Name: Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Yeast: 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons); ¼ cup warm water (110°-115°F); ½ teaspoon sugar; For the Cinnamon Rolls: 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided (spooned and leveled); Pinch of fresh nutmeg, grated; ½ cup sugar; 1¾ teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand); 5 tablespoons salted butter, melted (110°F); 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 large egg yolk, room temperature; 1 cup whole milk, warm (110°F); ¾ cup heavy cream (saved for pouring over risen rolls, room temperature); For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling: 1 stick salted butter, room temperature; ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed; 1½ tablespoons cinnamon; For the Brown Butter Frosting: 5 tablespoons salted butter; 5 ounces cream cheese, full-fat, room temperature; 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand); ⅔ cup plus 1½ tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted; 1 tablespoon whole milk

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These warm, gooey cinnamon rolls are topped with a decadent brown butter frosting, creating the ultimate sweet treat. With a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and a creamy, nutty brown butter icing, these rolls are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual morning or a festive brunch. The combination of warm dough, spiced filling, and indulgent frosting will make these cinnamon rolls an irresistible favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls take comfort food to the next level with a rich and flavorful brown butter frosting that perfectly complements the sweet, spiced filling. The dough is soft and pillowy, and the filling has the perfect balance of cinnamon and brown sugar. Once baked, the rolls are covered with a creamy, nutty brown butter frosting that melts beautifully over the warm rolls. They’re an indulgent treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you want to spoil yourself or your loved ones. Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting

Ingredients

For the Yeast:

1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
¼ cup warm water (110°-115°F)
½ teaspoon sugar

For the Cinnamon Rolls:

4 cups all-purpose flour, divided (spooned and leveled)
Pinch of fresh nutmeg, grated
½ cup sugar
1¾ teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand)
5 tablespoons salted butter, melted (110°F)
1 large egg, room temperature
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
1 cup whole milk, warm (110°F)
¾ cup heavy cream (saved for pouring over risen rolls, room temperature)

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:

1 stick salted butter, room temperature
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
1½ tablespoons cinnamon

For the Brown Butter Frosting:

5 tablespoons salted butter
5 ounces cream cheese, full-fat, room temperature
1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand)
⅔ cup plus 1½ tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon whole milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly. This ensures the yeast is active.

2. Make the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 cups of flour, nutmeg, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, egg yolk, and warm milk. Mix using the dough hook attachment until the dough forms a smooth consistency. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

3. Knead the Dough

Knead the dough on medium speed for 5-7 minutes, or until it is soft, elastic, and smooth. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.

4. Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, make the cinnamon-sugar filling by combining the room-temperature butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

5. Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and arrange them in a greased 13×9-inch baking pan.

6. Second Rise

Pour the heavy cream over the rolls, covering them evenly. Cover the pan with a towel and let the rolls rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until they are puffed up and have nearly doubled in size.

7. Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The rolls should be lightly browned on top and puffed.

8. Make the Brown Butter Frosting

While the rolls are baking, make the brown butter frosting. In a small saucepan, heat the salted butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and starts to foam. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a medium bowl, combine the brown butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, salt, powdered sugar, and milk. Whisk until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

9. Frost the Rolls

Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Generously drizzle the brown butter frosting over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt and coat each roll.

10. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy the rich, gooey goodness with the perfect balance of sweet cinnamon filling and creamy brown butter frosting.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 3 hours
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls

Variations

Spiced Roll Option: Add additional spices like cloves or cardamom to the filling for a more complex flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cinnamon rolls suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy, nutty contrast.
Maple Frosting: For a different flavor profile, swap the brown butter frosting for a maple glaze made with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and cream cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them to keep them fresher for longer.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, active dry yeast works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to activate it in warm water with sugar before adding it to the dough.

2. Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes! After kneading the dough, cover it tightly and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and continuing with the recipe the next day.

3. What if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for the second rise. However, heavy cream gives a richer texture and flavor.

4. Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cinnamon rolls. After shaping them and placing them in the pan, cover and freeze. When ready to bake, let them rise for 1-2 hours at room temperature before baking as directed.

5. Can I make these without the brown butter frosting?

While the brown butter frosting is what makes these rolls truly special, you can substitute it with a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting if preferred.

6. How can I tell when the rolls are fully baked?

The rolls should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

7. Can I add raisins or other dried fruits to the filling?

Absolutely! You can add raisins, dried cranberries, or any other dried fruit of your choice to the cinnamon-sugar filling for added texture and flavor.

8. How do I store leftover frosting?

Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it slightly in the microwave before using it on leftover rolls.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting are the ultimate indulgence, featuring soft, gooey rolls with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, all topped with a decadent brown butter frosting. Perfect for special occasions or simply treating yourself, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to impress. Warm, sweet, and irresistibly delicious, they’re the perfect way to start your day or enjoy as a dessert!