Cinnamon Bun Recipe in 3 Options: Classic, Gluten Free, and Vegan

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Many people look for a cinnamon bun recipe when they want a soft, sweet treat that feels comforting and familiar. This classic baked food is often enjoyed in the morning, during breaks, or as a dessert shared with family and friends.

Cinnamon buns, also called cinnamon rolls, are soft bread filled with cinnamon and sugar, then topped with sweet icing. These delicious pastries come from Sweden and Northern Europe, where people have enjoyed them for many years. The Swedish version, called "kanelbulle," is so popular that Sweden has a special day to celebrate it every October.

In this article, we will share not one, but three cinnamon bun recipe options for you: the classic, the gluten free, and the vegan version. You will also find some extra tips that will help you get the best result. We gathered the information from various sources, Wednesday (21/1/2026). Let's try these cinnamon bun recipes!

This traditional cinnamon bun recipe creates soft, fluffy buns with a sweet cinnamon filling that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/3 cup sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

- 1 cup warm milk

- 1/3 cup butter, melted

- 2 eggs

For the filling:

- 1/2 cup butter, softened

- 1 cup brown sugar

- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the icing:

- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

- 3 tablespoons milk

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl.

2. Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Stir until the dough comes together.

3. Place dough on a clean surface. Work it with your hands for 8 minutes until smooth.

4. Put dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel. Let it rise for 1 hour until it doubles in size.

5. Roll the dough into a rectangle shape, about 16x12 inches.

6. Spread softened butter over the dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle on top.

7. Roll the dough tightly from the long side. Cut into 12 equal pieces.

8. Place pieces in a greased baking pan. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.

9. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

11. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the icing. Pour over warm buns.

People who cannot eat gluten can still enjoy a wonderful cinnamon bun recipe with this special version. These buns taste just as good as regular ones.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

- 3 cups gluten-free flour blend

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum

- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup warm milk

- 1/3 cup butter, melted

- 2 eggs

- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

For the filling:

- 1/3 cup butter, softened

- 3/4 cup brown sugar

- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the icing:

- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

- 2 tablespoons milk

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Combine gluten-free flour, sugar, xanthan gum, yeast, and salt in a bowl.

2. Add warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vinegar. Mix well until smooth.

3. The dough will be sticky. Cover the bowl and let it rise for 45 minutes.

4. Put the dough between two sheets of baking paper. Roll into a rectangle.

5. Spread butter on the dough. Add the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture on top.

6. Remove the top paper. Roll the dough carefully using the bottom paper to help.

7. Cut into 10 pieces. Place in a greased pan.

8. Let the buns rise for 20 minutes.

9. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).

10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the tops turn golden.

11. Make the icing by mixing all icing ingredients. Spread on cooled buns.

This plant-based cinnamon bun recipe uses no animal products but still creates soft and tasty buns. Perfect for vegan bakers and anyone who wants to try something different.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/3 cup sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

- 1 cup warm plant milk (soy or almond)

- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted

- 1/4 cup applesauce

For the filling:

- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened

- 1 cup brown sugar

- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the icing:

- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

- 3 tablespoons plant milk

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Put flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large mixing bowl.

2. Pour in warm plant milk, melted coconut oil, and applesauce. Mix together.

3. Work the dough on a flat surface for 7-8 minutes.

4. Place in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.

5. Roll dough into a rectangle, about 15x10 inches.

6. Spread vegan butter across the surface. Add cinnamon and brown sugar mixture.

7. Roll tightly from the long edge. Slice into 12 buns.

8. Arrange in a greased baking dish. Cover and rise for 30 minutes.

9. Set oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

10. Bake for 25-28 minutes until lightly browned.

11. Whisk together icing ingredients. Drizzle over warm buns.

No matter which cinnamon bun recipe you choose, these helpful tips will make your baking better and easier.

Check Your Yeast Activity

Before you start mixing, test if your yeast works properly. Put the yeast in warm liquid with a small amount of sugar. Wait 5-10 minutes. If the mixture becomes bubbly and foamy, your yeast is good to use. Dead yeast will not make your dough rise.

Keep the Right Temperature for Rising

Dough rises best in a warm place, around 75-80°F (24-27°C). If your kitchen feels cold, turn on your oven for 1 minute, then turn it off. Place the covered dough bowl inside the warm oven to rise. This creates the perfect environment for your dough.

Roll Evenly for Even Baking

When you roll out the dough, try to make it the same thickness everywhere. Use a rolling pin and check the corners and edges. Even thickness means all your buns will bake at the same speed and cook perfectly.

Use Dental Floss for Clean Cuts

Instead of a knife, use unflavored dental floss to cut your rolled dough. Slide the floss under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight. This method cuts cleanly without squashing the dough shape.

Let Buns Touch While Baking

Place your cut buns close together in the pan, almost touching. As they rise and bake, they will push against each other. This keeps the sides soft and creates the classic pull-apart texture that makes cinnamon buns special.

Cool Before Adding Icing

Wait until your buns are slightly warm, not hot, before you add icing. If buns are too hot, the icing will melt and become too thin. Slightly warm buns let the icing stay creamy and thick on top.