Why Make This Recipe
Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting is a favorite treat that brings joy to any table. The soft, fluffy rolls are layered with a sweet cinnamon filling that melts in your mouth. Topped with the rich and nutty brown butter frosting, these rolls are perfect for breakfast or a delightful dessert. Making this recipe at home allows you to enjoy warm, fresh cinnamon rolls that are far more delicious than store-bought options. Plus, baking these rolls fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and warm dough, making it a wonderful experience for you and your loved ones. Whether it’s a chilly morning or a festive occasion, this recipe is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting
This recipe may seem a bit lengthy, but don’t worry! Each step is easy to follow, and the end result is well worth the effort. Here we break down each part of the process to help you create the perfect cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
To make Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 packet active dry yeast (equals 2¼ teaspoons)
- ¼ cup warm water (110°-115°F)
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (divided, spooned and leveled)
- A pinch of fresh nutmeg (grated)
- ½ cup sugar
- 1¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 tablespoons salted butter (melted, at 110°F)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk (warm, 110°F)
- ¾ cup heavy cream (at room temperature)
- 1 stick salted butter (at room temperature)
- ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1½ tablespoons cinnamon
- 5 ounces cream cheese (full-fat, at room temperature)
- 1½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅔ cup plus 1½ tablespoons powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
Directions
Make the Brown Butter: To start, melt 5 tablespoons of salted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Watch it carefully as it begins to bubble and turn a deep golden brown. This process gives the butter a rich and nutty flavor. Once it reaches the right color, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of warm water, ½ teaspoon of sugar, and the active dry yeast. Stir the mixture gently, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes. You will know it is ready when it becomes frothy.
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, grated nutmeg, ½ cup sugar, and 1¾ teaspoons of kosher salt. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, egg yolk, and warm milk. Once mixed, add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir slowly to form a soft dough. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it is easier to handle.
Knead Dough: Dust your work surface with flour and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. When you are done, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a cloth and let it rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. The mixture should have a spreadable consistency.
Shape Rolls: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the filling mixture over the dough. After that, roll it tightly from one end to the other to form a log. Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces.
Let Rise Again: Place the cut rolls into a greased baking dish. Cover them and let them rise again for 30-60 minutes, until they have puffed up.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
Make Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, cooled brown butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and milk, mixing until you have a smooth frosting.
Frost Rolls: Once the rolls are baked, let them cool slightly. Then, generously spread the frosting over the warm rolls. Enjoy these delicious treats straight from the oven!
How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting
Serving these cinnamon rolls is simple and enjoyable. They are best served warm, straight from the oven, or slightly cooled. You can enjoy them for breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great snack or dessert for any occasion. If you want to get a bit fancy, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the frosting for added texture and flavor. You may also serve them with additional cream cheese frosting on the side for extra creaminess.
How to Store Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting
If you find yourself with leftover cinnamon rolls (though it might not be likely!), you can store them easily. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a toaster oven.
Tips to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting
- Be Patient with Yeast: Allow enough time for the yeast to activate. Failing to let it froth can result in dense rolls.
- Temperature Matters: Make sure that the water and milk are warm but not hot. Hot liquids can kill the yeast.
- Humidity: If your kitchen is humid, you may need a bit more flour to achieve the right dough consistency.
- Don’t Rush the Rising: Allowing the dough to rise properly is key to fluffy rolls. Don’t rush this step!
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like cardamom or ginger to the filling for unique flavors.
Variation
While this recipe is classic, you can always add your twist! For example, consider adding nuts like pecans or walnuts into the filling for a crunchy contrast. You could also try using maple syrup in place of sugar for a different sweetness. If you want a fruity touch, consider adding pieces of apple or raisins to the filling as well. Each variation can bring a new flavor profile to these delicious rolls.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.
2. Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! After cutting and shaping the rolls, you can freeze them. Place the cut rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. When you want to bake them, let them thaw and rise before baking.
3. Can I use other types of flour?
You can experiment with different flours, such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly based on the type of flour.
Enjoy making and sharing these delightful Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting! They are not only delicious but also an enjoyable baking project that can be shared with family and friends.
Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting
Ingredients
Method
- Melt 5 tablespoons of salted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Combine ¼ cup of warm water, ½ teaspoon of sugar, and the active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, grated nutmeg, ½ cup sugar, and 1¾ teaspoons kosher salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, egg yolk, and warm milk.
- Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Gradually mix the wet mixture into the dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Mix light brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter together until the mixture is spreadable.
- Roll out the dough into a 16x12 inch rectangle, spread the filling evenly, and roll tightly to form a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the cut rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30-60 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Beat together cream cheese, cooled brown butter, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and milk for a smooth frosting.
- Let baked rolls cool slightly, then generously spread with frosting.