• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Sweetly Cakes
  • Home
  • Recipe index
  • Cakes
  • Frosting & filling
  • Cupcakes
  • Cake basics
  • Brownies
  • Cookies
  • About
  • Contact
  • Français
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe index
  • Cakes
  • Frosting & filling
  • Cupcakes
  • Cake basics
  • Brownies
  • Cookies
  • About
  • Contact
  • Français
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home / Breakfast / Brioche & Breads

    Brioche Cinnamon Rolls

    Last update: Dec 15, 2024 Published: Oct 4, 2023 by Fadela This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·5 from 6 reviews

    Indulge in the irresistible delight of these fluffy and gooey brioche cinnamon rolls, generously filled with a cinnamon sugar filling, and topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting. 

    baking Pan with cinnamon rolls and cream cheese
    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients You Need
    • How to Make Homemade Brioche Cinnamon Rolls
    • Serving suggestions
    • Tips for this recipe
    • Storage instructions
    • Variations & Substitutions
    • Recipe Questions
    • More Cinnamon Roll Recipes
    • Brioche Cinnamon rolls

    Make the best cinnamon roll recipe with warm, cinnamon-spiced swirls and rich cream cheese icing for the ultimate comfort treat. These fluffy, gooey rolls are a true symbol of coziness and indulgence, perfect for any occasion when you want to savor something deliciously comforting.

    Let's explore the delicious composition of this brioche cinnamon roll recipe. These heavenly swirls start with a rich yeast dough that's generously filled with a cinnamon mixture made from butter, and brown sugar and flavored with ground cinnamon.

    These brioche rolls are then finished off with a slightly tangy cream cheese cinnamon rolls icing that beautifully enhances their sweet, spiced flavor.

    Why you'll love this recipe


    • Soft and Fluffy Texture: The buttery brioche dough creates rolls that are incredibly soft, airy, and buttery, making them a perfect treat.
    • Rich Cinnamon Flavor: Filled with a sweet and spicy cinnamon sugar mixture, these rolls are bursting with flavor in every bite.
    • Fun and Easy to Make: Despite their impressive look, brioche cinnamon rolls are surprisingly easy to make and are perfect for baking with family or friends.

    Ingredients You Need

    You need these ingredients to make these buttery brioche cinnamon rolls:

    Brioche dough

    • Flour: Use all-purpose flour or bread flour for best results.
    • Milk: Whole milk or 2% milk is ideal, but you can also use water or a plant-based milk.
    • Butter: Unsalted butter, softened or melted butter and slightly cooled, gives the brioche a rich flavor.
    • Yeast: Instant yeast or dry active yeast rehydrated in warm liquid, or fresh yeast if available.
    • Sugar: Granulated white sugar or light brown sugar, depending on your preference.
    • Egg: At room temperature for easy mixing.
    • Salt: Table salt to enhance the flavor.
    Bowls with brioche dough ingredients

    Cinnamon filling

    • Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is the key ingredient in the filling, giving the rolls their cozy and comforting flavor
    • Brown Sugar: Brown sugar complements the cinnamon and adds a delightful caramelized sweetness to the filling.
    • Butter: Use unsalted butter, preferably melted and cooled or very softened. (You can also use softened brown butter directly from my recipe for homemade brown butter).
    bowls with cinnamon sugar filling ingredients

    Cream cheese frosting

    • Cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese like Philadelphia and remember to bring it to room temperature.
    • Butter: Only unsalted butter, well softened for a smooth, lump-free texture.
    • Powdered sugar: Preferably sifted confectioner's sugar.
    • Vanilla: Pure liquid vanilla extract that imparts a delightful vanilla flavor to the icing.
    bowls with cream cheese icing ingredients

    How to Make Homemade Brioche Cinnamon Rolls

    Here are some quick visual instructions. Don't forget that full recipe instructions with exact ingredients can be found in the recipe card below!

    Step 1: Mix together warm milk and active dry yeast or instant yeast and let stand for 10 minutes.

    Step 2: Place the dry ingredients, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment; add yeast mixture, room-temperature egg, and softened butter cut into pieces.

    bowl with yeast and milk
    mixing bowl with brioche dough ingredients

    Step 3: Knead the brioche dough for 5 to 7 minutes until you have a sticky dough. Cover the mixing bowl with a kitchen cloth and let the brioche dough rise for 1h30 to 2 hours in a warm place until it has doubled in size.

    mixing bowl with kneaded dough
    Mixing bowl with puffed out dough

    Step 4: In a small or medium bowl, place all the ingredients: softened butter, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla and mix until you have a smooth and creamy mixture..

    bowl with cinnamon sugar filling ingredients
    bowl with cinnamon sugar filling

    Step 5: Roll out the brioche dough with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface or on a sheet of parchment paper into a large rectangle and spread a layer of cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the entire surface.

    spread out dough
    spread out and filled dough

    Step 6:  Roll the dough on itself to form a long log and cut into 9-10 equal pieces with a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.

    Step 7: Place each piece of cinnamon buns in a square prepared baking pan covered with parchment paper or greased with baking spray. (making sure not to stick them too close to each other)

    Step 8: Let the cinnamon rolls rise in a warm place for a second time for another 45 minutes to 1 hour.

    rolls in a baking dish

    Step 9: Preheat oven to 356°F / 180°C and bake the brioche cinnamon rolls for about 20-25 minutes until lightly golden brown but still soft.

    Step 10: Place all ingredients in a medium bowl, softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and pure liquid vanilla extract. Mix with an electric mixer for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.

