Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting Recipe

If the mere idea of gooey, pillowy cinnamon rolls slathered in decadent brown butter frosting has you salivating, you’re in the right place! These Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting are nothing short of bakery-worthy magic: plush, buttery spirals with just the right hit of comforting spice, all crowned with a nutty, creamy topping you’ll want to eat by the spoonful. Whether you’re baking them up for a cozy weekend brunch or sharing with loved ones over coffee, this treat is all about pure comfort and indulgence. Let’s make your kitchen smell like absolute heaven!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the list—each ingredient serves an essential role, from the dough’s soft bounce to that beautiful golden swirl and the rich, unforgettable frosting. Gather these humble staples and you’re halfway to cinnamon roll bliss!

• Active dry yeast (2¼ tsp): Makes the dough rise into fluffy, sky-high rolls.
• Warm water (¼ cup, 110–115°F): Activates the yeast quickly and evenly.
• Sugar (½ tsp for yeast): Gives the yeast an early snack so it bubbles up beautifully.
• All-purpose flour (4 cups, divided): The heart and soul of these cinnamon rolls—go for a good-quality flour for best results.
• Fresh nutmeg (a pinch, grated): Adds background warmth that makes the cinnamon pop.
• Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the dough just enough so it’s not bland or overly sugary.
• Kosher salt (1¾ tsp, preferably Diamond Crystal): Rounds out the flavors so they aren’t flat or one-dimensional.
• Salted butter (5 tbsp, melted): Infuses the dough with richness; make sure it’s not too hot!
• Large egg (room temp): Creates structure and contributes to the tender crumb.
• Large egg yolk (room temp): Adds deep yellow color and extra silkiness to the dough.
• Whole milk (1 cup, warm): Keeps everything tender while also feeding our yeast friends.
• Heavy cream (¾ cup, room temp, for pouring over risen rolls): Guarantees impossibly soft and rich rolls.
• Salted butter (1 stick, room temp, for filling): Ensures the filling stays gooey while baking.
• Light brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): Brings a caramel note to the cinnamon-sugar spiral.
• Cinnamon (1½ tbsp): This is the star—use the best and freshest you have for maximum flavor.
• Salted butter (5 tbsp, for frosting): For browning into a deeply-flavored frosting base.
• Cream cheese (5 oz, full-fat, room temp): Lends the frosting extra creaminess and tang.
• Pure vanilla extract (1½ tsp): Rounds out the flavors in the frosting.
• Kosher salt (¼ tsp): Balances out the sweetness in the brown butter frosting.
• Powdered sugar (⅔ cup plus 1½ tbsp, sifted): Creates a cloud-like texture for the topping.
• Whole milk (1 tbsp): Just enough to thin your frosting to dreamy spreadability.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting

Step 1: Brown the Butter for Frosting

Start by making the star of our show: brown butter for your frosting! Gently cook butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden, smells delightfully nutty, and brown flecks appear. Pour into a heat-proof bowl and let it cool completely so it’s thick yet soft—this is what gives your Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting their unforgettable flavor.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast, warm water, and half a teaspoon of sugar. Stir well and let it sit for about 15 minutes—your yeast should get bubbly and double in size. That’s how you know it’s alive and ready to help your dough rise tall and fluffy.

Step 3: Make the Dough

Get your stand mixer set up with a dough hook. In the bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, sugar, nutmeg, and salt. Add 5 tablespoons melted (but not hot) butter, the foamy yeast mixture, whole egg, egg yolk, and warm milk. Turn your mixer to low and slowly add the remaining flour. Once it comes together, let it rest for 5 minutes so the flour can soak up all that goodness.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Now crank the mixer to a medium speed (around 4 if you have settings) and knead for 7 minutes. The dough should turn silky, stretchy, and tacky but not sticky. If it’s sticking, sprinkle in additional flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it feels right. Shape into a smooth ball—it should bounce back when gently poked.

Step 5: First Rise

Grease your mixing bowl with a little butter. Pop in your dough, cover with plastic wrap, and set it somewhere warm. Let it rise for 1½ to 2 hours (rich doughs can take time), until it’s doubled in size. You’ll see how plump and soft the dough becomes—totally worth the wait!

