The Cinnamon Buns You Only Make for Besties

The first time I made cinnamon buns, they were for a dear friend who was not eating dairy or soy while breastfeeding her baby, and I found this wonderful recipe. Over time, I have adapted the recipe, added dairy back into the mix, and made them my own, but it is still very similar. They are delicious with blueberries, like in the dairy-free recipe, but I prefer them the traditional way. Here you go! 

Ingredients:

1 C milk, heated to 100° in the microwave

2 1/4 tsp (0.25oz) active dry yeast

1/4 C unsweetened apple sauce

2 1/2 C flour (plus extra for kneading)

1 Tbsp baking powder

2 Tbsp granulated sugar

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 C brown sugar

1 1/2  Tbsp ground cinnamon

3 Tbsp melted butter

2 Tbsp cream cheese, softened

2 Tbsp milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 C confectioners sugar

Directions:

1. Scatter yeast over warmed milk and allow to activate for about 10 minutes, or until foamy.

2. Meanwhile, whisk together flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.

3. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, 1 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon, and melted butter. Set aside for the filling. 

4. When yeast mixture is foamy, stir in applesauce. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix just until incorporated. 

5. Transfer dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface and knead until soft and smooth (2-3 minutes), adding flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking. Let dough rest for 5 minutes.

6. On lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a 1/4 inch thick rectangle. 

7. Spread the brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter mixture evenly over the rolled out dough, leaving about a 1/2 inch border around the perimeter. 

8. Carefully and tightly roll the dough with both hands, being careful not to lose any filling. 

9. Cut the dough evenly into pieces about 3 inches wide (should make about 8 buns). 

10. Place buns rolled side up into a greased 9x9 baking dish. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, dry place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. 

11. Preheat oven to 350°. 

12. Bake rolls for about 25 minutes, until they are golden brown. 

13. While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by whipping together the softened cream cheese, milk, vanilla, and confectioners sugar. 

14. Pour the icing evenly over the rolls once they come out of the oven and enjoy!