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Easy Morning Buns Recipe (Flaky & Irresistible)

Easy morning buns Recipe will help you make the best flaky cinnamon sugar morning buns in the easiest way!

These sweet, flaky treats are lightly crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated with a fragrant cinnamon sugar topping that makes them completely irresistible.

If you have ever thought that making layered pastries at home is too complicated, this recipe will change your mind completely.

This version is designed to give you beautiful layers and rich flavor without the complicated steps of traditional pastry making.

We use our, “Easy, Shortcut Croissant Recipe” to make this pastry dough. So that you can make this delicious flaky pastry in less than 2 and half hours (including the resting and proofing time).

easy morning buns recipe

It’s approachable, forgiving, and perfect whether you are new to baking or simply want a quicker method that still delivers amazing results.


Why You Will Love This Easy Morning Buns Recipe

This recipe is all about simplifying the process without compromising on texture or taste.

It is perfect for beginners, yet satisfying enough for experienced bakers who want a faster method.

You don’t need to worry about repeated folding or long resting periods that usually come with layered dough recipes.

Instead, a clever “rolling “Giant Roll” technique creates delicate layers in a much easier way.

Another advantage is that this method uses less butter compared to classic versions, making the buns slightly lighter while still rich and delicious.

The result is a batch of golden, flaky morning buns that look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make.


What Makes This Morning Buns Recipe Different

Traditional laminated dough relies on folding butter into the dough multiple times to create layers.

While effective, that process can be time-consuming and sometimes intimidating.

In this recipe, we use a “giant roll” technique that builds layers in a much more straightforward way.

By spreading butter over rolled dough and shaping it into a spiral, you create multiple thin layers without complicated folding steps.

This method saves time and effort while still giving you that beautiful flaky structure.


Morning Buns: Ingredients

To make the Pastry Dough

  • 190 ml (3/4 cup + 2 tsp) water or milk (room temperature)
  • 25 g sugar (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 3 g salt (½ teaspoon)
  • 3 g yeast (1 teaspoon)
  • 300 g flour (approximately 2 1/4 cups)
  • 100 g butter

For the Filling

  • 50 g (1/4 cup) soft brown sugar
  • 50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
  • 3 g (1 teaspoon) cinnamon powder
  • 2g (1 teaspoon) orange zest
  • 30 g (2 tablespoons) soft butter

For the Topping

  • 50 g (1/4 cup) sugar
  • 1.5 g (1/2 teaspoon) cinnamon powder

Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.

The combination of sugars gives depth, while the cinnamon and orange zest add a warm and slightly citrusy aroma that makes these buns stand out.


How to Make Morning Buns from scratch

we can make Morning buns from scratch in 5 simple steps!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by adding the water or milk into a mixing bowl.

Add sugar, salt and yeast. Stir gently until everything is well combined.

morning buns ingredients

Gradually add the flour and bring everything together into a soft dough.

easy morning buns ingredients

Knead the dough for about five minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

This step helps develop gluten, which gives the buns their structure and chew.

Once kneaded, let the dough rest for about 10 minutes.

This short rest relaxes the gluten, making the dough easier to roll out later.


Step 2: Create the Giant Roll

After the dough has rested, roll it out into a thin rectangular sheet.

Aim for an even thickness of about 3 mm for best results. (I am sharing the size of my rectangle just for your reference, 46cm x 36cm).

how to make morning buns

Spread butter evenly across the entire surface of the dough.

Make sure the butter layer is smooth and covers all edges.

Now begin rolling the dough tightly, just like you would roll a cinnamon roll.

Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it properly.

Gently stretch the log to make it slightly longer and thinner (about 25 inch long).

Now coil this long roll into a spiral shape to form the “giant roll.”

giant roll method for morning buns

Seal the end so it holds its shape.

At this point, the butter is still soft, so the dough needs to be chilled.

Cover the dough and place it in the freezer for about 15–20 minutes.

This step firms up the butter and makes the dough easier to handle in the next stage.


Step 3: Roll, Fill, and Shape

Take the chilled dough out of the freezer once it feels firm but still flexible.

Roll it again into a thin rectangle, approximately 22 x 12 inches in size.

cinnamon sugar morning buns

Spread a thin layer of soft butter evenly over the surface.

Mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest.

Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the dough.

Now roll the dough tightly into a log, just like making cinnamon rolls.

Divide the log into 12 equal pieces.

Using a thread to cut the dough works beautifully for clean edges.

how to make sugar morning buns

Place each piece into a greased muffin tray.

easy cinnamon sugar morning buns

This helps the buns hold their shape and rise nicely upward.


Step 4: Proof the Morning Buns

Cover the tray loosely with a cloth or plastic wrap.

