Hey friends! I’ve just got to share this story with you. So a couple of weeks back, I had one of those dreaded moments where the check engine light came on in my car. Cue the freakout! You know the feeling, that sinking dread of having to take your car in, not knowing what’s wrong or how much it’s gonna cost.

But, luckily, I didn’t need to panic for long. Enter my co-worker, Carter, who has a machine that can be plugged into the car and know what those ominous dashboard lights mean.

He refused an e-transfer or cash. Instead, he just wanted some homemade cinnamon buns in return. And let me tell you, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. I whipped up a batch of my tried-and-true cinnamon buns and handed them over with gratitude.

The verdict? In his own words, “these are to die for”. Success! So it’s only right I share the recipe with you too.

Ingredients:

• Dough:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups whole milk, warm to the touch
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast
  • 5 cups flour, divided
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 2 tsp. salt
• Filling:
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
• Frosting:
  • 1/2 brick cream cheese, softened
  • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 Tbsp. whole milk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Generously butter two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and granulated sugar. The mixture should be just warm, registering between 100-110°F (37-43°C). If it is hotter, allow to cool slightly. Sprinkle the yeast evenly over the warm mixture and let set for 1 minute. Add 4 cups (500g) of flour to the milk mixture and mix with a wooden spoon until just combined. Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and set in a warm place to rise for 1 hour.
3. After 1 hour, the dough should have nearly doubled in size. Remove the towel and add an additional 3/4 cup (95g) of flour, the baking powder, and salt. Stir well, then turn out onto a well-floured surface. Knead the dough lightly, adding additional flour as necessary, until the dough just loses its stickiness and does not stick to the surface.
4. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1/2-inch (1 cm) thick. Fix corners to make sure they are sharp and even. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and a generous sprinkling of cinnamon. Press the mixture into the butter. Roll up the dough, forming a log, and pinch the seam closed. Place seam-side down. Trim off any unevenness on either end. Cut the log in half, then divide each half into 7 evenly sized pieces. About 1 1/2 inches (8 cm) thick each. Place 7 cinnamon rolls in each cake pan, one in the center, six around the sides. (If using 9×13-inch pan, evenly space the rolls as best you can.) Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm place to rise for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
6. To prepare the frosting. In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together cream cheese, butter, whole milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar, until smooth.
7. Remove plastic wrap. Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. While still warm, drizzle evenly with frosting. Enjoy!

It’s funny how an unexpected hiccup like a warning light can turn into a chance to share some sweets. Plus, it reminded me of the little ways we can support and help each other out. Sometimes all it takes is a delicious, freshly baked treat.

So, next time you’re faced with a little road bump, remember: a little baking can go a long way. And who knows, you might just make someone’s day a tad sweeter.

Recipe from Tasty by Buzzfeed.