Ingredients for Relatively Healthy Cinnamon Buns
- Nonfat Milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Table Salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- All Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- Dark Corn Syrup
- Ground Cinnamon
- Ground Nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup raisins
How to Make Relatively Healthy Cinnamon Buns
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Heat over medium-low until lukewarm (approximately 105-115°F).
- In a small bowl, sprinkle 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast over 2 tablespoons of lukewarm water. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the yeast mixture to the warm milk mixture and stir to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk mixture with 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. Beat until well combined using a hand mixer or wooden spoon.
- Gradually add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment.
- Let the dough rest for another 10 minutes.
- Lightly grease a large bowl with cooking spray. Place the dough in the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking pan with cooking spray.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12 x 10-inch rectangle.
- Lightly spray the dough with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon orange zest.
- Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup raisins evenly over the cinnamon mixture.
- Tightly roll the dough into a log, like a jelly roll.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Place the buns cut-side up in the prepared baking pan.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Let cool completely in the pan before inverting onto a serving plate.
- Enjoy your guilt-free, delicious cinnamon buns!
Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor
Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
8 g
Sugar
40g
Fat
1g
Carbs
11g