Cinnamon Swirl Rolls with Brown Butter Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls swirled with cinnamon sugar and finished with a rich brown butter glaze for a decadent Christmas morning. This american-inspired christmas ready in about 70 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, teaspoons active dry yeast, granulated sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 25 min Serves 12 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in bowl. Whisk 1/2 cup warm milk, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 1 large egg in separate bowl until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until dough forms. Knead on floured surface 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Step 3: Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Step 4: Roll dough into 12x15-inch rectangle on floured surface. Brush with 1/4 cup melted butter, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon.
  5. Step 5: Roll up tightly from long side, cut into 12 equal slices, and place cut-side up in greased 9x13-inch dish.
  6. Step 6: Cover and let rise 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Step 7: While baking, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in saucepan over medium heat until nutty and golden, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth.
  8. Step 8: Drizzle warm glaze over warm rolls before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cinnamon Swirl Rolls with Brown Butter Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (45 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cinnamon Swirl Rolls with Brown Butter Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon Swirl Rolls with Brown Butter Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cinnamon Swirl Rolls with Brown Butter Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cinnamon Swirl Rolls with Brown Butter Glaze?

American christmas like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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