Browned Butter Cinnamon Rolls

When it comes to delicious, comforting pastries, nothing quite hits the spot like browned butter cinnamon rolls. These fluffy, gooey treats combine the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with the warmth of cinnamon and sugar for the ultimate indulgence. In this article, we’ll walk you through understanding the ingredients, browning the butter, preparing the dough, making the cinnamon filling, rolling and cutting the rolls, baking, icing or glazing, presentation and storage, experimenting with variations, and hands-on practice so you can master this delicious recipe.

Understanding the ingredients

Title: Understanding the Ingredients for Browned Butter Cinnamon Rolls

Introduction: Cinnamon rolls are soft, sweet pastries that are a favorite treat for many, especially when topped with browned butter. To create perfect cinnamon rolls, it’s important to understand the functions and purpose of each ingredient involved. In this guide, we’ll focus on the key ingredients of browned butter cinnamon rolls, including flour, browned butter, sugar, cinnamon, yeast, and other additives.

1. Flour

  • Purpose: Flour provides the structural base for cinnamon rolls, creating a framework of proteins and starches that make up the dough. The gluten formed from the proteins in the flour gives the dough elasticity and allows it to rise, resulting in a soft and chewy texture.
  • Role: In the recipe, flour is the main dry ingredient that you will mix with wet ingredients to create cinnamon roll dough. Use all-purpose flour for a good balance of strength and tenderness when making cinnamon rolls.

2. Browned Butter

  • Purpose: Browning the butter intensifies its flavor while adding a nutty aroma to the cinnamon rolls. It also adds moisture to the dough, which helps to create a tender and fluffy texture.
  • Role: In the recipe, the browned butter is added to the dough, as well as mixed with the cinnamon sugar filling and used as a glaze. To prepare browned butter, simply heat unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a caramel color and has a nutty aroma.

3. Sugar

  • Purpose: Sugar adds sweetness to the cinnamon rolls and helps to create a tender texture. It also interacts with the yeast to promote fermentation and rising of the dough.
  • Role: In the recipe, sugar plays a role in both the dough and filling. Granulated sugar is used in the dough for sweetness and to help the yeast work, while brown sugar is used in the filling, providing a rich, molasses-like flavor that pairs well with the cinnamon.

4. Cinnamon

  • Purpose: Cinnamon provides the warm, spicy flavor that is synonymous with cinnamon rolls. It can help balance out the sweetness from the sugar and adds a depth of flavor to the rolls.
  • Role: In the recipe, cinnamon is the main component of the filling mixture, which is spread over the dough before rolling it up and slicing. Be sure to use ground cinnamon for the best flavor and texture in the cinnamon rolls.

5. Yeast

  • Purpose: Yeast is a leavening agent that converts the sugar in the dough into carbon dioxide gas, causing the dough to rise and creating the airy, fluffy texture of the cinnamon rolls. Active dry yeast or instant yeast can be used in the recipe.
  • Role: In the recipe, yeast is combined with warm liquid and sugar to activate it, and then it is mixed with the other ingredients to create the dough. Ensure to follow the specific instructions for activating and using the type of yeast you have.

6. Other Additives

  • Eggs: Eggs contribute moisture and richness to the dough, as well as help bind the ingredients together. Beaten eggs are added to the dough mixture and give a tender, cake-like texture to the cinnamon rolls.
  • Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to balance the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls, making the flavors more pronounced. It also helps to control the yeast fermentation process.
  • Milk or water: Liquid is necessary to hydrate the flour and create the dough. Milk can be used to create a richer, tender texture, whereas water creates a leaner dough with a chewier texture. The liquid should be warm (not hot) to help activate the yeast.
  • Optional: Raisins, nuts, or other fillings can be added to the cinnamon roll recipe to provide more variety in taste and texture.

A homemade cinnamon roll in a baking dish, glazed with browned butter and cinnamon sugar

Browning the butter

Browned Butter Cinnamon Rolls

Browning butter is a simple technique that transforms the flavor of the butter into a nutty, caramelized, and rich base for your cinnamon rolls. Here’s how to brown butter and incorporate it into your cinnamon roll dough and filling.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup browned butter (instructions below)
  • 1 large egg

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup browned butter (instructions below)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Browning the Butter:

  1. Cut 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter into small, equal-sized pieces. This will help the butter to melt evenly.
  2. In a light-colored, heavy-bottomed skillet (to help you see when the butter has browned), heat the butter over medium heat.
  3. Once the butter has melted, start swirling the pan or gently stirring with a heat-safe spatula or wooden spoon to ensure even browning.
  4. The butter will start to foam as it cooks; this is normal. Keep an eye on the color, as it will change from a creamy yellow to a golden brown.
  5. Once you see brown specks forming at the bottom of the pan and it gives off a nutty aroma, remove it from the heat. This process should take about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can quickly go from browned to burnt.
  6. Pour the browned butter into a heat-safe container, making sure to scrape all the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow it to cool slightly before using it in your recipe.

