King Cake-Inspired Morning Buns

15 INGREDIENTS • 15 STEPS • 2HRS 30MINS

King Cake-Inspired Morning Buns

These King Cake-inspired morning buns blend the best of two classics—the tender, cinnamon-laced layers of a cinnamon roll with the festive spirit of New Orleans' iconic King Cake. A rich, buttery dough is swirled with cinnamon sugar, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a creamy frosting and sparkling purple, green, and gold sugar. Whether for Mardi Gras brunch or an indulgent weekend treat, these morning buns bring celebration to every bite.
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These King Cake-inspired morning buns blend the best of two classics—the tender, cinnamon-laced layers of a cinnamon roll with the festive spirit of New Orleans' iconic King Cake. A rich, buttery dough is swirled with cinnamon sugar, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a creamy frosting and sparkling purple, green, and gold sugar. Whether for Mardi Gras brunch or an indulgent weekend treat, these morning buns bring celebration to every bite.


Ingredient Highlights



  • Soft, Enriched Dough: A mix of milk, butter, and sugar creates a rich, pillowy texture.
  • Cinnamon-Sugar Filling: A buttery swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon infuses deep, caramelized warmth.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: Smooth, tangy, and just the right amount of sweetness.
  • Festive Sanding Sugar: The traditional purple, green, and gold colors of Mardi Gras add a celebratory finish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Morning Buns

  • Ensure proper yeast activation: The milk should be warm (not hot) to avoid killing the yeast. Look for a foamy surface before proceeding.
  • Roll the dough evenly: Keeping a uniform thickness ensures consistent baking.
  • Don’t rush the rise: Allowing the dough to double in size results in light, airy rolls.
  • Let the buns cool slightly before frosting: This prevents the icing from melting completely, keeping it thick and creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions



Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Warm slightly before serving.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely! While homemade dough provides the best flavor, store-bought crescent roll or brioche dough works in a pinch.

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2HRS 30MINS

Total Time

$0.63

Cost Per Serving

Ingredients

Servings
8
us / metric
Dough
Whole Milk
1 cup
Whole Milk
Unsalted Butter
4 Tbsp
Unsalted Butter
Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup
Granulated Sugar
Active Dry Yeast
1 tsp
Active Dry Yeast
All-Purpose Flour
3 cups
All-Purpose Flour
Baking Powder
1/2 tsp
Baking Powder
Salt
1 tsp
Salt
Filling
Butter
1/2 cup
Butter, softened
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup
Brown Sugar
Ground Cinnamon
1 Tbsp
Ground Cinnamon
Frosting
Cream Cheese
1/2 cup
Cream Cheese, softened
Butter
2 Tbsp
Butter, softened
Cream
2 Tbsp
Cream
Powdered Confectioners Sugar
2 cups
Powdered Confectioners Sugar
Colored Sugar Crystals
to taste
Colored Sugar Crystals
purple, green, and gold
optional
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Cooking Instructions

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step 1
Make the dough: In a microwave-safe large bowl, heat the Whole Milk (1 cup) and Unsalted Butter (4 Tbsp) for 60–90 seconds until warm. Stir in the Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup) and set aside to cool until the mixture reaches about 100°F.
step 2
Evenly sprinkle the Active Dry Yeast (1 tsp) over the warm milk mixture and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
step 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the All-Purpose Flour (3 cups), Baking Powder (1/2 tsp), and Salt (1 tsp). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the milk mixture, stirring with a spatula until just combined.
step 4
Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and knead, adding additional flour as needed, until it becomes smooth and no longer sticky.
step 5
Place the dough ball in a well-oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and a towel, and let it rise for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size. Rising time may vary depending on the humidity and temperature in your kitchen.
step 6
Assemble: Generously butter 1 9-inch pan.
step 7
Once the dough has doubled in size, transfer it to a well-floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about ½ inch (1 cm) thick. Adjust the corners to ensure they are sharp and even. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
step 8
In a small bowl, mix together the Brown Sugar (1/2 cup) and Ground Cinnamon (1 Tbsp). Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered dough, then gently rub it into the Butter (1/2 cup).
step 9
Tightly roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam closed. Place it seam-side down and trim off any uneven edges.
step 10
Slice the log into 8 evenly sized pieces, about 1 ½ inches (8 cm) thick.
step 11
Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the prepared pan—one in the center and 7 around the sides. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
step 12
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
step 13
Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Cream Cheese (1/2 cup), Butter (2 Tbsp), Cream (2 Tbsp), and Powdered Confectioners Sugar (2 cups) until smooth.
step 14
Remove the plastic wrap and bake the cinnamon rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
step 15
Let cool for about 15 minutes then evenly frost with frosting and sprinkle with Colored Sugar Crystals (to taste).
step 15 Let cool for about 15 minutes then evenly frost with frosting and sprinkle with Colored Sugar Crystals (to taste).

RECIPES TAG

American
Shellfish-Free
Dessert
Vegetarian
Spring
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