These cinnamon buns are soft, tender, and topped with a sticky glaze. They’ll fill your kitchen with a sweet, delicious aroma. So good when they’re gooey and warm!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 (0.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together white sugar, 1/2 cup softened butter, and pudding mix. Stir in eggs and salt. Add dissolved yeast mixture and warm milk; mix well. Gradually add flour, mixing until the dough forms a ball. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
2. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
4. Roll and Fill Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half. Roll each half into a 17×10-inch rectangle. Spread each rectangle with 2 tablespoons of softened butter and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll up each rectangle tightly, starting from the long edge, and pinch the seams to seal.
5. Cut and Arrange Rolls: Cut each roll into 1-inch slices. In a saucepan, combine 3/4 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup milk; cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Pour this mixture into two greased 9×13-inch baking pans and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Place the sliced rolls on top of the pecan mixture in the pans.
6. Second Rise: Cover the pans and let the rolls rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Serve: Allow the rolls to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then invert onto serving plates so the pecan glaze is on top. Serve warm.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 484
• Total Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 68mg
• Sodium: 605mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 70g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 9g

The History of Cinnamon Buns

Cinnamon buns, or cinnamon rolls, have a long history dating back to Europe, with roots in Swedish and German baking traditions. The Swedish version, known as “kanelbullar,” is a lightly spiced pastry topped with pearl sugar rather than a thick glaze. In Germany, cinnamon rolls, or “schnecken,” are often made with nuts and a denser dough.

The cinnamon roll became especially popular in the United States, where it evolved into a sweeter, gooier version with cream cheese frosting or a sticky caramel glaze. American-style cinnamon buns are typically much richer than their European counterparts, making them more of a dessert than a breakfast staple. The ooey-gooey variation, in particular, adds an extra indulgent touch, making every bite a decadent experience.

Why These Cinnamon Buns Are Special

These ooey-gooey cinnamon buns stand out because they combine the best elements of traditional cinnamon rolls with an extra layer of caramelized goodness. Here’s what makes them so irresistible:

• Soft and Fluffy Dough: The dough is enriched with butter and eggs, resulting in a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• Rich Cinnamon Sugar Filling: A generous layer of cinnamon sugar gives each bite a deep, aromatic sweetness.
• Sticky Caramel Glaze: Unlike simple frosted cinnamon rolls, this version is coated in a buttery caramel glaze that soaks into the rolls as they bake.
• Perfect Balance of Sweetness: While indulgent, these cinnamon buns are well-balanced, so they don’t feel overly sugary.

Secrets to Making the Perfect Cinnamon Buns

Baking perfect cinnamon buns requires attention to detail and a few key techniques. Here are some expert tips to ensure your buns turn out soft, gooey, and full of flavor:

1. Use Fresh Yeast – The key to fluffy cinnamon buns is a good rise, so make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If your yeast doesn’t foam when mixed with warm liquid, it’s likely expired.
2. Let the Dough Rise Properly – Rushing the rising process can result in dense buns. Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, which usually takes about an hour.
3. Don’t Skimp on the Cinnamon Sugar Filling – The filling should be evenly distributed across the dough to create a consistent flavor in every bite.
4. Roll the Dough Tightly – A tight roll ensures that the layers stay intact during baking, preventing the buns from unraveling.
5. Bake at the Right Temperature – A moderate oven temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) ensures even baking without drying out the dough.
6. Let the Buns Rest Before Serving – Once baked, let the buns cool for a few minutes before flipping them onto a serving plate. This allows the sticky glaze to set properly.

Variations to Try

If you love experimenting with flavors, there are several ways to customize your ooey-gooey cinnamon buns to suit your taste:

• Nutty Cinnamon Buns: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for extra crunch.
• Cream Cheese Frosted Cinnamon Buns: Instead of caramel glaze, top the buns with a rich cream cheese frosting for a more traditional taste.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Buns: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the filling for a chocolatey twist.
• Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Buns: Incorporate pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into the dough for a fall-inspired version.
• Apple Cinnamon Buns: Add thinly sliced apples to the filling for a fruity variation.

The Best Occasions for Serving Cinnamon Buns

Cinnamon buns are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on a variety of occasions:

• Weekend Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them fresh from the oven with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
• Holiday Gatherings: These buns make a fantastic addition to Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter brunch.
• Birthday or Special Occasion Treat: Surprise loved ones with homemade cinnamon buns instead of a traditional cake.
• Potlucks and Bake Sales: Their gooey texture and rich flavor make them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Buns

Homemade cinnamon buns taste best fresh, but they can be stored and reheated for later enjoyment. Here’s how:

• Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to eat them within 1–2 days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Refrigeration: If keeping them for longer than two days, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Freezing: Cinnamon buns freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months.
• Reheating: Warm them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature and rise before proceeding.

2. What’s the difference between cinnamon rolls and sticky buns?
Cinnamon rolls are typically frosted with icing, while sticky buns have a caramel glaze that coats the bottom of the pan and is flipped onto the buns after baking.

3. How do I prevent my cinnamon buns from being dry?
Make sure not to overbake them and use a generous amount of butter in the dough and filling to maintain moisture.

4. Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in a bread machine using the dough cycle, then proceed with rolling, filling, and baking as usual.

5. How can I make these cinnamon buns healthier?
For a slightly healthier version, use whole wheat flour, reduce the sugar, and substitute Greek yogurt for some of the butter.

Conclusion

Ooey-gooey cinnamon buns are the ultimate homemade comfort food, offering a perfect blend of softness, sweetness, and rich caramel glaze. Their versatility makes them suitable for any occasion, from a cozy weekend brunch to a holiday feast.