Cinnamon Swirl Rolls with Brown Butter Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) 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.

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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