Cinnamon Bun Bites

ingredients:

For the bites:
1/2 cup warm water
1 envelope instant yeast
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
4 large eggs
1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
2 teaspoons coarse salt
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus 1/2 stick, melted, and more for dish
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

directions:

For the buns:
In the bowl of a stand mixer combine the water, yeast, and 1/2 cup flour until a thick paste forms. Stir in the eggs, 1/4 cup of the sugar, and salt and stir until combined. Fit the machine with the dough hook and add the remaining 4 cups of flour. Knead on medium speed until smooth, 4 to 5 minutes.

Add the 1 stick of room temperature butter and knead until the butter is incorporated and the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. If the dough is extremely sticky add a little more flour. Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and knead by hand until very smooth, about 3 minutes. Transfer the dough to a clean bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Punch the dough down and press out air bubbles.

Lightly butter a 9-inch pie plate (or similar sized baking dish). In a small bowl combine the remaining 1 cup of sugar and the cinnamon.

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Dip each ball in the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar and place on the prepared pie plate. Stack balls to form a dome shape. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let balls rise by half, about 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Unwrap the balls and place the pie tin on a baking sheet. Bake until golden and firm, 50 to 55 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the glaze. Whisk together the sugar, salt, butter, milk, and vanilla until a smooth paste forms.

Let bites cool for 15 minutes before drizzling with the glaze. Serve warm.