These Philadelphia-style cinnamon buns are a unique twist on the classic sweet roll. Unlike traditional yeast-raised buns, these use baking powder for a quicker, cake-like texture that is tender and moist. The key is the sticky, caramelized crust formed by melting butter and sugar in the pan before adding the dough. As they bake, the buns expand and merge into a single, glorious cake of spiced goodness. The combination of warm cinnamon, plump raisins, and a buttery, sugary glaze makes this an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert. It’s simple to make with pantry staples and delivers a comforting, homemade flavor that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for weekend brunches or cozy winter mornings, these buns are best enjoyed warm, pulled apart with your fingers to reveal the gooey interior.
Philadelphia Cinnamon Buns
Description
These Philadelphia-style cinnamon buns are a unique twist on the classic sweet roll. Unlike traditional yeast-raised buns, these use baking powder for a quicker, cake-like texture that is tender and moist. The key is the sticky, caramelized crust formed by melting butter and sugar in the pan before adding the dough. As they bake, the buns expand and merge into a single, glorious cake of spiced goodness. The combination of warm cinnamon, plump raisins, and a buttery, sugary glaze makes this an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert. ItâÂÂs simple to make with pantry staples and delivers a comforting, homemade flavor that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for weekend brunches or cozy winter mornings, these buns are best enjoyed warm, pulled apart with your fingers to reveal the gooey interior.Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Set aside to cool slightly.
-
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
-
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, 2 tablespoons of the melted butter, and the warm water.
-
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly on a lightly floured surface for about 30 seconds until smooth.
-
Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick.
-
Brush the surface of the dough with the remaining melted butter.
-
In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup of white sugar with the cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dough, followed by the raisins.
-
Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly like a jelly roll.
-
Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
-
Meanwhile, cream the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter with the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar until smooth.
-
Spread the brown sugar-butter mixture on the bottom and up the sides of a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or round baking pan.
-
Place the skillet in the oven for 2-3 minutes just until the butter melts, then remove and let it sit while you finish prepping the dough.
-
Remove the dough roll from the refrigerator. Let it stand at room temperature for 15 minutes while the oven continues to heat.
-
Cut the dough roll into 1-inch thick slices.
-
Place the slices cut-side down into the prepared skillet, arranging them about 1/2 inch apart.
-
Sprinkle any leftover cinnamon-sugar mixture and raisins that fell out during cutting over the top of the buns.
-
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and cooked through.
-
Remove from the oven and immediately invert the skillet onto a serving plate to release the buns.
-
Serve warm, pulling apart the buns to enjoy the sticky crust.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 825.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 19.5g30%
- Saturated Fat 11.7g59%
- Cholesterol 48.4mg17%
- Sodium 5729.6mg239%
- Total Carbohydrate 151.3g51%
- Dietary Fiber 5.1g21%
- Sugars 56.4g
- Protein 12.8g26%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
