Cinnamon buns are a beloved treat, but many shy away from making them at home. Fear of a complex dough or lack of ingredients can be deterrents. However, artisan baker Leah Waring, founder of Buns of Joy (@bunsofjoy on Instagram), is here to demystify the process and empower you to bake your own perfect cinnamon buns.
Leah, a fourth-generation baker with a lifetime of experience in her family’s bakery business in Reading, shared her expertise with Express.co.uk, revealing the secrets to achieving that irresistible pillowy texture and melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
The Key to Perfect Cinnamon Buns: Enriched Dough
The foundation of a great cinnamon bun lies in the dough. As Leah emphasizes, “Enriched dough – full of butter, milk, and egg – gives the dough a pillowy texture when baked and keeps them softer for longer.” This richness is key to that signature soft, fluffy quality.
Mastering the Dough Technique
Kneading is crucial to achieving the right texture. Leah urges you to knead the dough until it forms a smooth, firm ball. After kneading, let the dough rest in a bowl covered with a damp cloth and refrigerate for a “cold, slow prove.” This helps develop the flavors and allows the gluten to relax for a softer texture.
Crafting the Perfect Filling
For the filling, Leah recommends combining brown sugar, melted butter, and good-quality organic cinnamon. “My personal favorite is Ceylon cinnamon,” she says, “which is lighter and sweeter. It’s just delicious.” This combination creates a rich, aromatic filling that contrasts beautifully with the soft dough.
Glazing and Cutting
Once the filling is spread, glaze the dough with melted butter using a pastry brush. When it’s time to cut, Leah advises using a sharp, non-serrated knife to avoid squashing the buns.
Baking with Precision
To maintain the perfect texture, Leah stresses the importance of using the right equipment. “Place your buns in a ceramic baking dish,” she says, “as the thicker sides will keep your buns from developing too much of a hard crust.” This ensures even baking and prevents the buns from becoming too dry.
Frosting Perfection
The final touch – the frosting – is equally important. Leah recommends using good-quality cream cheese and vanilla bean paste or pods for the most luxurious flavor. Wait until the buns have cooled completely before spreading the frosting.
Enjoying Your Homemade Cinnamon Buns
“If you have left them for the next day,” says Leah, “warm them slightly to bring them back to a fluffy, squidgy bun.” This ensures the buns are soft and delicious even after they have cooled.
With Leah Waring’s expert guidance, baking delicious cinnamon buns from scratch becomes accessible to everyone. Follow her tips, embrace the process, and enjoy the reward of fresh, homemade goodness.