Sister Mary Augusta'S Cinnamon Buns

Prep: 180 min Cuisine: American

Sweet, cinnamon-sugar filled buns with a tender, yeasty dough, perfect for breakfast or brunch, offering comforting flavors and soft texture that appeal to all ages.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup Spry or Crisco
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 teaspoons salt
  • 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
  • 3 cups lukewarm potato water
  • 8 cups flour (4 cups + 4 cups)
  • 3 packages dry yeast
  • butter or oleo (for spreading)

Instructions

  1. Cream the sugar and Spry or Crisco together until well blended.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Add salt, mashed potatoes, and potato water; mix thoroughly.
  4. Add 4 cups of flour and dry yeast; mix well.
  5. Add the remaining 4 cups of flour and knead the dough.
  6. Gradually add enough flour to stiffen the dough so it does not stick to fingers.
  7. Place the dough in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
  8. Take a portion of the dough, roll it out, and spread with butter or oleo.
  9. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
  10. Roll up like a jellyroll and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
  11. Place the cut buns in buttered pans that have a mixture of butter, cinnamon, and sugar in them.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer texture, ensure your mashed potatoes are well whipped without lumps. If you don't have Spry or Crisco, use unsalted butter as a substitute for a richer flavor. Make sure your potato water is lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly. Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic for the best rise.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon buns are best served warm, drizzled with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or snack. They also complement dishes like Apple Cheese Fruit Salad, making for a sweet addition to brunch or holiday gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cinnamon buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last up to a week. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This keeps them soft and delicious.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sister Mary Augusta'S Cinnamon Buns contains roughly 2470 calories, with 61g protein, 539g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (140% of the Daily Value), protein (123% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1586mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).

2470 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 61.5g 100% DV
Total Fat 5.6g 7% DV
Carbs 539.5g 100% DV
Fiber 20.2g 72% DV
Sugar 119.5g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1586.3mg 69% DV
Potassium 1735.4mg 37% DV
Cholesterol 9.7mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.7mcg
Vitamin C 35.7mg 40% DV
Calcium 248.3mg 19% DV
Iron 25.2mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber 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 use instant mashed potatoes instead of fresh mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes; just prepare them according to package instructions before adding to the recipe. However, fresh mashed potatoes will provide a better texture and flavor, so use instant as a backup if needed.

How can I make these cinnamon buns healthier?

To create a healthier version, consider reducing the sugar by half and substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also use less butter or oleo for spreading or try a light cream cheese spread instead. These adjustments will still yield tasty results while being more nutritious.

Can I freeze the cinnamon buns?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked or baked cinnamon buns. If freezing unbaked, roll and cut them, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer bag. For baked buns, let them cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing. To enjoy, thaw and reheat as described above.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →