Vietnamese Cinnamon Date Sticky Buns (Print View)
Soft swirled buns with aromatic cinnamon, sweet dates, and rich sticky glaze topping.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
04 - 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
05 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
06 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Filling
08 - 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, chopped
09 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
10 - 2 tbsp Vietnamese cinnamon
11 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
→ Sticky Glaze
12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
13 - 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
14 - 1/4 cup honey
15 - 2 tbsp heavy cream
16 - Pinch of salt
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Combine warm milk and yeast in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly. Gradually incorporate flour, stirring until sticky dough forms.
03 - Knead dough on lightly floured surface for 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place until doubled, approximately 1–1.5 hours.
04 - Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, honey, cream, and salt. Stir until smooth and bubbling, about 2–3 minutes. Pour into 9x13 inch baking dish.
05 - Mix brown sugar and Vietnamese cinnamon for filling. Roll dough into 12x16 inch rectangle on floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture, and scatter chopped dates.
06 - Tightly roll dough from long side. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
07 - Arrange buns cut-side up in prepared baking dish over glaze. Cover and let rise until puffy, about 45 minutes.
08 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 28–32 minutes until golden brown.
09 - Cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto platter so sticky glaze coats top. Serve warm.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The Vietnamese cinnamon creates this incredible warming spice that blooms through every bite
- That sticky glaze gets into every crevice creating the most divine caramelized edges
02 -
- Wait exactly 5 minutes before flipping or the glaze will not set properly and you will lose all that precious sticky sauce
- Vietnamese cinnamon is worth seeking out but if you cannot find it increase the amount slightly if using regular cinnamon
03 -
- Use unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls instead of a knife for perfectly clean cuts
- The glaze should be bubbling when you pour it into the pan for the best caramelization