Brown butter cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic favorite, elevating the traditional cinnamon roll to new heights. The nutty flavor of browned butter, combined with sweet cinnamon and rich cream cheese icing, creates a treat that is hard to resist. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven on a lazy Sunday morning or sharing them with friends for an afternoon pick-me-up, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress everyone who takes a bite.
Why Make This Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls
These brown butter cinnamon rolls are not just delicious; they are a joyful baking experience that fills your home with warm, tempting aromas. The unique twist of using browned butter makes a significant difference, as it adds a depth of flavor that plain butter just can’t achieve. Plus, the gooey cinnamon filling and creamy icing create irresistible textures and tastes. They are perfect for any occasion, from holiday brunches to simply treating yourself during the week.
How to Make Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls
Making these rolls is a fun and satisfying process. You start by preparing your dough, allowing it to rise, and then filling it with a rich cinnamon mixture. The rolling and cutting can be a little messy, but that’s half the fun! Once they’re baked to golden perfection, you can finish them off with a decadent cream cheese icing that takes them over the top. With these steps, you’ll create rolls that not only look beautiful but taste like a slice of heaven.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup browned unsalted butter
- 5 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 packets instant yeast (4 1/2 teaspoons)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup browned unsalted butter (for icing)
- 1 tablespoon whole milk (for icing)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
- 2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- Pinch salt
- 1/3 cup browned unsalted butter, solidified and softened (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Directions
- In a microwave-safe container, mix the milk, water, and 1/3 cup of browned butter. Warm it up for 30 to 45 seconds; ensure it’s just warm, not hot.
- In a big bowl, combine the instant yeast, salt, flour, and granulated sugar. Whisk everything together until well mixed.
- Stir in 2 more cups of flour, mixing until a dough starts forming. Gradually add in 1 to 1 1/2 cups more flour until the dough is shaggy and slightly tacky. Knead it until you have a smooth ball, adding flour bit by bit if it’s too sticky.
- Cover the dough with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it sit for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle measuring 12 by 16 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly on top, leaving a border of 1/2 inch.
- Carefully roll the dough from the long edge into a log. Use unflavored dental floss to cut the ends off, then slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls in a parchment-lined 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Cover them and let proof in a warm spot for about 45 minutes, or in a switched-off preheated oven, until they double in size.
- Remove the rolls from the proofing oven, if they were in one. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tops are a light golden brown.
- Check that the solidified brown butter is softened but not melted. Mix the brown butter with cream cheese until it’s smooth. Then, stir in powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and a pinch of salt until creamy.
- Once the rolls are warm, spread the icing over the tops so it melts in. Enjoy them right away!
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1 roll):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 44g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 4g
How to Serve Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls
Serve these rolls warm right out of the oven for the best experience. To take it up a notch, pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. They also make delightful brunch centerpieces or after-dinner desserts. For a special touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or a dash of sea salt over the icing for extra crunch.
How to Store Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls
To store leftover rolls, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for about a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them overnight in the fridge before warming them up in the oven for a few minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls
- Make your brown butter: Let the butter cook on low heat until it turns a deep golden brown and smells nutty. Keep an eye on it, as it can burn quickly!
- Use instant yeast for quicker results and less waiting time.
- Be patient during proofing; this allows the rolls to rise nicely and develop flavor.
- If the dough is too sticky while kneading, add a small amount of flour at a time, as too much can make the rolls dense.
Delicious Variations
- Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch.
- Maple Icing: Substitute maple syrup for some of the powdered sugar in the icing for a delightful maple flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in mini chocolate chips into the filling for a sweet surprise with every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but start with about half whole wheat and half all-purpose to avoid a dense texture.
2. What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast instead. Just make sure to activate it first by dissolving it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the other ingredients.
3. Can these rolls be made in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.
Conclusion
Brown butter cinnamon rolls are a delicious and satisfying treat that everyone will love. Their nutty flavor, gooey filling, and creamy icing combine to create a delightful experience that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, the process of making them can be just as enjoyable as eating them! So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in the warm, tempting goodness of these cinnamon rolls. Happy baking!
Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a microwave-safe container, mix the milk, water, and 1/3 cup of browned butter. Warm it up for 30 to 45 seconds; ensure it’s just warm, not hot.
- In a big bowl, combine the instant yeast, salt, flour, and granulated sugar. Whisk everything together until well mixed.
- Stir in 2 more cups of flour, mixing until a dough starts forming. Gradually add in 1 to 1 1/2 cups more flour until the dough is shaggy and slightly tacky. Knead it until you have a smooth ball, adding flour bit by bit if it’s too sticky.
- Cover the dough with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it sit for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle measuring 12 by 16 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly on top, leaving a border of 1/2 inch.
- Carefully roll the dough from the long edge into a log. Use unflavored dental floss to cut the ends off, then slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls in a parchment-lined 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Cover them and let proof in a warm spot for about 45 minutes, or in a switched-off preheated oven, until they double in size.
- Remove the rolls from the proofing oven, if they were in one. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tops are a light golden brown.
- Check that the solidified brown butter is softened but not melted. Mix the brown butter with cream cheese until it’s smooth. Then, stir in powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and a pinch of salt until creamy.
- Once the rolls are warm, spread the icing over the tops so it melts in. Enjoy them right away!