Caramel Cinnamon Nut Buns

I could totally tell you a got this recipe from somewhere else, and it started out that way, but when I actually got into the kitchen to start making these, I didn't have half of the ingredients called for it in that recipe so I just made do and made this recipe my own. This is not an overly sweet dough, letting the caramel, nuts and cinnamon flavors shine through.

Caramel-Cinnamon Nut Buns

1 cup lukewarm water (not higher than 110 F    43 C)     236 mL
2 teaspoons Active dry yeast        6.4 g
2 tablespoons sugar           24 g
3 1/2 cup all-purpose flour    348 g
3 tablespoons milk                 45 mL
3 tablespoons butter, softened          45 g
1 1/4 teaspoons salt       6.25 g
2 teaspoons baking powder        7.5 g
2 teaspoons vanilla flavoring        10 mL

I love using this vanilla with butter nut flavoring instead of plain old vanilla

Combine yeast, water and sugar in a bowl and let sit for about 10 minutes (until the top is foamy). In large bowl combine dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking powder) make a well in the center and add yeast mixture, milk, butter and flavoring. mix until you have a soft dough. Cover with a towel and let rise about 1 hour.

Remove dough from bowl and roll out to approximately an 18 x 18 inch square 42 cm x 42 cm.

Filling:

2 Tablespoons softened butter          30 g
3 Tablespoons granulated sugar        24 g
1 Tablespoon cinnamon                    7.5 g
1 Tablespoon Brown sugar              12.5 g
1 cup chopped nuts                          120 g
1/2 cup caramel bits                         164 g

Spread softened butter over top of rolled out dough. Combine sugars and cinnamon, sprinkle over rolled out dough leaving 1 inch 2 cm uncovered on 1 edge only. Repeat sprinkling with nuts and caramel bits.

Roll up jelly roll style starting at end opposite of the uncovered edge. Now slice into rolls about 1 inch 2.5 cm thick. Place on greased pan, sides touching. Cover and let rise again, about 1 hour.

Don't worry if they look sloppy. Bake in a preheated 350 F   177 C oven for 20-24 minutes, until they are a light golden brown. Remove from from oven and you can drizzle over a topping of

1/2 cup caramel bits melted over low heat with      164 g
3 tablespoons cream (heavy or half and half)         45 mL

The kids loved the caramel topping, hubby and I preferred a pat of butter on these. Both ways were yummy, and not a bun left after 15 minutes, yummy!    Next time I make these I'm going to use mini chocolate chips instead of the caramel, just thinking about it, may happen soon.......very soon!