your life! And how lucky for you that you have such nice neighbors...in Paris, hardly anyone knows or speaks to their neighbors 🙂 I'm going to save this recipe, as my husband loooooves cinnamon buns - it's one of his favorite things about the U.S. 🙂
Stephanie says
I think I need to make this. Right now.
A SPICY PERSPECTIVE says
What a beautifully written post! Friendships are very important--when you've got a good one, you have to protect it!
I love these sticky buns and will be SURE to try them at the end of my cleanse...with a friend! 😉
Maria says
Friendships are definitely complicated! And it is amazing how things do change throughout different phases of our lives ... but it is the true friends that will always stick by your side.
These buns are just the thing to soothe any friendship woes though ... they look amazing! Sinfully good to be exact. I just happened on your site when searching for a cinnamon bun recipe on Foodbuzz. And I am really glad I did because it looks like I will be making these tomorrow. It's going to be a "snow day" and I think the kids deserve a sweet treat for breakfast. I shouldn't really have any myself, but I don't think I will be so strong to withstand them!
The Mom Chef says
Oh Lora, these sticky buns are wonderful. They definitely go on the "to be made someday" list. Wow.
I have had many friends come and go over the years, but I'm blessed to still be good friends with my best bud from 5th grade as well as to be married to my best friend. Thanks for your words.
The Hedonistic Kitchen says
Aside from the fact that these sticky buns are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen, I love the personal touch you bring to your blog. I myself, just bought a home last year as a single woman and hit the lotto in neighbors. Good for you girl!!!
Sue says
Kudos to you for featuring the good friends! Life can be painful sometimes, but these cinnamon rolls can help make things all better, reserved for your special friends! I'm sure YOU are a special friend to many:)
Danielle says
Wow, I really want to make these right.now. They look SO good! Definitely saving these for later!!
cooketteonline.blogspot.com says
These look so good! I can't wait to try them this weekend!
Jeff Patterson says
Mmmmm. 😉
Anonymous says
Do not refrigerate it ruins them!!!
Katie @ ohshineon says
These look amazing, delicious, sweet, and calorie-laden... just like a cinnamon bun should be! Thanks for sharing!