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Punch down the dough to release excess air, then turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. This is your blank canvas—don’t worry about perfect edges, just focus on even thickness for happy cinnamon rolls.

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

Combine room-temperature butter, packed brown sugar, and cinnamon using a fork. Mix until it forms a thick, spreadable paste. Evenly spread this over your dough, leaving a border so the filling doesn’t spill out during rolling.

Step 8: Shape and Slice the Rolls

Starting on the short end, gently roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam closed, trim off uneven ends, and use unflavored dental floss to slice into 1½-inch pieces—you should get 12. Place them in a greased 13×9 pan, giving each roll a little space to expand.

Step 9: Second Rise

Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise a second time—about 45 minutes to an hour, until they’re puffy and almost doubled. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F and assemble your luscious brown butter frosting.

Step 10: Bake and Finish

Pour the room-temperature heavy cream over the risen rolls for extra tenderness. Bake for 26–30 minutes, rotating halfway through. They’re ready when just golden but not overly brown—if browning too quickly, tent with foil. Once out of the oven, slather immediately with half your frosting for a melty, sticky finish, and save the rest for serving. Your Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting are now pure magic!

Step 11: Make the Brown Butter Frosting

In your stand mixer fitted with the whisk, beat the room temp cream cheese until fluffy. Add the cooled, solidified brown butter, salt, and vanilla, and whisk until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar in batches, mixing until smooth. Splash in the milk, whisk until glossy and cloud-like, and set aside until you’re ready to frost the rolls a second time.

How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting

Garnishes

A little extra flourish never hurts! Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even some toasted pecans for crunch. You could also drizzle with more brown butter for an utterly irresistible finish. Each garnish adds its own special flair, making every bite even more memorable.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting are undeniably the star of any breakfast table, but a big bowl of fresh berries or a fruit salad balances all that sweet, gooey richness. If you’re serving a crowd, offer crispy bacon, sausage links, or scrambled eggs alongside for a hearty brunch spread that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Creative Ways to Present

Sometimes half the fun is in the presentation—arrange the rolls on a rustic wooden board, serve them in individual ramekins, or swirl a bit of extra brown butter frosting in between rolls before baking for even gooier results. For celebrations, top each roll with a lit birthday candle or edible glitter and let the festivities begin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extra Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting, simply cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For anything longer, refrigerate them so the frosting stays fresh and creamy. They’ll still taste absolutely divine the next morning!

Freezing

Want to bake ahead? Place unfrosted, baked cinnamon rolls in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and frost when ready to serve. Alternatively, freeze the rolls before the second rise and bake straight from the freezer—just add a little extra time in the oven.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop individual rolls (frosted or not) in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or reheat the whole pan in a 325°F oven, covered, for about 10 minutes. The frosting will melt like new and your Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting will be just as pillowy and satisfying as day one.

FAQs

Can I make the dough by hand if I don’t have a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Simply mix the dough ingredients in a large bowl with a spoon until it comes together, then turn it out onto a floured surface and knead by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

What makes brown butter frosting different from regular cream cheese frosting?

The brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates cream cheese frosting with a toasty depth—it’s the memorable twist that makes these Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting downright irresistible.

How can I ensure my rolls are soft and not dry?

Pouring heavy cream over the rolls before baking is the secret trick for ultra-soft, moist cinnamon rolls. Don’t skip it! Also, be sure to avoid overbaking by checking for that light golden color.

Can I prepare the rolls the night before and bake in the morning?

Definitely—a total timesaver! Just assemble the rolls and set them, covered, in the fridge overnight after the second rise. In the morning, take them out while the oven preheats, pour over the cream, and bake as directed.

What should the brown butter look and smell like when it’s ready?

You’ll see little golden specks at the bottom of the pan and smell an amazing nutty aroma when the butter is perfectly browned. Be sure to pour it out into a bowl immediately to avoid burning it!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like pulling a tray of Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting from the oven and watching the frosting melt over every swirl. It’s pure, cozy happiness you can make anytime you need a little joy (or want to treat someone you love). Give them a try—the smiles and sticky fingers are guaranteed!

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