In this morning buns recipe, you’ll discover how to craft the perfect flaky, buttery pastry that combines the richness of croissant dough with the spiced sweetness of cinnamon sugar and a touch of orange zest. These buns are crispy on the outside and irresistibly gooey inside. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or looking for a comforting breakfast option, this homemade morning buns recipe will elevate your brunch spread.
For more recipe inspiration, check out Tatiana’s Recipes.
A Brief History of Morning Buns
Morning buns are relatively modern, compared to classic pastries like croissants or cinnamon rolls. They originated in the United States, particularly in Wisconsin, before gaining immense popularity on the West Coast, especially in San Francisco. Iconic bakeries like Tartine helped morning buns become widely beloved for their combination of buttery croissant dough with the sweetness of cinnamon sugar.
The main distinguishing feature of morning buns is the use of laminated dough, which is more often associated with French patisserie. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, which use a yeasted bread dough, morning buns rely on the multiple layers of butter within the dough to create an airy, flaky texture. Morning buns are filled with a mix of cinnamon, sugar, and sometimes orange zest for a bright, citrusy twist.
A Culinary Fusion
Morning buns represent a unique fusion of French and American baking traditions. While the dough comes from French pastry techniques, the filling and flavor profile are distinctly American, borrowing from the tradition of cinnamon rolls. What sets them apart is the laminated dough, which results in a much lighter and flakier texture than the denser cinnamon roll. Their popularity has spread far beyond the West Coast, and now many bakeries offer their own versions, ranging from the classic cinnamon-sugar bun to more creative variations with fruit fillings or nut toppings.
If you’re curious about other breakfast desserts, don’t forget to check out this Churro Cheesecake Recipe for another indulgent treat to pair with your morning coffee.
Essential Ingredients for Morning Buns
Before diving into the baking process, it’s crucial to gather the right ingredients. The key to a successful morning bun lies in the quality of the components, especially the butter and dough. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Core Ingredients
- Croissant Dough: This is the foundation of the morning bun. Laminated dough involves layers of butter folded between layers of dough, creating a flaky, tender texture.
- Butter: High-quality unsalted butter is essential. The butter is used both in the dough and in the filling, making the buns rich and indulgent.
- Granulated Sugar: Used in the filling, it caramelizes during baking to give the buns a crispy exterior.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a slight molasses flavor, complementing the cinnamon.
- Cinnamon: The warm, spicy note of cinnamon is the heart of this pastry.
- Orange Zest (Optional): Adding orange zest to the filling introduces a refreshing citrus note that balances the sweetness.
- Flour: The flour used in the dough should be all-purpose, but you can also experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flours for a healthier version.
- Yeast: Active dry yeast is typically used to leaven the croissant dough, giving it a slight lift.
- Milk: Often used in the dough to add moisture and richness.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re looking for gluten-free breakfast options, consider using a gluten-free flour blend. Substituting regular flour with gluten-free options is a great way to make morning buns accessible to more diets. For more ideas on gluten-free substitutions, take a look at this Chickpea Pasta Recipe, which offers helpful tips on gluten-free baking.
Pro Tip: Choose the Best Ingredients
Using the highest quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the final product. Opt for European-style butter with a higher fat content, and use freshly ground cinnamon for a more intense flavor. If you decide to add orange zest, make sure it’s freshly grated for the best flavor.
Croissant Dough: The Heart of Morning Buns
The most challenging part of making morning buns is working with croissant dough. This dough is traditionally made by laminating butter into the dough through a series of folds and rolls. The goal is to create multiple layers of butter and dough, which will puff up and separate during baking, resulting in the iconic flaky texture.
How to Make Croissant Dough
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your croissant dough from scratch. It requires time and patience but is incredibly rewarding. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
1. Prepare the Base Dough
- Combine flour, water, yeast, a pinch of sugar, and a little salt.
- Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rest and rise for about an hour, until it doubles in size.
2. Laminate the Dough
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle.
- Place a slab of cold butter in the center and fold the dough over it.
- Roll the dough out again and fold it into thirds, like a letter.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes, then repeat the rolling and folding process two more times to create multiple layers.
3. Chill and Rest
After the final fold, the dough should rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours, though overnight is even better. This allows the butter to firm up and ensures the dough will rise properly during baking.
Making croissant dough from scratch is an art form. If you’re new to laminated doughs, consider starting with a smaller batch to practice your technique. Alternatively, you can use store-bought croissant dough for a quicker option that still delivers flaky layers.
How to Make Morning Buns: Step-by-Step
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to assemble your morning buns. Follow these steps for a foolproof baking experience:
Ingredients for the Buns
- Half batch of croissant dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Zest of one orange (optional)
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- Extra sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
1. Roll Out the Dough
Begin by rolling your croissant dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. You want it to be thin enough to create layers when rolled but not so thin that it tears.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest. This mixture will provide the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor with a hint of citrus.
3. Spread and Roll
Brush the dough with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the surface. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
4. Cut Into Buns
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1.5-inch slices. Place each slice into a greased muffin tin, which will help them keep their shape during baking.
5. Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6. Finish with Extra Sugar
For an extra crunchy exterior, sprinkle the tops of the buns with sugar while they are still warm. This will give them a delightful caramelized finish.
