Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Warm and fragrant, these Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls are a scrumptious addition to your Thanksgiving table. The rich, nutty flavor of brown butter combined with a sweet cinnamon filling creates the perfect treat for family gatherings or cozy mornings. Drizzled with a creamy glaze, these rolls are not only delightful to taste but also a beautiful centerpiece on any dessert spread. Make your holiday extra special with this irresistible recipe!

Naomi Clarke

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-01T18:29:33.613Z

Why Brown Butter?

Brown butter, or beurre noisette, is a culinary marvel that elevates recipes with its rich, nutty flavor. As butter is cooked, the milk solids caramelize, creating an irresistible taste that complements sweet and savory dishes alike. In these cinnamon rolls, brown butter adds depth, transforming a classic breakfast treat into an extraordinary indulgence.

Incorporating brown butter into your baking not only enhances flavor but also adds a lovely complexity to the aroma. As the rolls bake, the warm, buttery scents fill your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around. Whether served at brunch or dessert, these rolls promise a delightful experience that will be remembered long after the last bite.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls are ideal for gatherings of all types. Their fluffy texture and sweet filling make them a hit at holiday brunches, family get-togethers, or cozy mornings spent at home. Whether it's Thanksgiving or a lazy Sunday, these rolls are versatile enough to fit any celebration.

Make your family traditions even more special by including this recipe. They are not just a treat; they are an experience that brings everyone together. Imagine the smiles as these warm, gooey rolls are pulled apart and generously drizzled with glaze. They have a way of turning ordinary moments into cherished memories.

Tips for the Best Rolls

For the best results, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother dough and a better rise. Using fresh yeast is another key factor in achieving that fluffy texture. Always check the expiration date on your yeast packet to ensure optimal baking success.

Don’t skip the rising times! Allowing the dough to rise until it doubles in size is crucial for achieving those soft, airy rolls. If you are short on time, you can let the dough rise in a warm oven; just turn the oven on for about a minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside, covered, for a quicker rise.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Dough

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs

Filling

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

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients to create the delicious rolls.

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and knead until a smooth dough forms.

Let Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.

Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and brush with melted butter. Sprinkle the filling mixture evenly over the dough.

Roll and Cut

Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice into 12 equal pieces.

Second Rise

Place the rolls in a greased baking pan and cover. Let rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Prepare the Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls!

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them properly is essential to maintain their deliciousness. Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week, but remember, refrigeration may slightly alter the texture.

To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature. You can also drizzle a little extra glaze over the top before serving again for that fresh-baked taste.

Variations to Try

Consider adding nuts or raisins to your filling for added texture and flavor. Chopped pecans or walnuts bring a lovely crunch, while raisins offer a sweet contrast to the spiced filling. You can also experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to give your rolls a unique twist.

For an indulgent treat, try adding a layer of cream cheese or chocolate spread before rolling the dough. This will take your cinnamon rolls to a new level of deliciousness and impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy them.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them. Let them rise for 30-60 minutes before baking.

Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls

Warm and fragrant, these Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls are a scrumptious addition to your Thanksgiving table. The rich, nutty flavor of brown butter combined with a sweet cinnamon filling creates the perfect treat for family gatherings or cozy mornings. Drizzled with a creamy glaze, these rolls are not only delightful to taste but also a beautiful centerpiece on any dessert spread. Make your holiday extra special with this irresistible recipe!

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time2 hours

Created by: Naomi Clarke

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 rolls

What You'll Need

Dough

  1. 4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1 packet active dry yeast
  4. 1 teaspoon salt
  5. 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  6. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  7. 2 large eggs

Filling

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

Glaze

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons milk
  3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and knead until a smooth dough forms.

Step 02

Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.

Step 03

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and brush with melted butter. Sprinkle the filling mixture evenly over the dough.

Step 04

Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice into 12 equal pieces.

Step 05

Place the rolls in a greased baking pan and cover. Let rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 06

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 07

In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.