Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Transform your breakfast or brunch with these delightful Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, pillowy dough is infused with nutty brown butter and cinnamon, then slathered in a creamy frosting that takes these rolls to the next level of indulgence. Perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress family and friends alike!

Ruby Lawson

Created by

Ruby Lawson

Last updated on 2025-11-28T11:26:23.941Z

The Joy of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

There's something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. The combination of warm dough and sweet cinnamon creates an inviting atmosphere that's perfect for gathering loved ones. When you make these Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls from scratch, you're not just baking; you're creating an experience that is meant to be savored. Each roll is a little bundle of joy that brings people together. Imagine the smiles on your family’s faces as they eagerly await your delicious creation!

Making cinnamon rolls is not just about the final product but also the process. As you mix, knead, and shape the dough, you become fully engaged in the art of baking. It’s a therapeutic experience that allows you to pour love and creativity into each step. Plus, the satisfaction of rolling out the dough and watching it transform into soft, fluffy rolls is incredibly rewarding. And let’s not forget, the extra touch of brown butter elevates these rolls to something truly special!

A Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

These Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast or a festive brunch gathering. Their rich, buttery flavor and fluffy texture can easily impress your guests, making them a standout dish at any table. You can serve them alongside fresh fruit, coffee, or even mimosas to create an unforgettable spread. Their versatility is endless, allowing you to play around with flavors and fillings, ensuring that your breakfast table is always exciting.

Don’t reserve these delightful rolls only for special events; they can elevate your everyday meals as well. Adding a batch of these rolls to your breakfast repertoire can transform your mornings. With just a few effort-filled hours, you can enjoy an indulgent treat that brings joy to every bite. Converting ordinary moments into special ones doesn't require grand gestures; sometimes, just a delicious cinnamon roll will do the trick!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Ingredients

Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup brown butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs

Filling

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup brown butter, melted

Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warmed milk, melted brown butter, and eggs, mixing until a dough forms.

Knead and Rise

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Make the Filling

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread the melted brown butter over it, followed by the sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Shape the Rolls

Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish.

Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Make the Frosting

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Add milk as needed for consistency.

Frost and Serve

Once the rolls are cooled slightly, spread the frosting on top and serve.

Variations to Try

While the classic Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls are undoubtedly delicious, feel free to get creative! Consider adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. You might also experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or ginger to enhance the flavor profile. Adding chocolate chips or dried fruits can take your rolls to new heights, offering a different twist that will keep your family coming back for more.

For an extra special treat, try making a maple glaze to drizzle over your rolls instead of the traditional frosting. This simple swap adds a delightful enhancement that goes beautifully with the cinnamon flavor. The possibilities are endless, and each variation makes your cinnamon rolls unique!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving these delectable rolls, presentation matters! Consider dusting the rolls with a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or even edible flowers for a stunning display. Pairing them with seasonal fruits can add color and freshness, elevating the overall experience. Fresh berries, slices of orange, or even whipped cream on the side can enhance your taste experience.

For additional indulgence, serve your rolls warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. This unexpected addition can take the traditional cinnamon roll to an entirely new level of dessert-like indulgence. Your guests will be in for a treat they won't soon forget, combining warm, fluffy rolls with cool, creamy ice cream. It's a match made in heaven!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular butter instead of brown butter?

Yes, but brown butter adds a unique nutty flavor that enhances the rolls.

→ How can I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls

Transform your breakfast or brunch with these delightful Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, pillowy dough is infused with nutty brown butter and cinnamon, then slathered in a creamy frosting that takes these rolls to the next level of indulgence. Perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress family and friends alike!

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time1 hour 55 minutes

Created by: Ruby Lawson

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Dough

  1. 4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/4 cup sugar
  3. 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
  4. 1 teaspoon salt
  5. 1 cup milk, warmed
  6. 1/4 cup brown butter, melted
  7. 2 large eggs

Filling

  1. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  3. 1/4 cup brown butter, melted

Frosting

  1. 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1/4 cup butter, softened
  3. 2 cups powdered sugar
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warmed milk, melted brown butter, and eggs, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 02

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 03

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread the melted brown butter over it, followed by the sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Step 04

Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish.

Step 05

Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 06

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 07

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Add milk as needed for consistency.

Step 08

Once the rolls are cooled slightly, spread the frosting on top and serve.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 3g