Tempting Tuesdays ~ Cinnamon Bun Bites

I usually get these posts together a couple days in advance. This last week I was trying to be proactive and get it done Thursday. I found a recipe for Candy Corn Cookies. I thought it would be a great seasonal treat. The whole process went perfectly ... until I pulled the cookies out of the oven.

Not what I was going for. So I combed Facebook and Pinterest and finally found something that looked yummy. I found this recipe on Inspired by Charm which was adapted from a Martha Stewart recipe. I think this one turned out much better than the Candy Corn Cookies. Try it out and be your own judge.

Ingredients

Bites:

1/2 cup warm water
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
4 large eggs
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 teaspoons coarse salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 stick unsalted butter, softened, plus 1/2 stick, melted for coating
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Vanilla Glaze:

1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

First, we start with our yeast. I know, I hate yeast as well. This wasn't too bad of an experience though. Pour your warm water into a bowl then sprinkle your yeast evenly over the water. 

Let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes until it gets frothy. Whisk until smooth then add 1/2 cup of flour to form a loose paste.

Let your mixture rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

Add eggs, 1/4 cup of sugar, salt, vanilla, and remaining flour to your yeast mixture. Kneed your dough until smooth. Now add 1 stick of butter and kneed until smooth and elastic. Put in a warm place covered with a damp towel or plastic wrap for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Dough should be doubled or there about by then. Make sure to punch down the dough to get rid of any air bubbles.

This is a good time to grab a couple extra hands to make 1 inch dough balls. This recipe makes 45 to 55 balls depending on how big you end up making them and how the fit in your pan. Melt 1/2 stick of butter in a bowl and set aside. In another bowl, mix your remaining 1 cup of sugar and cinnamon.

Roll each ball in 1/2 stick of melted butter.

Then roll in your cinnamon and sugar mixture.

Place in a pie plate and arrange in a dome-like fashion.

Cover your balls and let them rise by half for about 30 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes.

Now on to the glaze. Stir your sugar and salt together in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix your milk, vanilla, and melted butter then mix into your sugar mixture until a smooth paste forms.

Let your bites cool for about 15 minutes before pouring on the glaze.

I think we have a winner! Enjoy the cinnamon goodness.