Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are made with brioche dough, which gives them a rich, buttery texture that regular cinnamon rolls simply can’t match. The addition of brown butter frosting makes them even more irresistible. Whether you enjoy them on a cozy morning or as a special treat for the holidays, these rolls are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cinnamon Rolls:

2 pounds brioche dough
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt

For the Brown Butter Frosting:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

On a lightly floured surface, fold the brioche dough over 3 or 4 times, forming it into a ball. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
Roll the dough into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Brush the surface with the melted butter.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Evenly spread this mixture over the buttered dough.
Roll the dough up from the short end and cut it into 8-12 equal pieces, depending on your desired size.
Place the buns on a parchment-lined sheet pan, spacing them 1 1/2 to 2 inches apart. Loosely cover them and let them rest for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, until the centers are set and caramelized.
Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes, then spread the brown butter frosting over the warm rolls.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-12 rolls (depending on how you cut them)
Prep Time: 45 minutes (plus resting time)
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Resting Time: 1.5-2 hours
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours

Variations

Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans make a great addition to the cinnamon sugar filling for added crunch.
Frosting options: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use a cream cheese frosting instead of brown butter frosting.
Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a dairy-free twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
For longer storage, freeze the rolls after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 5 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just let it rest for 15-20 minutes before rolling out and baking.

Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls before baking?

Absolutely! Assemble the rolls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight, then let them rest at room temperature before baking.

How do I know when the rolls are done?

The rolls should be golden brown on top, and the centers should set when gently pressed. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I use store-bought brioche dough?

Yes, if you’re short on time, store-bought brioche dough will work just fine for this recipe.

How can I make these rolls extra decadent?

Add a drizzle of extra brown butter frosting or a sprinkle of chopped nuts to the top for extra richness and texture.

How do I prevent the rolls from becoming too dry?

Be careful not to overbake the rolls. Bake them just until they’re golden and the centers are set. You can also cover them loosely with foil to prevent the tops from drying out.

Can I substitute other types of frosting?

You can use a regular cream cheese frosting, vanilla glaze, or even a simple sugar glaze instead of the brown butter frosting for a different flavor.

Are these rolls suitable for breakfast?

Yes, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, especially with a warm cup of coffee or tea!

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a dairy-free version.

Can I use this recipe for a special occasion?

These brioche cinnamon rolls are perfect for special occasions like Christmas, Easter, or any family gathering.

Conclusion

These brioche cinnamon rolls with brown butter frosting are an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any special occasion or a cozy weekend morning. Their rich texture and decadent frosting will have you coming back for more. Whether you enjoy them with family or save them for yourself, this recipe is sure to be a favorite.

Brioche Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Julia
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These fluffy brioche cinnamon rolls with brown butter frosting offer a rich, indulgent treat. Perfect for chilly mornings, festive gatherings, or a cozy weekend breakfast, they feature buttery, soft brioche dough, a cinnamon-sugar filling, and a decadent brown butter frosting. You’ll never go back to regular cinnamon rolls after trying this melt-in-your-mouth version.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, fold the brioche dough over 3-4 times, shaping it into a ball. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
Roll the Dough: Roll the dough into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Brush with melted butter.
Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Spread this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Shape the Rolls: Roll the dough up from the short end, then cut it into 8-12 equal pieces, depending on size preference.
Let Rise: Place the rolls on a parchment-lined sheet pan, spaced 1 1/2 to 2 inches apart. Cover loosely and let rest for 1.5-2 hours, until doubled in size.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the centers are set and caramelized.
Frost the Rolls: After cooling for 10 minutes, spread the brown butter frosting over the warm rolls.

Notes

Add-ins: Walnuts or pecans can be added to the filling for extra crunch.

Frosting Alternatives: Use cream cheese frosting for a lighter option.

Dairy-Free Version: Substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a dairy-free twist.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American