Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls (Printable Version)

Soft, golden rolls infused with brown butter and cinnamon, topped with creamy brown butter cream cheese icing.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 2 packets instant yeast (4 1/2 teaspoons)
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - 5 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
04 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
05 - 1 cup whole milk
06 - 1/2 cup water
07 - 1/3 cup browned unsalted butter
08 - 1 large egg
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ Cinnamon Filling

10 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
11 - 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
12 - 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Icing

13 - 2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
14 - 1/3 cup browned unsalted butter, solidified and softened
15 - 1 cup powdered sugar
16 - 1 tablespoon whole milk
17 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
18 - Pinch salt

# Steps to Cook:

01 - Combine whole milk, water, and 1/3 cup browned unsalted butter in a microwave-safe container. Heat for 30 to 45 seconds until warm but not hot.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together instant yeast, salt, flour, and granulated sugar until fully combined.
03 - Gradually stir in 2 cups of flour, then add 1 to 1 1/2 cups more flour until a shaggy, slightly tacky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth, adding flour as needed.
04 - Cover dough with a cloth or plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes to relax gluten.
05 - On a floured surface, roll dough into a 12 by 16-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
06 - Carefully roll the dough from the long edge into a log. Use unflavored dental floss to trim the ends, then slice into 12 equal pieces.
07 - Arrange rolls in a parchment-lined 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Cover and let proof in a warm area for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
08 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until lightly golden on top.
09 - Combine softened browned butter and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in powdered sugar, vanilla, milk, and a pinch of salt until creamy.
10 - Spread icing over warm rolls so it slightly melts. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Allow rolls to proof until doubled in size for optimal texture.
02 - Monitor browning of butter carefully to avoid burning.
03 - Best enjoyed warm directly from the oven.

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