For the Dough:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine the milk and 1/2 cup of cooled browned butter. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients along with the egg.
  3. Stir the mixture until it comes together to form a dough. Then, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes elastic and smooth. Add more flour if necessary to avoid stickiness.
  4. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

For the Filling:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
  2. Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
  3. Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of cooled browned butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
  4. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, lightly pressing it into the dough.
  5. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log and pinch the seam to seal.
  6. Cut the log into equal-sized rolls (about 12 pieces) using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss.
  7. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have nearly doubled in size.
  8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) while the rolls are rising.
  9. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  10. Allow the rolls to cool slightly before drizzling with your choice of glaze or frosting. Enjoy your homemade browned butter cinnamon rolls!

A close-up of a freshly baked cinnamon roll with a light drizzle of frosting on top. It is golden brown in color and has visible pieces of cinnamon sugar filling inside.

Preparing the dough

Preparing the Dough for Browned Butter Cinnamon Rolls:

Step 1: Gather your ingredients

To create a soft and fluffy dough, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Step 2: Activate the yeast

Pour the warm milk into a large mixing bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar until it dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and stir gently. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast looks foamy and activated.

Step 3: Add remaining wet ingredients

Add the softened butter, remaining sugar, and eggs to the bowl with the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.

Step 4: Gradually add dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon after each addition, until the dough initially comes together.

Step 5: Knead the dough

Turn the dough onto a clean and lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough feels too sticky, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the dough tough.

Step 6: First proofing

Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or non-stick cooking spray. Place the kneaded dough into the bowl and turn it a few times to coat it in the oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 7: Preparing for cinnamon roll assembly

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.

Now, your soft and fluffy dough is ready to be filled with delicious browned butter cinnamon filling and turned into delightful cinnamon rolls!

A person kneading dough on a lightly floured surface

Making the cinnamon filling

Making the Cinnamon Filling:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and pinch of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This will create the perfect balance of sugars and spices for your cinnamon filling.
  2. Add the softened unsalted butter to the sugar and spice mixture. Using a fork or a spoon, mix the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms a thick paste. This paste will help the filling adhere to the dough and offer a rich buttery flavor to the rolls. If your butter is too hard, microwave it for around 10-15 seconds or until it’s soft but not melted.
  3. Once your cinnamon filling is ready, ensure that your dough is rolled out into a large rectangle shape, approximately 1/4 inch in thickness. This will provide a good base for the cinnamon filling to be spread evenly.
  4. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the entire surface of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border along one of the longer edges. This border will help to seal the rolls once they are rolled up.
  5. Ensure that the filling is evenly distributed across the whole dough surface. Applying too much or too little in certain areas will result in an uneven texture and flavor in the final cinnamon rolls. Take your time to spread the filling evenly, making sure to push it all the way out to the edges.
  6. Once the filling is in place, you can proceed to roll the dough into logs, cut the rolls, and place them in a baking dish for the final proofing and baking. Enjoy your homemade browned butter cinnamon rolls with a deliciously balanced cinnamon filling!

A picture of a bowl filled with brown sugar, ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg, with a spoon mixing the ingredients.

Rolling and cutting the cinnamon rolls

Browned Butter Cinnamon Rolls: Rolling and Cutting Instructions

1. Prepare your work surface: Clean your countertop or any flat surface you’ll use for rolling out the dough. Lightly flour the surface to prevent the dough from sticking.

2. Roll out the dough: Place the dough onto the floured surface and use a rolling pin to evenly roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 12 x 18 inches and about 1/4 inch thick.

3. Make the filling: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together softened browned butter, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar until fully combined.

4. Spread the filling: Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly spread the browned butter cinnamon filling across the entire surface of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on one of the long edges.

5. Roll the dough tightly: Starting at the long edge opposite the border, carefully roll the dough up tightly, using both hands to maintain an even tightness. Roll the dough until it reaches the border, making sure it is completely sealed.

6. Pinch the seam: Use your fingers to pinch the seam closed, sealing the filling inside the rolled dough.

7. Trim the ends (optional): If your rolls have uneven ends, you can use a sharp knife to trim them off for a neater appearance.

8. Cut the rolls: Use a sharp knife, a dough cutter, or unflavored dental floss to slice the roll into evenly sized pieces, approximately 1.5 inches thick. Gently saw back and forth with your cutting tool to maintain the shape of the rolls. To use dental floss for cutting, slide the floss under the dough, cross it over on top and pull the ends tight to slice through the dough.

