Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Transform your Thanksgiving breakfast with these irresistible Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, fluffy, and drizzled with a rich brown butter glaze, these rolls are a delightful addition to your holiday spread. The warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and the nutty depth of brown butter will fill your kitchen, making for a cozy family gathering. Perfect for impressing your guests or enjoying a sweet treat on a chilly fall morning.
These Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat; they're an experience. Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion, these rolls will become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls are not just a holiday treat; they are a versatile addition to any breakfast or brunch. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, these rolls will delight your guests with their warm, inviting aroma and delicious flavor. The combination of buttery dough and rich cinnamon filling creates a comforting experience that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea, making any morning feel special.
Their soft, fluffy texture is achieved through careful preparation and the magical touch of brown butter. This unique twist elevates the classic cinnamon roll, leaving everyone wanting more. Serve them fresh out of the oven, and watch as they disappear in no time!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly, make sure your yeast is active. If your mixture of warm milk and yeast doesn’t become frothy within 5 minutes, your yeast may be expired or the milk might be too hot, which kills the yeast. Start over if this happens to achieve perfect dough consistency.
While rolling out the dough, aim for an even thickness to ensure that each roll is baked uniformly. Don't rush the rising process either; allowing the dough to rise properly will yield rolls that are fluffy and full of flavor. Patience is key to creating this delightful treat.
Storage and Reheating
If you have any leftover Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag; they will keep for about three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw at room temperature, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave them for 15-20 seconds if you prefer. Reheating will restore their soft, tender texture and warm them through for that fresh-baked taste.
Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients before you start for a smoother baking experience.
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Steps to Make Your Rolls
Follow these steps to achieve the perfect cinnamon rolls.
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add sugar, eggs, butter, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 10 minutes.
Let the Dough Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread melted butter, and sprinkle the sugar mixture on top.
Roll and Cut
Roll the dough tightly from the longer side and slice into 12 equal pieces. Place in a greased baking dish.
Second Rise
Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Make the Glaze
While rolls are baking, whip together brown butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Glaze and Serve
Once rolls are done, drizzle with the glaze and serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls fresh out of the oven!
Healthier Alternatives
If you're looking to make these cinnamon rolls a bit healthier, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This swap adds more fiber and nutrients without sacrificing too much in terms of texture or flavor. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and glaze, or opt for natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.
For a dairy-free version, try using almond or oat milk in place of regular milk, and substitute the butter with a plant-based option. These small changes can help cater to different dietary needs while still delivering the deliciousness that these rolls are known for.
Pairing Suggestions
These Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your breakfast spread even further with the right pairings. A refreshing citrus fruit salad complements the rich sweetness of the rolls, serving as a bright contrast that balances the flavors beautifully.
Alternatively, serve them alongside a warm, spiced apple cider or a rich hot chocolate for an indulgent treat on chilly mornings. Garnishing your rolls with nuts or additional spices can also enhance their flavor profile and presentation, making for a more enticing experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling.
→ How do I store leftover rolls?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls
Transform your Thanksgiving breakfast with these irresistible Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, fluffy, and drizzled with a rich brown butter glaze, these rolls are a delightful addition to your holiday spread. The warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and the nutty depth of brown butter will fill your kitchen, making for a cozy family gathering. Perfect for impressing your guests or enjoying a sweet treat on a chilly fall morning.
Created by: Freya Cooper
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12.0
What You'll Need
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add sugar, eggs, butter, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 10 minutes.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread melted butter, and sprinkle the sugar mixture on top.
Roll the dough tightly from the longer side and slice into 12 equal pieces. Place in a greased baking dish.
Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
While rolls are baking, whip together brown butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Once rolls are done, drizzle with the glaze and serve warm.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 4g