Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Brown Butter Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and eggs. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. You might need a bit more flour depending on your dough’s consistency.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Brown Butter Filling:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a deep golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Stir in the slightly cooled brown butter until well mixed.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread the brown butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Roll and Cut:
- Starting from the long side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Slice the roll into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round pans. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffed up.
5. Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- While the rolls are baking, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the glaze is too thick, add milk a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Glaze and Serve:
- Once the rolls are done baking, let them cool slightly before drizzling with the cream cheese glaze.
- Serve warm and enjoy the rich, nutty flavor of the brown butter combined with the sweet, spiced filling!
These brown butter cinnamon rolls are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch. The depth of flavor from the brown butter adds a wonderful complexity to this classic treat.