Are you ready to indulge in the sweet, sticky goodness of Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns? These mouthwatering treats are a staple of British bakeries, and with this recipe, you can bring a taste of the UK to your own kitchen. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns, complete with tips, tricks, and variations to make your baking experience even more enjoyable.
Understanding the Recipe
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let’s take a look at what makes Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns so special. This recipe is a classic example of a sweet, sticky bun that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. The dough is made with a combination of flour, yeast, sugar, and spices, which gives the buns a light, airy texture and a subtle sweetness. The filling is where the magic happens, with a mixture of butter, cinnamon, and sugar that’s spread generously over the dough before rolling it up.
Ingredients
To make Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (around 105°F to 115°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Equipment
To make Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or dough whisk
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s move on to the fun part – making the cinnamon buns!
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast, and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients together until they’re well combined. Add the melted butter, yeast mixture, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix the dough until it comes together in a sticky ball.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it’s doubled in size.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom until well combined.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
Step 7: Spread the Filling
Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Step 8: Roll Up the Dough
Roll the dough up into a tight log, starting from the long side. Cut the log into 12 to 15 equal pieces.
Step 9: Let the Buns Rise
Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each bun. Cover the buns with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until they’re doubled in size.
Step 10: Bake the Buns
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
Step 11: Glaze the Buns
While the buns are still warm, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the buns and serve warm.
Tips and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s time to get creative! Here are some tips and variations to take your cinnamon buns to the next level:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your cinnamon buns. Use fresh yeast, high-quality flour, and real butter for the best results.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough, dense buns. Mix the dough just until the ingredients come together, and then let it rest.
- Let the dough rise long enough: Letting the dough rise for the full 1 to 2 hours will give your buns a light, airy texture.
- Use the right type of flour: All-purpose flour is the best type of flour to use for cinnamon buns. It has the right balance of protein and starch to give the buns a tender, yet chewy texture.
- Add nuts or fruit: Adding nuts or fruit to the filling can give your cinnamon buns an extra boost of flavor and texture. Try adding chopped walnuts or dried cranberries to the filling for a delicious twist.
Variations
Here are some variations to try:
- Cinnamon apple buns: Add diced apples to the filling for a delicious twist on the classic recipe.
- Raspberry cinnamon buns: Add fresh raspberries to the filling for a sweet and tangy flavor combination.
- Chocolate cinnamon buns: Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the dough for a chocolatey twist on the classic recipe.
Conclusion
Making Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns is a fun and rewarding process that’s perfect for bakers of all levels. With this recipe, you’ll be able to create delicious, sweet, and sticky buns that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, don’t overmix the dough, and let the dough rise long enough for the best results. Happy baking!
What makes Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns recipe unique?
Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns recipe stands out from others due to its emphasis on using high-quality ingredients and a careful balance of flavors. Unlike some recipes that rely heavily on refined sugars and artificial additives, Jamie’s recipe uses a combination of white and brown sugar, along with a hint of sea salt, to create a rich and complex flavor profile. Additionally, the use of fresh yeast and a long proofing time ensures that the dough is light and airy, with a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the filling.
Another unique aspect of Jamie’s recipe is the use of a mixture of cinnamon and cardamom to give the buns a warm, aromatic flavor. This spice blend is a common combination in Scandinavian baking, and it adds a depth and sophistication to the buns that is hard to find in other recipes. Overall, Jamie’s cinnamon buns recipe is a masterclass in balancing flavors and textures to create a truly exceptional sweet treat.
What type of flour is best for making Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns?
For making Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns, it’s best to use a high-quality, strong bread flour with a high protein content. This type of flour will help to create a dough that is strong and elastic, with a good balance of structure and texture. Look for a flour that has a protein content of at least 12%, as this will help to ensure that the dough develops a good gluten structure during the proofing process.
Some good options for bread flour include King Arthur Flour, Caputo Flour, or Allinson Flour. Avoid using all-purpose flour or cake flour, as these will not have enough protein to create a strong and elastic dough. If you’re using a different type of flour, be sure to adjust the liquid content and proofing time accordingly, as different flours can absorb different amounts of liquid and may require longer or shorter proofing times.
How do I ensure that my cinnamon buns are sweet and sticky?
To ensure that your cinnamon buns are sweet and sticky, it’s essential to get the filling right. Jamie Oliver’s recipe uses a mixture of brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon to create a rich and sticky filling. Be sure to use a high-quality brown sugar that is fresh and moist, as this will help to create a deep and caramel-like flavor.
When assembling the buns, be sure to spread the filling evenly and generously, making sure to leave a small border around the edges. This will help to prevent the filling from oozing out during baking and ensure that the buns are evenly coated. Additionally, be sure to brush the buns with a little bit of milk or beaten egg before baking, as this will help to create a golden and sticky glaze.
Can I make Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns ahead of time, but it’s essential to plan carefully to ensure that they remain fresh and delicious. The best way to make ahead is to prepare the dough and let it proof overnight in the fridge, then assemble and bake the buns in the morning. This will help to ensure that the buns are fresh and have a good texture.
Alternatively, you can also assemble the buns and freeze them before baking. Simply place the assembled buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen buns to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To bake, simply thaw the buns overnight in the fridge and bake in the morning.
How do I store Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns to keep them fresh?
To keep Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns fresh, it’s essential to store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you’re storing the buns at room temperature, be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
If you want to keep the buns fresh for longer, consider storing them in the fridge or freezer. To store in the fridge, wrap the buns tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To store in the freezer, place the buns in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave the buns at room temperature overnight or thaw in the fridge.
Can I customize Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns recipe to suit my tastes?
Absolutely! Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns recipe is a versatile base that can be customized to suit your tastes and preferences. Consider adding different spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, to the filling for a unique flavor. You can also add dried fruit, such as cranberries or cherries, to the dough for added sweetness and texture.
Another way to customize the recipe is to use different types of sugar or sweetener. Consider using honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor, or try using coconut sugar for a slightly caramel-like flavor. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or rye, to create a nuttier and more robust flavor.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns?
One common mistake to avoid when making Jamie Oliver’s cinnamon buns is overworking the dough. This can lead to a dense and tough texture, rather than a light and airy one. Be sure to mix the dough just until the ingredients come together, then let it rest and proof without overworking it.
Another mistake to avoid is not letting the dough proof for long enough. This can lead to a dense and flat texture, rather than a light and airy one. Be sure to let the dough proof for at least an hour, or until it has doubled in size. Additionally, be sure to keep an eye on the buns while they’re baking, as they can quickly go from golden to burnt.