Name: Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup milk; 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 eggs; 4 cups bread flour; 1 tbsp instant dry yeast; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 beaten egg

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 79 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love a homemade treat that combines softness, warmth, and a hint of spice, you are going to adore the Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe) Recipe. This delightful pastry weaves together a tender, buttery dough with the classic combination of cinnamon and sugar into a beautiful braided form that’s both eye-catching and delicious. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as an irresistible snack, these buns bring a cozy, comforting vibe to any table and showcase how simple ingredients can create something truly magical.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several twisted cinnamon buns with a rich golden brown outer layer that highlights the soft, lighter dough inside. Each bun has multiple visible layers, tightly folded and twisted, showing darker cinnamon-speckled swirls nestled between the folds. The buns are dusted lightly with white powdered sugar, giving a delicate snowy touch on top. They sit closely together on a white plate set on a white marbled surface, with a soft natural light creating gentle shadows that enhance the texture of the dough. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients is the very first joy in making this recipe because they are straightforward but absolutely essential to getting that perfect texture, flavor, and color. Each component plays a unique role, whether it’s the rich creaminess of butter, the warm depth of cinnamon, or the soft, airy rise from yeast.

1 cup milk: Acts as the liquid base, warming up the dough and adding moisture.
3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and tender crumb to the dough.
2 eggs: Provide structure and a lovely golden hue to the buns.
4 cups bread flour: Gives the necessary gluten strength for a chewy yet soft texture.
1 tbsp instant dry yeast: The magical leavening agent that makes the dough rise beautifully.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the spices.
1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for filling): Melts into the devious cinnamon and sugar filling for irresistibly gooey swirls.
1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Infuses a deep, caramel-like sweetness into the filling.
2 tsp ground cinnamon: The signature warm spice that defines these buns’ classic flavor.

How to Make Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe) Recipe

Step 1: Warm Your Milk and Butter

Start by gently warming the milk in a saucepan just until it’s pleasantly warm to the touch, then melt the softened butter into it. This mixture should be warm enough to activate the yeast without killing it, creating the ideal environment for your dough to rise.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant dry yeast. This ensures the yeast is evenly distributed and the dry ingredients are well mixed before adding your wet ingredients.

Step 3: Mix and Knead the Dough

Pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the dry ingredients, then add the eggs. Stir everything together until just combined, then turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth and elastic dough that springs back when poked.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size, usually about one hour. This step is crucial as it develops the texture and flavor, making your buns fluffy and light.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. This luscious filling is the heart of the Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe) Recipe, giving each bite a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Step 6: Shape and Braid the Dough

Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread your cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough. Carefully cut the dough into strips, then braid these strips to create visually stunning twisted buns. Place them on a lined baking sheet, ready for the oven.

Step 7: Final Touch and Baking

Brush the braided dough gently with a beaten egg to give the buns a shiny, golden finish when baked. Pop them into a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for about 20 minutes or until the buns turn a perfect golden brown and fill your kitchen with that amazing cinnamon aroma.

How to Serve Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe) Recipe

A close-up image shows several golden brown twisted pastries with a soft, layered texture. Each pastry has about 6 to 8 visible layers, showing swirls of light tan dough mixed with darker brown cinnamon filling. The pastries are dusted unevenly with a light white powdered sugar. They are placed on a white plate, which sits on a white marbled surface. The pastries have a slightly shiny, baked top with a soft, airy inside. The whole scene is lit gently, showing the warm tones of the baked dough. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a generous drizzle of vanilla glaze elevates the Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe) Recipe and adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top can add a delightful crunch if you want to mix textures.

Side Dishes

These buns pair fantastically with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte to complement their warm spices. For a more substantial brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the twisted buns on a rustic wooden board or a pretty serving plate lined with a cloth napkin for that cozy, homemade touch. You can even serve them in individual small baskets lined with parchment paper for a charming look perfect for guests or gift-giving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe) Recipe fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the buns soft and prevents them from drying out. For longer storage, refrigeration is possible but make sure to warm them gently before serving.

Freezing

These buns freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Warm your frozen or refrigerated buns in a low oven or microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to maintain moisture. Heating them gently brings back that just-baked softness and revives the incredible cinnamon aroma that makes this recipe so inviting.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour if bread flour is not available. However, bread flour gives the buns their signature chewy texture due to its higher protein content. Your buns may be a bit softer with all-purpose flour but still delicious.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?

This recipe calls for one main rise before shaping and braiding. Allowing the dough to rise until doubled develops flavor and texture. Some bakers like to give a short final rise after braiding for an even fluffier result, but it’s optional.

Can I make the filling with brown sugar substitutes?

Light brown sugar provides moisture and depth, but you can replace it with coconut sugar or a mix of white sugar and molasses if needed. Keep in mind this might subtly change the flavor and texture of the filling.

How do I get the perfect braid without it falling apart?

Make sure your dough is well-kneaded and slightly chilled if too soft before cutting into strips. Work gently but firmly when braiding, and pinch the ends well to seal. Placing the braids on a lined pan helps support their shape during baking.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts or raisins fold nicely into the cinnamon filling for extra texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them evenly before you start rolling and braiding the dough for a fun twist on this classic recipe.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to try the Braided Cinnamon Buns (Twisted Bun Recipe) Recipe because it brings together the best parts of baking: simple ingredients, a bit of patience, and an absolutely stunning, tasty result. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat, these braided buns never fail to impress and comfort. Once you take that first bite, I bet you’ll find yourself making them again and again!