Royal Philadelphia Cinnamon Buns

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Delicious cinnamon buns with a tender, flaky texture, filled with brown sugar, raisins, and cinnamon, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat with coffee.

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups sifted plain flour
  • 4 tablespoons shortening
  • 8 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • cinnamon
  • brown sugar
  • raisins

Instructions

  1. Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder together.
  2. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add the milk and egg mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
  4. Roll out the dough very thin on a floured surface.
  5. Spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough.
  6. Sprinkle with brown sugar, raisins, and cinnamon evenly over the butter.
  7. Starting from the edge nearest you, roll up the dough like a jelly roll.
  8. Mix 6 tablespoons of butter and 6 tablespoons of brown sugar until creamy and spread thickly on the bottom and sides of the baking pan.
  9. Cut the rolled dough into 2-inch slices and place them cut side up in the prepared pan.
  10. Let the rolls stand for 20 minutes to rise slightly.
  11. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes.
  12. Remove from oven immediately and invert onto a serving plate.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the milk and egg, which helps create a softer dough. If you prefer, substitute whole wheat flour for half of the plain flour for a healthier option. Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips can also enhance the flavor profile of these cinnamon buns.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon buns are best served warm, drizzled with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them an excellent choice for brunch. Consider serving alongside the Super Easy Pumpkin Bread for a delightful spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cinnamon buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their warmth and softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Royal Philadelphia Cinnamon Buns contains roughly 637 calories, with 10g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 866mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).

637 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.6g 19% DV
Total Fat 17.4g 22% DV
Carbs 112.8g 41% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 4.5g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 865.9mg 38% DV
Potassium 672.5mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 312.3mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 76.8mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 437.2mg 34% DV
Iron 3.1mg 17% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it after rolling it up. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Allow it to come to room temperature before slicing and baking, which will help achieve that perfect rise.

What can I use instead of raisins?

You can substitute raisins with other dried fruits such as cranberries, chopped apricots, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor. Nuts like walnuts or pecans are also great additions to add texture and richness to the buns.

How do I know when the buns are done baking?

The cinnamon buns are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Additionally, they should feel firm to the touch and spring back slightly when pressed. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-baking.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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