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Cinnamon Rolls

Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Experience the warm delight of cinnamon rolls, topped with luxurious brown butter cream cheese frosting.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12 rolls
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Rolling Pin
  • - Kitchen towel

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cup active dry yeast Ensure it’s fresh
  • 1 cup warm milk 110°F
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar Can substitute with granulated sugar
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour Avoid bread flour
  • 1/2 cup salted butter Melted; can use unsalted
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder Or extract

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar Can substitute with coconut sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon Preferably freshly ground
  • 1/2 cup softened butter

Frosting Ingredients

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 8 oz cream cheese Room temperature
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce Ghirardelli is recommended
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt Optional but recommended

Instructions
 

Making Cinnamon Rolls

  • Combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and brown sugar in a bowl; let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
  • Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla bean powder, and salt to the yeast mixture; mix until combined and smooth.
  • Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour; knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
  • Prepare the filling by mixing together brown sugar, sugar, and freshly ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
  • Roll out the risen dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly and sprinkle the filling over the dough.
  • Tightly roll the dough from one long edge to the other. Cut into 12-15 equal pieces and place them in a buttered baking dish.
  • Let the rolls rise for another 15-20 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Make the frosting by mixing cream cheese, cooled brown butter, powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and a pinch of flaky sea salt until fluffy.
  • Frost warm rolls immediately after baking for maximum gooeyness.

Notes

For maximum flavor, top with a sprinkle of more flaky sea salt if desired.
Keyword baking, breakfast, cinnamon rolls, dessert, holiday, make-ahead