Nigella Cinnamon Buns Recipe [GUIDE]

Oh, where do I even begin? If you’ve ever flipped through one of Nigella Lawson’s cookbooks or watched her on TV, you know there’s something effortlessly luxurious about her recipes. It’s like she’s discovered the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity and her cinnamon buns are the epitome of that.

Nigella’s version of cinnamon buns is the kind of comfort food you don’t mind spending a bit of extra time on but it doesn’t require you to be a seasoned baker to pull it off. It’s that warm, buttery dough with swirls of cinnamon and sugar that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket, sipping tea in front of a fireplace. The whole process, from mixing the ingredients to the moment you pull those golden buns out of the oven, is pure magic. And the smell? That’s the kind of smell that gets you excited to invite people over, even if you don’t have anything else planned for the day.

Nigella’s take on cinnamon buns is a perfect blend of British and American flavors, with just enough richness and sweetness to make them the ideal weekend baking project. It’s not about perfecting each step; it’s about the joy of being in the kitchen and creating something that feels like a hug on a plate.

Nigella Cinnamon Buns Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Now, before you dive into any recipe, you’re probably wondering what’s going to make this version of cinnamon buns different from any other recipe you’ve come across. Let me tell you, it’s all about the balance between sweet and spicy and the texture of the dough. Here’s what you’ll need for Nigella’s cinnamon buns:

• For The Dough

  • 500g (about 4 cups) of plain (all-purpose) flour – you’ll want a soft, supple dough and the flour is the foundation of that.
  • 7g (1 packet) of instant yeast. the magic that will make your dough rise and puff up.
  • 1 teaspoon of salt. don’t skip this as it helps balance the sweetness.
  • 50g (about ¼ cup) of caster sugar. this will add just the right touch of sweetness to the dough.
  • 40g (3 tbsp) of unsalted butter. this gives the dough a richness that will make each bun melt in your mouth.
  • 1 egg – for that golden color and to enrich the dough.
  • 250ml (1 cup) of milk. warm but not too hot, so it doesn’t kill the yeast.

• For The Filling

  • 100g (½ cup) of unsalted butter. melted and ready to spread on that dough like you’re painting a masterpiece.
  • 75g (about 1/3 cup) of brown sugar. the molasses in the brown sugar adds an extra depth of flavor that white sugar just can’t match.
  • 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. the key ingredient for that warm, spicy goodness.
  • A pinch of salt. you’ll need just a touch more salt to bring out all the sweetness and spice.

• For The Glaze

  • 75g (about ¼ cup) of icing (powdered) sugar. just a touch to finish off these buns with a nice sweet sheen.

It’s all very simple but when these ingredients come together, they create something far more than the sum of their parts. There’s something so satisfying about how each element contributes to that perfect bite.

Equipment Needed

As much as I wish I could tell you that you can bake these cinnamon buns without much fuss, there are a few essentials you’ll need. But don’t worry, nothing too fancy! Here’s the list:

1. A large mixing bowl. for the dough. This is where all the magic starts, so get a nice big bowl.
2. A spatula or spoon. for mixing the dough initially before you get your hands in there.
3. A rolling pin – essential for rolling out that dough into the perfect rectangle.
4. A baking tray – Nigella uses a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) tray which gives the buns enough room to rise and get golden.
5. A clean tea towel. to cover the dough while it’s rising. This ensures it doesn’t dry out.
6. A pastry brush – this will help spread the butter on the dough and the glaze on the buns once they’re baked.
7. An oven – obviously! But if you’re like me, you might have a temperamental one, so be sure to preheat it to the right temperature.

That’s it! Nothing too complicated, right? It’s a homey, no-fuss kind of setup that makes baking feel approachable.

Instructions To Make Nigella Lawson’s Cinnamon Buns

Alright, now for the fun part. the actual making of the cinnamon buns. Here’s how it goes:

1. Make the dough – Start by mixing the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in your large bowl. In a separate jug or bowl, warm the milk gently (not too hot!) and whisk in the egg. Melt the butter and add it to the milk-egg mixture. Pour all that into your dry ingredients and stir until you get a shaggy dough.
2. Knead the dough – Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. It might seem sticky at first but it’ll gradually become smooth and elastic. Trust me, it’s totally worth the effort.
3. Let it rise – Place the dough back in the bowl and cover it with a clean tea towel. Let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This is when you can take a breather, maybe catch up on your favorite TV show or get lost in a good book while the dough works its magic.
4. Prepare the filling – While the dough is rising, you can prep the filling. Simply melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon and salt until it’s all beautifully combined.
5. Roll it out – Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 30x40cm). The thinner you roll it, the more swirls you’ll get in each bun!
6. Spread the filling – Brush the dough with the melted cinnamon butter mixture, spreading it all over the dough. Don’t be shy with the cinnamon. it’s the star of the show!
7. Roll and slice – Carefully roll the dough up from one long side to the other and then slice it into about 12 even pieces.
8. Bake – Place the buns on your baking tray, leaving a little space between them. Cover the tray with a tea towel again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) while this is happening. After the buns have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown.
9. Glaze – While the buns are baking, mix together the icing sugar and a splash of water to make a smooth glaze. Once the buns are out of the oven, brush them with the glaze while they’re still warm.
10. Enjoy! – The hardest part is waiting for them to cool enough to eat. But I can assure you that it’s totally worth it.

What I Learnt

Baking these cinnamon buns was one of those moments when I realized that it’s not just about the final result but about enjoying the process. The act of kneading the dough, watching it rise and then seeing those swirls of cinnamon and sugar turn into something golden and decadent-it’s therapeutic. The best part? You get to eat the fruits of your labor at the end.

What I’ve learned is that a good recipe doesn’t need to be overly complicated to be special. Nigella’s cinnamon buns are the perfect example of that. The ingredients are simple but together they create something far greater than I could have imagined. They’re warm, comforting and so much more than just a sweet treat.

FAQs

Can I Make Nigella Lawson’s Cinnamon Buns Ahead Of Time?

Yes! You can definitely prep the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. The next morning, just roll them out, add the filling, and bake. It’s a total game-changer if you want freshly baked buns without the morning rush!

How Can I Make Nigella’s Cinnamon Buns Extra Fluffy?

The key is to not overwork the dough. Gently mix and knead until it’s just combined. Also, give it enough time to rise so that the buns are soft and pillowy. Don’t skip the first rise-it’s a crucial step for getting that perfect texture!

Can I Use A Different Filling For Nigella’s Cinnamon Buns?

Absolutely! While the classic cinnamon sugar filling is delicious, you can experiment with other flavors like nutella, fruit preserves, or even a twist with chopped nuts or chocolate. Nigella’s recipe is pretty flexible when it comes to getting creative with the filling!