9. Arrange the rolls: Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Place the cut rolls into the pan, leaving some space between them to allow for expansion as they bake. It’s common to have 3 rows of 4 rolls each in a standard baking dish.

10. Allow the rolls to rise: Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.

11. Bake the cinnamon rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the risen rolls in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

12. Enjoy your homemade browned butter cinnamon rolls! Allow them to cool slightly before serving, or drizzle with a glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for an added touch of sweetness.

A person holding a freshly made sticky cinnamon roll and smiling widely.

Baking the cinnamon rolls

Browned Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe:

Ingredients for Dough:

  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for Browned Butter Filling:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Activate the yeast
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Stir gently and allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Prepare the dough
    • To the yeast mixture, add the granulated sugar, softened butter, eggs, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together.
    • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead for about 4-5 minutes.
    • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1- 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  3. Prepare the browned butter filling
    • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook the butter, stirring occasionally, until it turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma. Let it cool down.
    • In a separate bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
  4. Assemble the cinnamon rolls
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
    • Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into an 18×14-inch rectangle.
    • Brush the cooled browned butter over the surface of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
    • Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
    • Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
    • Using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
    • Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the prepared baking pan, leaving some space between each roll to allow for expansion during baking.
    • Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the cinnamon rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  5. Bake the cinnamon rolls
    • Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
    • If the rolls are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
  6. Prepare the cream cheese frosting
    • In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  7. Frost the cinnamon rolls
    • Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes, then spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.

A picture of freshly baked cinnamon rolls drizzled with cream cheese frosting

Preparing icing or glaze

Browned Butter Cream Cheese Icing for Cinnamon Rolls

  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream

Instructions:

  1. First, prepare the browned butter. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter has completely melted, begin to stir it continuously. The butter will start to foam and bubble.
  2. Keep stirring until the butter turns light brown and gives off a nutty aroma. This should take between 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter. Once it reaches the desired color, remove the saucepan from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth.
  4. Pour the cooled browned butter into the mixing bowl with the cream cheese. Add 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix the ingredients together until they are fully combined and smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is well-mixed.
  5. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency. The icing should be smooth and spreadable but not runny.
  6. Once the cinnamon rolls have finished baking, allow them to cool for a few minutes in the pan. Then, while they are still warm, spread the browned butter cream cheese icing over the top of the rolls using a spatula or a butter knife.
  7. Let the icing set for a few minutes, then serve the browned butter cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy!

Pro tip: If you prefer a thinner glaze, simply increase the amount of milk or cream in the recipe to create the desired consistency.

An image of two freshly baked cinnamon rolls topped with a thick layer of smooth and creamy browned butter cream cheese icing.

Presentation and storage

Title: Browned Butter Cinnamon Rolls: Presentation and Storage

Introduction:

Creating browned butter cinnamon rolls not only requires a great recipe but also an eye-catching presentation and proper storage to keep them fresh and delicious. In this guide, we will help you learn how to present your cinnamon rolls in an irresistible way and store and reheat any leftovers.

Presentation:

  1. Choose the right plate or platter: Pick a large enough plate or platter to hold the number of cinnamon rolls you plan to serve, ensuring there is enough space between each roll. White or solid-colored plates work great, allowing the golden brown color of the rolls to shine.
  2. Create visual interest with your arrangement: Stack the cinnamon rolls in a circular or spiral pattern, starting from the outside and working your way in. This will create depth and make your presentation more inviting. Additionally, you could choose to place a single roll in the center and surround it with several others.
  3. Drizzle icing on top: Prepare your icing and drizzle it over the cinnamon rolls in a zigzag or spiral pattern. This adds a touch of sweetness and elegance to your cinnamon rolls. You could also serve the icing on the side for guests to add themselves.
  4. Add a pop of color: Scatter fresh berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries around the plate to give a bright pop of color. You can also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to enhance the look further.
  5. Garnish with a sprig of mint: Adding a sprig of fresh mint gives your presentation a fresh touch and a pop of green color. Place the mint in the center of your arrangement or scatter smaller leaves around the edges.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers:

  1. Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely before storing.
  2. Wrap each cinnamon roll individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent them from drying out.
  3. Place the wrapped cinnamon rolls in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure all excess air is squeezed out of the bag before sealing.
  4. Store the cinnamon rolls at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to store them for a longer time, place them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
  5. To reheat your cinnamon rolls, remove the plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Reheat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until they’re warmed through. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for 8-10 minutes.

Conclusion:

Presentation and storage are key to fully enjoying your browned butter cinnamon rolls. With these tips, not only will your cinnamon rolls look as good as they taste, but you’ll be able to savor any leftovers by storing and reheating them correctly. Dive into this delightful treat and enjoy the perfect combination of taste and visual appeal.

