Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls have become a beloved treat in my home, delivering a wonderful blend of flavors that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. These rolls, topped with a creamy brown butter cream cheese icing, are a delightful way to start your day or indulge in a sweet snack. The rich, nutty flavor of the browned butter elevates these cinnamon rolls, making them irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls
There are countless reasons to adore these browned butter cinnamon rolls. For starters, the combination of caramelized butter and cinnamon creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen. You’ll also love how they are soft and fluffy, making every bite melt in your mouth. Additionally, the brown butter icing adds a rich sweetness that perfectly complements the gooey cinnamon roll filling. This is truly the best recipe for brown butter cinnamon rolls you’ll find. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this easy brown butter cinnamon rolls recipe will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls
Gather these items:
- 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
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- Pinch salt
- 1/3 cup browned unsalted butter, solidified and softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
How to Make Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a microwave-safe container, mix the milk, water, and 1/3 cup of browned butter. Warm it up for 30 to 45 seconds, making sure it’s just warm, not hot.
- Step 2: In a big bowl, combine the instant yeast, salt, flour, and sugar. Whisk everything together until well mixed.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: Cover the dough with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it sit for 10 minutes to help relax the gluten.
- Step 5: 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.
- Step 6: 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.
- Step 7: Place the rolls in a parchment-lined 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Cover them up and let proof in a warm spot for about 45 minutes, or in a switched-off preheated oven, until they double in size.
- Step 8: Take the rolls out of the proofing oven if they were in one. Preheat your oven to 350°F, then bake them for 25 to 30 minutes until the tops turn a light golden brown.
- Step 9: Check that the solidified brown butter is softened but not melted. Mix the brown butter with cream cheese until it’s smooth. Then, add in powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and a pinch of salt until it’s all creamy together.
- Step 10: Once the rolls are warm, spread the icing over the tops so it melts in. Enjoy them right away while they’re warm.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls
Keep these in mind:
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother dough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure proper fermentation.
- For extra flavor, try adding nuts or raisins to the filling.
- This method falls under the baking method, which is perfect for achieving fluffy rolls.
Best Ways to Serve Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls
These rolls shine on their own but consider pairing them with:
- Fresh coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast treat.
- Ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Vanilla yogurt to balance the sweetness of the rolls.
How to Store and Reheat Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This way, you can enjoy your homemade brown butter cinnamon rolls even days after baking!
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls
What’s the secret to perfect Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls?
The secret lies in the quality of your ingredients and how you treat your dough. Using freshly browned butter enhances the flavor, while allowing the dough to rise properly gives you those fluffy rolls.
Can I make Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls the night before, cover them, and refrigerate. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. Always check the temperature of your liquids; they should be warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Variations of Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls You Can Try
Looking to mix things up? Here are some fun variations:
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunch.
- Try chocolate chips for a gooey chocolatey twist.
- Make overnight brown butter cinnamon rolls for an easy breakfast option.
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection. If you’re interested in other savory options, you might enjoy our Persian Chicken Recipe or Fried Meatballs Romanian Chiftele. Don’t forget to explore our About Me page to learn more about our cooking journey!
PrintIndulgent Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Delicious brown butter cinnamon rolls topped with a creamy brown butter cream cheese icing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- Pinch salt
- 1/3 cup browned unsalted butter, solidified and softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe container, mix the milk, water, and 1/3 cup of browned butter. Warm it up for 30 to 45 seconds, making sure it’s just warm, not hot.
- In a big bowl, combine the instant yeast, salt, flour, and 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 help 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 up and let proof in a warm spot for about 45 minutes, or in a switched-off preheated oven, until they double in size.
- Take the rolls out of the proofing oven if they were in one. Preheat your oven to 350°F, then bake them for 25 to 30 minutes until the tops turn 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, add in powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and a pinch of salt until it’s all creamy together.
- Once the rolls are warm, spread the icing over the tops so it melts in. Enjoy them right away while they’re warm.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg

