Apartment Therapy The Kitchn | Morning Buns: What They Are, and Why We Love Them

Morning Buns: What They Are, and Why We Love Them

Morning buns aren't a big thing on the East Coast—at least not that we're aware of. We discovered them on a trip to San Francisco, where it seems several well-known bakeries make them every morning. What's the difference between a morning bun and a cinnamon roll? Well, we'll tell you...

Morning buns are made with croissant dough that's light, flaky, and extremely buttery, rather than a chewier, more bread-like dough. They are sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, occasionally orange zest, and peel apart in delicate, fluffy layers.

We've read they originated at a bakery in Wisconsin and then moved west. Finding a recipe proved a little difficult, actually, but if you are brave enough to make your own croissants, just roll out that dough and sprinkle on cinnamon and lots of sugar, then roll up and cut into buns.

Here are a few recipes we found:

Wild Flower Bakery Morning Buns, from Razzle Dazzle Recipes

Morning Buns, from Recipe Zaar.

Morning Buns, from Tante Marie's Cooking School (this recipe uses Pillsbury crescent dough)

Anyone else have a recipe they want to share?

Related: Recipe: DIY Almond Croissants

(Image: Flickr member iwantamonkey, licensed under Creative Commons)

Comments (15)

Why on EARTH would these not be on the East Coast!? Send me some!!

Emily

posted by Emily Sneds on October 20th 2008 at 4:35am
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Yeah - suddenly I'm considering moving from the East Coast.

posted by Pipsqueak on October 20th 2008 at 5:04am
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I belive it might be the bakery Ovens of Brittany, that was in Maidosn, WI. I used to go there a student and get the Morning Buns, they called Brittany Buns.

posted by Lynne F on October 20th 2008 at 7:08am
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Wow, I've never heard of these either, but think I could eat a few dozen!

posted by bobcatsteph3 on October 20th 2008 at 7:28am
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What bakeries in SF? I live (near) there and inquiring minds and stomachs want to know!

posted by Tiamat_the_Red on October 20th 2008 at 7:39am
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Tiamat_the_Red: Some SF-ers may be able to weigh in more specifically, but I had a good one at Angelina's in the Richmond and also know that Tartine makes them.

posted by Elizabeth P on October 20th 2008 at 7:50am
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I think that at least in Boston we call them "sticky buns". Tastes like croissant dough but they have pecans and are rolled with something buttery/mapley/honey ish. FANTASTIC from Clear Flour Bakery in Brookline.

posted by cate918 on October 20th 2008 at 9:00am
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Yes, Ovens of Brittany in Madison, WI.

These are much more dry than any east coast sticky buns I've had (and I grew up outside of NYC) - they are basically a croissant with sugar and cinnamon and brown sugar baked in a thin layer in and around them. Only the shape resembles a sticky bun or cinnamon roll. Touching them is touching something dry, not gooey or sticky at all.

I've not seen them in SF, though. I'd love to know who makes them! I miss them from my days in Madison!

posted by brenjay on October 20th 2008 at 10:03am
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Wow. I've lived in Wisconsin and California (now on the East Coast) and I've never heard of these!

posted by reginae on October 20th 2008 at 10:16am
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If you live in New York - try the challah knot rolls at Amy's bakery. They are made with challah dough and a very light touch with the sugar syrup and cinnamon.

posted by amybnyc on October 20th 2008 at 10:54am
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they have them at all the boulange locations I've been to - specifically the ones in hayes and cole valleys. they are also on the menu at specialties bakery which has a number of locations downtown. if you do go to specialties though I prefer this delicious doughy turmeric yellow/orange colored bun/roll with white icing on it. I have no idea what it is, but I know its heaven on a plate.

posted by roseslaw on October 20th 2008 at 11:48am
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Thanks for using my picture! This photos is of the morning bun at Tartine! The recipes is online here if anyone wants to make them. Be prepared, as the recipes calls for 26 ounces of butter!!

posted by iwantamonkey on October 20th 2008 at 11:50am
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And also, apparently, I cannot type. Excuse the errors in my post above. Sigh.

posted by iwantamonkey on October 20th 2008 at 11:51am
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Roseslaw, I'll have to look for that yellow bun because there's a Specialities right by my office!

posted by Tiamat_the_Red on October 20th 2008 at 5:21pm
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Yum! I'd like to make that a late night snack bun right now!

posted by Natural Surroundings on October 20th 2008 at 11:14pm
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