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Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting

Delicious homemade cinnamon rolls topped with rich brown butter frosting, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 2.25 teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast (equals 2¼ teaspoons)
  • 0.25 cup ¼ cup warm water (110°-115°F)
  • 0.5 teaspoon ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 4 cups 4 cups all-purpose flour (divided, spooned and leveled)
  • 1 pinch A pinch of fresh nutmeg (grated)
  • 0.5 cup ½ cup sugar
  • 1.75 teaspoons 1¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 5 tablespoons 5 tablespoons salted butter (melted, at 110°F)
  • 1 large 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 large 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
  • 1 cup 1 cup whole milk (warm, 110°F)
Filling
  • 0.75 cup ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1.5 tablespoons 1½ tablespoons cinnamon
  • 5 tablespoons 5 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
Frosting
  • 5 ounces 5 ounces cream cheese (full-fat, at room temperature)
  • 1.5 teaspoons 1½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.25 teaspoon ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.67 cup ⅔ cup plus 1½ tablespoons powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon whole milk

Method
 

Making the Brown Butter
  1. Melt 5 tablespoons of salted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown.
  2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Activating the Yeast
  1. 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.
Making the Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, grated nutmeg, ½ cup sugar, and 1¾ teaspoons kosher salt.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, egg yolk, and warm milk.
  3. Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Gradually mix the wet mixture into the dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
  2. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
Kneading Dough
  1. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
Preparing Filling
  1. Mix light brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter together until the mixture is spreadable.
Shaping Rolls
  1. Roll out the dough into a 16x12 inch rectangle, spread the filling evenly, and roll tightly to form a log.
  2. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
Letting Rise Again
  1. Place the cut rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30-60 minutes until puffy.
Baking
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Making Frosting
  1. Beat together cream cheese, cooled brown butter, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and milk for a smooth frosting.
Frosting Rolls
  1. Let baked rolls cool slightly, then generously spread with frosting.

Notes

Serve warm, straight from the oven or slightly cooled. Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.