A delicious-looking plate of cinnamon rolls with icing and berries, arranged in a circular pattern and garnished with a sprig of mint.

Experimenting with variations

Preparing browned butter cinnamon rolls can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here is the base recipe for these tasty treats, as well as several variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.Basic Browned Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe:Ingredients:For the dough:

  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

  • 1/2 cup browned butter (instructions below)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the icing:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup browned butter (instructions below)
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:Browned butter:

  1. Melt one cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbly.
  2. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma.
  3. Remove from heat and place browned butter in a separate container. Allow to cool before using in the recipe.

Dough preparation:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Set aside for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
  2. Add the softened butter, remaining sugar, eggs, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise until doubled in size, about an hour.
  4. After the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle approximately 18×12 inches in size.

Filling:

  1. Spread the 1/2 cup cooled browned butter evenly over the rolled-out dough.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
  3. Roll the dough into a tight log and cut into 12 equal-sized rolls.
  4. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, approximately 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Icing:

  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 1/4 cup cooled browned butter, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk and powdered sugar as necessary to achieve a thick, pourable consistency.
  2. Drizzle icing generously over the warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy.

Variations:1. Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) to the cinnamon-sugar mixture before spreading over the dough. Follow the base recipe instructions above.2. Raisin or Dried Fruit Cinnamon Rolls: Add 1 cup of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots to the cinnamon-sugar mixture, or sprinkle over the filling before rolling the dough. Follow the base recipe instructions above.3. Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute the all-purpose flour in the recipe with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Follow the base recipe instructions, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.4. Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Replace the milk with almond or soy milk, the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and the eggs with two flaxseed “eggs” (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 1/3 cup warm water, let sit for 10 minutes). Follow the base recipe instructions above.

Picture of Browned Butter Cinnamon Rolls after they have been baked and have a golden crust. Icing is drizzled over them.

Hands-on practice

Hands-on Practice: Browned Butter Cinnamon Rolls

1. Gather ingredients and equipment

  • Ingredients:
    • For the dough:
      • 1 cup warm milk
      • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
      • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
      • 2 large eggs
      • 4 cups bread flour
      • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
      • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • For the filling:
      • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
      • 1 cup packed brown sugar
      • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
    • For the glaze:
      • 2 cups powdered sugar
      • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
      • 1/4 cup milk
      • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Equipment:
    • Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional)
    • Large mixing bowls
    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • Whisk or wooden spoon
    • Saucepan
    • 9×13 inch baking pan
    • Pastry brush
    • Rolling pin
    • Sharp knife
    • Wire rack
    • Spatula

2. Make the dough

  • In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the warm milk, sugar, and melted butter.
  • Stir in the eggs.
  • Add the flour, yeast, and salt.
  • Using a dough hook, mix on medium speed for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough forms a smooth, elastic ball. Alternatively, mix the dough by hand with a wooden spoon and then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes.

3. Let the dough rise

  • Transfer the dough to a large, lightly greased mixing bowl.
  • Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

4. Brown the butter

  • As the dough rises, prepare the browned butter for the filling and glaze.
  • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
  • Once the butter is melted, continue to cook it, stirring occasionally, until it turns a nutty brown color and releases a sweet aroma. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

5. Make the filling

  • In a small bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.

6. Roll out the dough

  • Once the dough has risen, lightly flour a clean work surface.
  • Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 18×12 inches in size.

7. Fill the dough

  • Use a pastry brush to spread the cooled browned butter mixture over the dough’s surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the butter layer.

8. Roll the dough

  • From one of the longer sides, start rolling the dough tightly until you form a log.

9. Slice the rolls

  • With a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal-sized pieces.
  • Transfer each piece into the greased 9×13 inch baking pan.

10. Let the rolls rise again

  • Cover the baking pan with a towel and set aside for 30 minutes to allow the rolls to rise a bit more.

11. Preheat the oven

  • As the rolls rise, preheat your oven to 350°F.

12. Bake the cinnamon rolls

  • Remove the towel from the baking pan and place the pan in the preheated oven.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.

13. Make the glaze

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, the melted and cooled browned butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

14. Cool the rolls

  • Remove the baking pan from the oven and transfer the cinnamon rolls onto a wire rack.
  • Allow the rolls to cool for about 15 minutes.

15. Glaze the rolls

  • Use a spatula to spread the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls.

A delicious looking baked cinnamon roll in a white dish topped with white glaze.

After following these steps and practicing your skills in the kitchen, you’ll be well on your way to creating some truly mouthwatering browned butter cinnamon rolls that will impress family and friends alike. Just remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to keep experimenting and refining your technique. Soon, you’ll be dazzling everyone with your newfound baking prowess and enjoying the scrumptious results of your hard work.