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Cooks Illustrated Quick Cinnamon Buns Recipe

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 12x18-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 9x9-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.