Variations of Morning Buns
While the classic cinnamon sugar morning bun is hard to beat, there are endless ways to customize this pastry. Here are some popular variations to consider:
1. Fruit-Filled Morning Buns
Add a layer of fruit preserves like raspberry, apricot, or fig to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The fruit adds a burst of sweetness and pairs beautifully with the flaky dough.
2. Nutty Morning Buns
For a crunchy texture, sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the filling before rolling the dough. Toasting the nuts beforehand brings out their flavor even more.
3. Savory Morning Buns
If you prefer savory over sweet, swap the cinnamon sugar for ingredients like cheese, herbs, and garlic butter. Fill the dough with shredded cheddar and rosemary, for example, for a unique take on this classic pastry.
4. Healthier Morning Buns
Looking for a lighter version? Substitute coconut sugar for regular sugar, or use whole wheat flour in the dough. You can also reduce the amount of butter or use a plant-based alternative. If you’re interested in light and healthy alternatives, try incorporating some ideas from this Rice Cracker Recipe.
Morning Buns vs. Cinnamon Rolls
At first glance, morning buns and cinnamon rolls may seem similar, but there are significant differences between the two.
Dough
Morning Buns vs. Cinnamon Rolls
While both morning buns and cinnamon rolls are beloved breakfast treats, their differences come down to dough and texture. Morning buns use croissant dough, making them flaky, crispy, and buttery due to the lamination process. In contrast, cinnamon rolls use a yeasted dough, resulting in a denser, more bread-like texture.
FAQs About Morning Buns
Here are some common questions and answers to help guide your baking process:
1. What are morning buns made of?
Morning buns are made from croissant dough, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and occasionally orange zest. These ingredients combine to create a flaky, sweet pastry.
2. Can I use store-bought croissant dough?
Yes! If you’re short on time or new to making laminated dough, store-bought croissant dough is a great option. It still delivers those flaky layers without the labor-intensive process of making the dough from scratch.
3. How long do morning buns stay fresh?
Morning buns are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To refresh their texture, pop them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Healthier Alternatives for Morning Buns
Though morning buns are traditionally a rich, indulgent pastry, there are ways to make them a bit lighter while maintaining their deliciousness. Here are some health-conscious alternatives:
1. Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Dough
For a nutritious twist, substitute whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend for the traditional all-purpose flour. Whole wheat flour adds fiber and a nutty flavor, while gluten-free flour makes the buns accessible to more diets. For more gluten-free ideas, check out this Chickpea Pasta Recipe.
2. Use Healthier Sweeteners
Replace refined sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey to reduce the glycemic impact of the buns. These natural sweeteners add depth of flavor without being overly sweet. Coconut sugar, in particular, has a lower glycemic index, making it a healthier alternative.
3. Plant-Based Butter
If you’re following a plant-based diet or looking to reduce dairy, swap the butter in the recipe with vegan butter or coconut oil. Both alternatives create the same flaky texture, though coconut oil will add a slight coconut flavor.
4. Reduce the Butter
While butter is key to the flaky layers in morning buns, you can reduce the amount used by half for a lighter option. Alternatively, use a plant-based butter substitute.
Tips for Making Perfect Morning Buns
Making perfect morning buns can be tricky, but with a few expert tips, you’ll be on your way to success:
- Keep the dough cold: The key to a flaky dough is keeping the butter cold between folds. If the butter melts into the dough, you’ll lose the lamination, and your buns will be dense rather than airy.
- Don’t rush the folding process: Laminating dough is all about patience. Take your time folding and rolling out the dough. Chilling it between folds is essential to create the layers that give the buns their characteristic flakiness.
- Experiment with fillings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings! While the classic cinnamon-sugar combo is a fan favorite, you can add fruit preserves, nuts, or even savory ingredients like cheese and herbs.
Morning Bun Variations You’ll Love
While the classic cinnamon-sugar version is always a hit, there are countless ways to customize morning buns. Here are some exciting variations:
1. Raspberry Morning Buns
Add a dollop of raspberry jam to the filling for a fruity twist. The tartness of the raspberry pairs beautifully with the sweet, flaky dough.
2. Cardamom Morning Buns
For a more sophisticated flavor, substitute cardamom for cinnamon. This spice adds a warm, floral note that elevates the pastry.
3. Savory Cheese Buns
Swap the sugar and cinnamon for shredded cheese, herbs, and a sprinkle of garlic powder for a savory version. These make an excellent brunch option or even a dinner roll alternative.
4. Almond Morning Buns
Incorporate toasted sliced almonds into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra crunch and nutty flavor. Almonds also pair well with a drizzle of icing made from almond extract and powdered sugar.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Perfect Morning Buns
Morning buns are the perfect pastry to elevate any breakfast or brunch. Whether you’re a fan of the classic cinnamon-sugar version or want to experiment with creative variations, these buns are sure to impress. The key to success is in the croissant dough, which gives the buns their flaky, buttery layers. Though making the dough from scratch requires time and patience, the result is well worth the effort.
For those looking to incorporate more flavor twists or health-conscious alternatives, the options are endless. Don’t hesitate to try adding fruit preserves, savory fillings, or opting for whole wheat or gluten-free dough.
For more delicious breakfast desserts, be sure to explore this Churro Cheesecake Recipe and the creative uses of ingredients like this Rice Cracker Guide. Whether you stick to the classic or explore new flavors, morning buns are sure to brighten up your mornings!