Make-Ahead

Cinnamon Swirl Buns

Name: Cinnamon Swirl Buns
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups (250g) bread flour; 1 teaspoon active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup (120ml) milk; 2 tablespoons (30g) ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup (60g) brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

By Clara Ingram · June 19, 2026 · Make-Ahead

Prep30 min

Cook20 min

Total120 min

Serves12

I still remember the first time I made Cinnamon Swirl Buns from scratch. It was a lazy Sunday morning, and I was determined to create the perfect breakfast treat. After years of experimenting with different recipes, I finally found the one that worked for me. These buns are soft, fluffy, and filled with the perfect amount of cinnamon sugar.

What I love about this recipe is that it's easy to make ahead of time. You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, simply roll out the dough, add the cinnamon sugar filling, and bake until golden brown.

Cinnamon Swirl Buns are perfect for slow mornings when you have a little extra time to enjoy breakfast. They're also great for quick weekday breakfasts when you need something delicious and easy to grab on the go.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make Cinnamon Swirl Buns from scratch. I'll share my tips and tricks for getting the perfect texture and flavor, and I'll provide you with a list of ingredients and equipment you'll need to get started.

So, if you're ready to learn how to make delicious Cinnamon Swirl Buns from scratch, let's get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make ahead of time
Perfect for slow mornings and quick weekday breakfasts
Soft, fluffy, and filled with cinnamon sugar
Can be customized with different toppings and fillings
Great for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack
Makes a delicious and impressive gift for friends and family
Can be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated as needed

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Cinnamon Swirl Buns is to use a combination of yeast and sugar to help the dough rise. The yeast ferments the sugars in the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas bubbles that get trapped in the dough, causing it to rise.

Another important factor is the temperature and humidity of the environment. Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments, so it's best to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.

The type of flour used is also important. Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which helps to create a stronger gluten network in the dough. This results in a chewier, more tender crumb.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Cinnamon Swirl Buns, you'll need a few basic ingredients, including flour, sugar, yeast, and cinnamon. You'll also need some unsalted butter, eggs, and milk to help the dough come together.

When shopping for ingredients, make sure to choose high-quality items, such as fresh yeast and real cinnamon. This will help to ensure that your buns turn out delicious and flavorful.

2 cups (250g) bread flourBread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which helps to create a stronger gluten network in the dough.
1 teaspoon active dry yeastActive dry yeast is a type of yeast that is designed to be used in bread making. It helps the dough to rise and gives the buns a light, airy texture.
1 teaspoon saltSalt helps to control the growth of yeast and adds flavor to the dough.
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugarGranulated sugar helps to feed the yeast and adds sweetness to the dough.
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, meltedMelted butter helps to create a tender, flaky texture in the dough.
1 large eggThe egg helps to enrich the dough and adds moisture and flavor.
1/2 cup (120ml) milkMilk helps to create a tender, moist texture in the dough.
2 tablespoons (30g) ground cinnamonGround cinnamon adds a warm, spicy flavor to the buns.
1/2 cup (60g) brown sugarBrown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the filling.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmegGround nutmeg adds a warm, slightly sweet flavor to the filling.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlMeasuring cups and spoonsElectric mixerDough whiskInstant-read thermometer9x13-inch baking dish

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Buns

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and granulated sugar.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and milk.
3
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4
Knead the dough for 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6mm).
8
In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg.
9
Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5cm) border around the edges.
10
Roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side.
11
Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
12
Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
13
Let the buns cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh yeast and real cinnamon, to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Make sure to knead the dough for the full 10 minutes to develop the gluten and create a smooth, elastic texture.
Let the dough rise for the full hour to allow the yeast to ferment and the dough to double in size.
Don't overmix the cinnamon sugar mixture, as this can cause it to become tough and dense.
Use a sharp knife to cut the log into equal pieces, as this will help the buns to bake evenly.
Let the buns cool completely before serving, as this will help them to retain their texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not kneading the dough for the full 10 minutes, resulting in a tough, dense texture.
Not letting the dough rise for the full hour, resulting in a flat, dense texture.
Overmixing the cinnamon sugar mixture, resulting in a tough, dense filling.
Not using high-quality ingredients, resulting in a poor flavor and texture.
Not baking the buns for the full 18-20 minutes, resulting in a undercooked or overcooked texture.
Not letting the buns cool completely before serving, resulting in a soggy or stale texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Add a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cinnamon sugar mixture for added flavor and texture.
Use a different type of sugar, such as turbinado or Demerara, for a slightly different flavor.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to the dough for added flavor.
Use a different type of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a non-dairy version.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the top of the buns before baking for added flavor and texture.
Use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat or rye, for a slightly different flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Swirl Buns

Cinnamon Swirl Buns are perfect for serving as a breakfast or brunch item. They can be served warm, topped with a glaze or a sprinkle of cinnamon, or they can be served at room temperature, paired with a cup of coffee or tea.

Some other ideas for serving Cinnamon Swirl Buns include:

Serve with a cup of coffee or teaTop with a glaze or a sprinkle of cinnamonPair with a fruit salad or a yogurt parfaitUse as a base for a breakfast sandwichServe with a side of scrambled eggs or baconUse as a snack or dessert item

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Cinnamon Swirl Buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

To freeze, place the buns in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat, simply thaw the buns overnight at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave or oven until warm and toasted.

Some tips for storing and reheating Cinnamon Swirl Buns include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of flour is best for making Cinnamon Swirl Buns?

Bread flour is the best type of flour to use for making Cinnamon Swirl Buns, as it has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour and will help to create a stronger gluten network in the dough.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast, but you will need to activate it in warm water before adding it to the dough.

How long do Cinnamon Swirl Buns need to rise?

Cinnamon Swirl Buns need to rise for about 1 hour, or until they have doubled in size.

Can I make Cinnamon Swirl Buns ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Cinnamon Swirl Buns ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

How do I know when the buns are done baking?

The buns are done baking when they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).

Can I customize the filling with different ingredients?

Yes, you can customize the filling with different ingredients, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.

How do I store Cinnamon Swirl Buns?

Cinnamon Swirl Buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I reheat Cinnamon Swirl Buns?

Yes, you can reheat Cinnamon Swirl Buns in the microwave or oven until warm and toasted.

The Full Recipe

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