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easy cinnamon roll recipe
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: general
Description
This easy cinnamon roll recipe features soft, fluffy dough and a rich brown butter pecan filling, topped with a decadent cream cheese glaze. It offers an elevated twist on the classic without complicated techniques for bakery-quality results.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 0.25 cup plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup melted vegetable shortening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3.5–4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- For the Filling:
- 0.33 cup unsalted butter, browned
- 0.75 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 0.75 cup toasted chopped pecans
- For the Glaze:
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, browned
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups sifted powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 0.25 cup toasted chopped pecans, for garnish
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar; let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare Dough Base: Add remaining sugar, melted shortening, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Knead Dough: Gradually incorporate flour and knead for 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow to double in size for 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Make Filling: Brown 0.33 cup butter in a saucepan; let cool slightly.
- Shape Rolls: Roll dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread cooled brown butter, leaving a border. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over dough, and top with toasted pecans. Roll tightly from the long edge into a log and seal the seam.
- Slice and Proof: Cut the log into 12 slices using dental floss. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Bake Cinnamon Rolls: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare Glaze: Brown 0.25 cup butter for the glaze and let cool slightly. Beat cream cheese, cooled brown butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and milk until pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Let rolls cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle glaze generously over warm rolls, garnish with toasted pecans, and serve warm.
Notes
To make rolls ahead, refrigerate covered rolls overnight after the second rise. Let come to room temperature for 1 to 1.5 hours before baking. For a clean cut, use unflavored dental floss instead of a knife to slice the dough log. Ensure the butter is fully browned and cooled slightly before spreading.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, brown butter, pecan, breakfast, sweet roll, baked good, pastry, cream cheese glaze, make ahead