Let the buns rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours(They will rise in one hour in a warm place and will take 1.5 or more in a cooler place).

flaky morning buns recipe

Because the dough was chilled earlier, the proofing may take slightly longer than usual.

During this time, the buns will become soft and slightly puffy.

This step is essential for achieving a light and airy texture.

Be patient and allow them to rise properly for the best results.


Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

This usually takes around 15–20 minutes.

While the oven is heating, you can place the tray in the freezer for a few minutes.

This helps keep the butter firm, which improves the flakiness during baking.

Bake the buns at 190°C (375°F) for about 25 minutes.

They should turn beautifully golden brown with crisp edges.

flaky cinnamon morning buns recipe

Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Coat them with the cinnamon sugar topping while still warm for the best flavor.


Tips for Perfect Morning Buns

Always roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent layers.

Chilling the dough at the right stages is key to achieving flakiness.

Do not rush the proofing step, as it greatly affects the final texture.

Use soft butter for spreading to avoid tearing the dough.


Watch Step by step Video: Easy Morning Buns Recipe


Flavor Variations to Try

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste.

Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.

Include raisins or dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness.

You can even drizzle a light glaze on top for extra indulgence.


How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

For longer storage, keep them in the freezer.

Reheat in a warm oven at 160–175°C for 5–10 minutes to bring back their freshness and keep them flaky.

If you need a quick option, microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 10–20 seconds—this will soften them but won’t keep them crispy.

You can also use an air fryer at 160°C for 3–5 minutes for a crisp result. If they feel dry, lightly brush with butter before reheating.

Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make them soft rather than flaky.


Serving Suggestions

These morning buns are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack.

Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for the best experience.

They also make a wonderful addition to special occasions or family gatherings.


Enjoy The Best Homemade Morning Buns!

Making morning buns at home does not have to be complicated or time-consuming.

With this simplified method, you can achieve beautiful layers and delicious flavor with minimal effort.

This recipe is proof that you don’t need advanced techniques to create something truly special.

Once you try it, you will find yourself coming back to this easy method again and again.

The combination of soft layers, sweet filling, and crisp edges makes these morning buns absolutely unforgettable.

easy morning buns recipe

Easy Morning Buns Recipe (Flaky and Irresistible)

Bincy Chris
Easy Morning Buns Recipe to help you make the best flaky cinnamon sugar morning buns in a very easy shortcut "giant roll" method.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting time 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Course Breakfast, Pastry, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Buns

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 190 ml water or milk (room temperature)(3/4 cup + 2 tsp)
  • 25 g sugar (2 tbsp)
  • 3 g salt (1/2 tsp)
  • 3 g yeast (1 tsp)
  • 300 g all-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups)
  • 100 g butter (softened, unsalted)

For the Filling

  • 50 g soft brown sugar 1/4 cup
  • 50 g granulated sugar 1/4 cup
  • 3 g cinnamon powder 1 tsp
  • 2 g orange zest 1 tsp
  • 30 g soft butter (2 tbsp)

For the Topping

  • 50 g sugar 1/4 cup
  • 1.5 g cinnamon powder 1/2 tsp

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough

  • In a bowl, combine water (or milk), sugar, and salt. Add yeast and mix until dissolved.
    Gradually add flour and mix into a soft dough.
    Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.

Make the Giant Roll

  • Roll the dough into a thin rectangle (about 3 mm thick, approximately 46cm x 36cm).
    Spread softened butter evenly over the surface.
    Roll tightly into a log and seal the edges.
    Gently stretch the log and coil it into a spiral shape.
  • Cover and freeze for 15–20 minutes.

Shape the log and Divide

  • Roll the chilled dough into a thin rectangle (approx. 22 x 12 inches).
    Spread butter evenly.
    Mix sugars, cinnamon, and orange zest, then sprinkle over the dough.
    Roll tightly into a log and divide into 12 equal pieces.
    Place each piece into a greased muffin tray.

Proof the Buns

  • Cover loosely and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours.
    The buns should become soft and slightly puffy.

Bake the Morning Buns

  • Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
    Chill shaped buns for around minutes while the oven is preheating; before baking.
    Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.
  • Mix sugar and cinnamon.
    Coat the buns while still warm for best flavor.

Video

Notes

 
  • Chilling the dough helps create flaky layers.
  • Proof the buns until they are light and puffy.
  • Keep the baking tray in the freezer for about 15 minutes while the oven is preheating. This helps firm up the butter, ensuring better flaky layers and preventing it from melting too quickly at the start of baking.
  • A thread works best for cleanly cutting the dough.
Keyword Easy Morning buns recipe, Morning Buns, morning buns recipe
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