RecipePastryCanadian CuisineSous-Chef60 Min Prep

Fresh Cinnamon Buns: A Paisley Coffeehouse Masterclass

Ah, the cinnamon bun. That swirled, sticky, undeniably comforting treat.

At Paisley Coffeehouse & Eatery, located in the heart of Hamilton's vibrant Locke Street, we’ve elevated this classic to an art form.

It's more than just a pastry; it’s an experience.

The aroma alone, wafting through our cozy space, is enough to transport you to a state of pure bliss.

We're talking warm, yeasty dough, generously slathered with a rich, spiced filling, all crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting that's just the right amount of tangy and sweet.

Forget those dry, mass-produced excuses for cinnamon buns.

We're diving deep into the from-scratch world, where every ingredient is carefully chosen, and every step is executed with love and precision.

I'm sharing our closely guarded secrets because, well, everyone deserves a taste of heaven.

This isn't just a recipe; it's a journey.

We'll start with the perfect enriched dough, patiently nurtured to achieve that signature light and airy texture.

Then comes the filling, a symphony of cinnamon, brown sugar, and a touch of nutmeg that will awaken your senses.

And finally, the frosting – oh, the frosting!

It's a delicate balance of cream cheese, butter, and vanilla that will make you want to lick the bowl clean.

It’s about understanding the alchemy of baking, the delicate dance between time, temperature, and technique.

And let me tell you, the reward is well worth the effort.

So, tie on your apron, crank up your favorite tunes, and let's get baking.

Prepare to fill your kitchen with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon and spice and your heart with the joy of creating something truly special.

This isn't just a cinnamon bun; it's a Paisley Coffeehouse Cinnamon Bun. And trust me, it's in a league of its own.

We’re about to embark on a baking adventure, friends. Let’s not settle for anything less than extraordinary.

Our reputation, and your future breakfasts, depends on it!

SweetSaltySourBitterUmami

Taste Profile

Ingredients

9 items
12Servings

Total Time

30m

12

Cinnamon Filling

5 min
Ingredients
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter
  • 0.75 cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Nutmeg
Instructions
  1. 1

    In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well until a smooth paste forms. Make sure there are no lumps of butter or sugar; we want an even spread of flavor.

Cream Cheese Frosting

10 min
Ingredients
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese
  • 0.25 cup Unsalted Butter
  • 2 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tbsp Milk
Instructions
  1. 1

    In a medium bowl, cream together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. This is where that room temperature butter really matters – it ensures a silky smooth frosting.

  2. 2

    Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. We're looking for a frosting that's spreadable but not too runny.

Main Recipe

01

Prepare the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1 cup of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix on low speed until just combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. We want a dough that springs back when you poke itthat's the sign of good gluten development.

02

First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. Patience is key here! Resist the urge to rush this step; it's crucial for developing the light and airy texture we're after. A slow rise means a more flavourful bun.

03

Assemble the Buns

Punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 18x12 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one long edge. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the opposite long edge. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife or dental floss (yes, dental floss!), cut the log into 12 equal slices. Arrange the slices in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.

04

Second Rise

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until the buns are puffy and almost doubled in size. This second rise is just as important as the first. It gives the buns their final lift and ensures a tender crumb.

05

Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and cooked through. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of baking to prevent burning. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is simply divine!

06

Frost and Serve

Let the buns cool slightly in the pan before frosting with the cream cheese frosting. Serve warm and enjoy! Those first few bites, when the frosting melts in your mouth and the warm cinnamon filling fills your senses... that's what it's all about.

Try These Variations

Walnut Cinnamon Buns

Add chopped walnuts to the cinnamon filling for a nutty twist.

  • Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts to the cinnamon filling.

Maple Glazed Cinnamon Buns

Replace the cream cheese frosting with a homemade maple glaze for a sweeter, more decadent treat.

  • Omit cream cheese frosting.
  • Prepare maple glaze: Combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and 1-2 tbsp milk until smooth.
  • Drizzle maple glaze over warm cinnamon buns.
From the Kitchen

Chef's Notes

Wisdom

1Always use room temperature butter and cream cheese for the frosting. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture.

2Proof the yeast properly before adding it to the dough. This guarantees a light and airy final product.

3Don't overbake the cinnamon buns. They should be golden brown but still slightly soft to the touch.

Pitfalls

1Overmixing the dough. This can result in tough cinnamon buns.

2Using cold butter. This will make the frosting lumpy and difficult to spread.

Equipment Needed

Stand mixerRolling pinBaking sheet9x13 inch baking pan

Origin Story

Cinnamon buns, as we know them, gained popularity in North America in the 20th century. They've become a staple in cafes and bakeries, each with its own unique twist. At Paisley, we've spent years perfecting our recipe to create the ultimate comfort food experience.

Did you know?

Did you know that the origins of the cinnamon bun can be traced back to Sweden? They're called 'kanelbullar' and are a national treasure!

Perfect Pairings

  • Latte
  • Cappuccino
  • Iced Coffee
  • Earl Grey Tea

Inspired by Locke Street

This recipe captures the essence of Paisley Coffeehouse & Eatery in Hamilton. Authenticity isn't just about ingredients; it's about place.

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