Do you love the smell of freshly baked cinnamon buns but dread the hours it takes to make them from scratch? The traditional method is undeniably rewarding but can be daunting, often pushing busy home bakers away from trying. Fortunately, there’s a solution that combines the indulgence of classic cinnamon buns with a simplified process. Inspired by Cook’s Illustrated, this recipe offers a quicker path to gooey, tender, and flavorful cinnamon buns, letting you enjoy the treat without the lengthy wait.

Why Choose This Recipe?

Cook’s Illustrated is renowned for its dedication to perfecting recipes with a scientific approach. This quicker version keeps the essence of their methodology but streamlines the process to make it accessible for busy mornings or impromptu baking sessions. By making smart ingredient substitutions and simplifying steps, you can enjoy these buns in a fraction of the time.

Cooks Illustrated Quick Cinnamon Buns Recipe

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Ingredients

Dough:

3/4 cup warm whole milk about 110°F
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1 large egg at room temperature
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter softened

Filling:

1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened

Glaze:

2 ounces cream cheese softened
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add the egg, flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead in the softened butter until the dough becomes smooth and elastic (about 5-7 minutes).
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, approximately 45 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Set aside the softened butter for spreading later.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

Roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border.
Sprinkle the filling mixture evenly over the butter and press lightly to adhere.
Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a cylinder and pinch the seam to seal.
Slice the cylinder into 9 even pieces and arrange them in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Quick Proof and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats, let the rolls rise at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

While the rolls bake, whisk together the cream cheese, milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth.
Spread half the glaze over the warm rolls immediately after baking. Let them cool for 10 minutes, then spread the remaining glaze on top.

Tips for Success

For another quick and delicious breakfast treat, try our German molasses horse muffins recipe.

Plan Ahead: For overnight prep, shape the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate. Allow them to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Customize Your Filling: Add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture.
Reheat Like a Pro: To enjoy leftover rolls, warm them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to recreate their fresh-baked softness.

The Verdict

This quicker cinnamon bun recipe delivers the same indulgent flavor and texture as traditional versions, with half the effort. It’s perfect for weekend breakfasts, holiday treats, or whenever a cinnamon craving strikes. Inspired by Cook’s Illustrated’s dedication to culinary excellence, these buns prove that shortcuts don’t have to compromise quality.