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Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

A rich and indulgent Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe featuring soft, fluffy brioche-style dough, a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and a creamy brown butter frosting—perfect for bakery-quality results at home.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 rolls
Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Brown Butter

  • 1 to 1½ cups unsalted butter

For the Dough

  • 1 cup warm milk about 105–110°F
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry or instant yeast
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 4 –4½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup brown butter cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling

  • ¾ –1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup brown butter softened

For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz ½ block cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup brown butter softened
  • 1 –1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 –2 tablespoons milk as needed

Instructions
 

Step 1: Brown the Butter

  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Cook until it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma.
  • Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

  • In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar.
  • Add yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 3: Make the Dough

  • Add eggs, vanilla, and cooled brown butter to the yeast mixture.
  • Gradually mix in flour and salt.
  • Knead until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms (about 8–10 minutes).

Step 4: First Rise

  • Place dough in a greased bowl and cover.
  • Let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

  • Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and softened brown butter until spreadable.

Step 6: Roll and Fill

  • Roll dough into a large rectangle (about ¼-inch thick).
  • Spread filling evenly across the surface.

Step 7: Shape the Rolls

  • Roll tightly into a log.
  • Cut into 9–12 equal pieces using a knife or floss.

Step 8: Second Rise

  • Place rolls in a greased baking dish.
  • Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 9: Bake

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

Step 10: Make the Frosting

  • Beat cream cheese, brown butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

Step 11: Frost and Serve

  • Spread frosting over warm rolls.
  • Serve immediately for best flavour and texture.

Notes

  • Pro Tips
    Do not overheat milk—it can kill the yeast.
    Use soft dough for fluffier rolls; avoid adding too much flour.
    Brown butter should be cooled before mixing into dough.
  • Storage
    Store at room temperature (airtight) for up to 2 days.
    Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating
    Microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in the oven.
  • Variations
    Add chopped pecans for a crunchy twist
    Swap frosting for maple glaze
    Add orange zest for a citrus flavour