Cinnamon Buns

In the cold of winter there are only a handful of snacks, treats and meals that are simply made for winter nights.  Like, for example, Hot Chocolate, Stews, Chili and my all time favourite winter treat...Cinnamon Buns.

Cinnamon is a fascinating spice.  Its been around since early 2000 BC when it was first found being imported to Egypt.  It is very high in antioxidants and in some studies has actually beaten out garlic as one of the top antioxidants.  It is an anti-inflammatory and has also been proven to lower heart disease and help to fight infection! SEE.....Cinnamon buns are healthy!!!

I know they sound complicated...and your thinking where the heck do you expect me to "find time" to make homemade cinnamon buns?  The truth is, they are pretty fool proof...at least this recipe is.   You won't be slaving in the kitchen all day, or have sweaty palms just thinking how badly your going to "mess this one up!"

This recipe is simple, easy and a great one to get the kids involved...Even your spouse!  There is just something so rewarding about knowing you made it from scratch!  The kids will be proud and its the perfect recipe to make on those cold winter nights...or even on a snow day!  Trying to entertain three kids all day in my house is beyond challenging...so I let them bake!

For the Dough:
1 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter
2 eggs
3 3/4 cups of all purpose flour

For the Filling:
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 tablespoons cinnamon
1/3 butter (softened-room temperature is perfect)

Cream Cheese Frosting:
7 tablespoons of butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
1/4 cup cream cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon of vanilla

~Warm the 3/4 cup of milk just until its just above body temperature. You can heat cold milk in the microwave for 40 seconds and it should be good to go!
~Add the yeast to the warm milk to dissolve
~Using the dough hook attachment on your mixer, add the butter, sugar, eggs and flour and mix until combined
~Add the warm milk and yeast mixture and blend to combine until dough comes together
~Oil up a large bowl and form the dough into a large ball and place it in the bowl
~Cover up the dough with a kitchen towel and let rise for 1 hour in a warm place (simply leave it on the counter near the stove)
~After your dough has risen, preheat the oven to 350 degrees
~On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until its approximately 14-16 inches long, by 10-12 inched wide
~Grease a baking sheet, or line it with parchment paper (you may need 2 baking sheets depending on how thin/thick you rolled the dough)
~In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter and cinnamon for the filling
~Spread the mixture evenly over the dough
~Gently, starting at the long end, start to roll the dough to form a log
~Once rolled, using a sharp knife, cut 1 and a 1/2 inch pieces and place them on the baking sheet about an inch apart
~Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes until golden brown
~In a mixer, cream the butter with the cream cheese
~Add the icing sugar and the vanilla
~When the cinnamon buns are done, spread the icing overtop and ENJOY!

These cinnamon buns will make a perfect school safe treat for the kids lunches!
Warm them up and serve them with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream and you will be hoping for another snow day!

Enjoy!

Natalie