Go Back
Print Recipe

Browned Butter Cinnamon Rolls

Mouth-watering browned butter permeates the dough, the filling, and the glaze these incredibly moist and flavorful Browned Butter Cinnamon Rolls.
Course: Dessert, Holiday, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baking, browned butter, cinnamon rolls, frosted rolls, frosting, vanilla glaze, yeast, yeasted bread, yeasted rolls
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 1 Packet Instant or Dry Active Yeast (¼ Ounce / 7 g)
  • ⅓ Cup Granulated Sugar (67 g)
  • 1 ⅓ Cups Whole Milk (315 ml), warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • ⅔ Cup Salted Butter, Divided (150 g) 
  • 2 Large Eggs, room temperature
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt (6 g)
  • 4 ¾ Cups All Purpose Flour, plus more for dusting (593 g)

For the Filling:

  • ½ Cup Salted Butter, Browned And Slightly Cooled (113 g)
  • ⅔ Cup Dark Brown Sugar, packed (Light Brown also works) (133 g)
  • 2 ½ Tablespoons Ground Cinnamon (18 g)

For the Browned Butter Glaze:

  • ¼ Cup Salted Butter, Browned And Slightly Cooled (57 g)
  • 1 Cup Powdered Sugar, Sifted To Remove Any Lumps (125 g) 
  • ½ Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract (7.5 ml)
  • 2 Tablespoons Half and Half, optional to thin glaze to desired consistency (30 ml)

Instructions

  • Step 1: Make The Dough
    In a small saucepan, brown ⅓ of the ⅔ cup (50 g) of salted butter over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
    In a large bowl, combine the yeast, granulated sugar, and warmed milk. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. Add the browned butter, the remaining ⅓ cup (75 g) of salted softened butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
    Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
    Lightly grease a large bowl with butter or oil. Place the dough inside, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • Step 2: Prepare The Filling
    While the dough is rising, brown ½ cup (113 g) of salted butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
    In a small bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir to combine into a paste. 
  • Step 3: Assemble The Rolls
    Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 18x12 inches (45x30 cm).
    Spread the browned butter cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch (1.25 cm) border around the edges.
    Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
    Cut the log into 12 even pieces and place them in a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel.
  • Step 4: Choose Your Baking Schedule
    Option 1: Same-Day Baking
    Let the rolls rise at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
    Option 2: Overnight Baking
    Cover the assembled rolls tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
    The next morning, remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Step 5: Make The Glaze
    Brown ¼ cup (57 g) of salted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the browned butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and half and half (if using) until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more powdered sugar or half and half, as needed.
  • Step 6: Glaze The Rolls
    Once the rolls have finished baking, let them cool for 10 minutes before drizzling or spreading the glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

See blog for:
Dietary substitutions for dairy and gluten 
Links for products used in the making of this creation 
FAQ's (frequently asked questions) 
METRIC MEASUREMENTS ARE GENERATED VIA AN ONLINE CONVERTER. 
ONLY THE AMERICAN MEASUREMENTS HAVE BEEN TESTED.