Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls

Name: Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Yield: 12 rolls
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1-2 tbsp milk

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Start your day with the warm, comforting flavors of homemade brown butter cinnamon rolls. These soft, fluffy rolls are swirled with a delectable cinnamon-brown sugar filling and drizzled with a rich brown butter glaze, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast or brunch. Perfect for cozy mornings, these rolls are sure to be a hit with family and friends!

Created by

Madison Cole

Last updated on 2025-12-13T08:20:15.788Z

A Perfect Breakfast Treat

Brown butter cinnamon rolls are not just any breakfast option; they are an experience. The rich, nutty flavor of brown butter elevates these rolls to gourmet status, perfect for weekend brunch or special occasions. Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked rolls wafting through your home, enticing everyone to gather around the breakfast table.

These rolls are soft and fluffy, making them ideal for anyone who craves something warm and comforting in the mornings. The gooey cinnamon-brown sugar filling oozes out with each bite, offering a delightful contrast to the lightly crispy top. Pair them with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for an indulgent start to your day.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're celebrating a holiday, hosting a brunch, or just enjoying a lazy weekend, these brown butter cinnamon rolls are the perfect addition to any gathering. Their impressive appearance, with swirls of cinnamon filling peeking through, is sure to wow your guests. Everyone will want to know your secret recipe!

What's more, these rolls can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and filling the night before and let the rolls rise in the fridge overnight. Just bake them fresh in the morning for a warm treat that will have your family thinking you spent hours in the kitchen.

Customization and Variations

One of the best aspects of brown butter cinnamon rolls is their versatility. You can customize the filling by adding nuts, raisins, or even cream cheese for an added layer of flavor. For a chocolate twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling before rolling the dough. The possibilities are endless and your creativity can shine through with each batch.

Additionally, consider experimenting with different glazes. While the rich brown butter glaze is exceptional, a simple vanilla glaze or a cream cheese frosting can also enhance the rolls' flavor profile. With these variations, you can switch it up for different occasions or simply to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Filling

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Glaze

1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp milk

Mix these ingredients well to create great flavors!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a bit of sugar. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, eggs, melted butter, and foamy yeast mixture. Knead until smooth.

Cover and let rise for 1 hour.

Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough, spread softened butter, and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.

Shape the Rolls

Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces. Place in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Prepare the Glaze

In a saucepan, melt butter until browned. Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.

Enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon rolls!

Pro Tips

Let the rolls cool slightly before serving for the best texture.

Tips for Perfect Rolls

For the best results, be sure to properly activate your yeast. If the yeast doesn’t foam after mixing with warm milk and sugar, it may be dead, and your dough won't rise. Ensure your milk is warm but not too hot, as extreme temperatures can kill the yeast.

Kneading the dough thoroughly will also ensure that your rolls are fluffy and tender. You want to develop the gluten in the flour for a light texture. If you find the dough too sticky, add a little flour, but avoid adding too much to ensure softness.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftover rolls, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep them fresh for a longer period, consider freezing them. Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen rolls, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will rejuvenate their texture and flavor, making them almost as good as fresh out of the oven.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.