Are you craving a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Cinnamon Bun Pull Apart! Forget individual cinnamon rolls – this recipe delivers a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. This easy recipe offers all the deliciousness of classic cinnamon rolls, but with a fun, interactive twist that everyone will love. Get ready to experience the ultimate in homemade comfort food!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
- Add the egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk well to combine.
Making the Dough:
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Assembling the Pull Apart:
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Mix until well blended.
- Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out into a 12x18 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Tightly roll the dough from the long side into a log.
- Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
- Arrange the slices, cut-side up, in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, slightly overlapping them to create a pull-apart effect.
- Cover the baking dish loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Baking and Glazing:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 190°F.
- Let cool slightly before making the glaze.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon bun pull apart. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Don't over-knead the dough: Over-kneading can result in a tough cinnamon bun pull apart.
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your cinnamon buns will be enhanced by using high-quality butter and cinnamon.
- Let the dough rise properly: Proper rising time is crucial for a light and fluffy texture.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish: Leave some space between the slices to allow for even baking.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts into the filling for added crunch.
- Use different sugars: Experiment with coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a unique flavor twist.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips into the dough for a delightful chocolate cinnamon swirl.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and serving size. A general estimate is approximately 300-400 calories, high in carbohydrates and fat. This recipe is best enjoyed as an occasional treat.
This delicious Cinnamon Bun Pull Apart is sure to become a family favorite. Its simple steps and impressive results make it perfect for bakers of all levels. Enjoy the sweet reward of homemade baking!