    Enjoy! Drizzle the warm rolls with cream cheese frosting and serve immediately.

    bowl with cream cheese icing
    baked cinnamon rolls

    Serving suggestions

    • Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: Add a rich, sweet caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.
    • Topped with Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a light, airy contrast.
    • Garnished with Fresh Fruit: Pair with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity twist.
    • Sprinkled with Nuts: Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
    • Served with Ice Cream: Enjoy warm cinnamon rolls with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
    • Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.
    • With a Side of Maple Syrup: Serve with a side of warm maple syrup for dipping or drizzling.
    Cinnamon roll on a plate with fork

    Tips for this recipe

    • Use room temperature ingredients: Take out the butter, eggs, and milk in advance to ensure a smooth, easy-to-work dough.
    • Knead the dough well: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic to achieve a light and fluffy brioche.
    • Let the dough rise properly: Make sure the dough doubles in size during the first rise for a light texture. This can take 1 to 2 hours depending on the room temperature.
    • Slice carefully: Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut even rolls without squashing them.
    • Watch the baking: Bake the rolls until they are just golden on top to avoid drying them out. They should remain soft and slightly sticky in the center.
    • Apply the frosting right out of the oven: For a frosting that melts deliciously over the rolls, spread it while they are still warm.

    Storage instructions

    Room temperature: Brioche cinnamon rolls can be stored at room temperature for 3 to 4 days covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. You can also keep them in the refrigerator.

    In the freezer: You can freeze unbaked rolls or when they are baked and completely cooled, place in a storage bag or box and store for 3 months. Let them thaw overnight at room temperature.

    Variations & Substitutions

    • Caramel Cinnamon Rolls: Swirl rich caramel sauce into the dough and drizzle over the top for a gooey finish like my salted caramel cinnamon rolls.
    • Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls: Add a blueberry compote to the filling and top the rolls with a blueberry glaze just like these blueberry rolls.
    • Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Mix in chocolate chips, add a chocolate spread or make a chocolate brioche dough like these chocolate cinnamon rolls, these chocolate rolls or these Nutella rolls.
    • Spiced Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Fold diced apples sautéed with cinnamon and nutmeg into the filling for a fall-inspired treat.
    • Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls: Blend pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices into the dough and use a pumpkin spice glaze.
    • Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls: Swirl raspberry jam into the filling and finish with a fresh raspberry glaze like in these strawberry cinnamon rolls.
    • Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: Incorporate toasted pecans into the filling and sprinkle on top for a crunchy texture.
    • Mocha Cinnamon Rolls: Mix the espresso powder into the filling and top with a mocha-flavored glaze.
    • In a muffin pan: Make these rolls in a muffin pas just like my recipe for cinnamon roll muffins.

    Recipe Questions

    What makes brioche cinnamon rolls different from regular cinnamon rolls?

    Brioche cinnamon rolls are made with a rich, buttery dough that results in a softer, fluffier texture compared to regular cinnamon rolls.

    How do I prevent the rolls from becoming dry?

    Avoid overbaking and make sure the rolls are well-covered during their second rise. Also, don't skimp on the filling to keep them moist.

    What’s the best way to reheat cinnamon rolls?

    Reheat individual rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to enjoy them warm.

    Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

    Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the cinnamon sugar filling for extra flavor and texture.

    Can I make these rolls vegan?

    Yes, substitute the butter, milk, and eggs with plant-based alternatives to make vegan brioche cinnamon rolls.

    Can I prepare cinnamon rolls the night before?

    Yes, you can make overnight brioche cinnamon rolls by shaping the rolls and letting them rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, bring them to room temperature and bake. Or fridge overnight the brioche dough for the first rise.

    More Cinnamon Roll Recipes

    • Easy chocolate sweet yeast rolls
      Easy Chocolate Rolls
    • Chocolate cinnamon rolls recipe
      Easy Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
    • Fluffy Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls
    • Easy Caramel Cinnamon Rolls
    Cinnamon rolls cut in half on a hand

    I hope you love this buttery brioche cinnamon roll recipe. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Happy Baking!

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Best homemade cinnamon rolls

    Brioche Cinnamon rolls


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 6 reviews

    • Author: Fadela
    • Total Time: 55 minutes
    • Yield: 9 rolls
    Print Recipe
    Save Recipe Recipe Saved

    Description

    Easy homemade brioche cinnamon roll filled with a cinnamon sugar mixture and topped with cream cheese frosting (makes about 9-10 rolls)


    Ingredients

    Brioche dough :

    • 236 ml (1 cup) Milk - lukewarm
    • 2 ½ tsp (7 g) Instant Yeast 
    • 450 g (3 ⅔ cups) Flour + 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
    • 53 g (¼ cup) Sugar - granulated
    • ¼ tsp pinch Salt
    • 1 Egg large (approx. 60 g) at room temperature
    • 70 g (⅓ cup) Butter - Unsalted and softened

    Filling :

    • 100 g (½ cup) Butter - unsalted and softened 
    • 100 g (½ cup) Brown sugar
    • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
    • 1 tsp Vanilla extract - optional

    Cream cheese frosting :

    • 120 g (4 oz) Cream cheese - full-fat
    • 55 g (½ cup) Powdered sugar - sifted 
    • 45 g (¼ cup) Butter - softened at room temperature 
    • 1 tsp Vanilla extract liquid

    Instructions

    brioche dough

    1. Start by rehydrating the active dry yeast (or instant yeast) in the warm milk and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
    2. Place the dry ingredients, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar and salt in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the dough hook and mix at medium speed.
    3. Add the warm milk containing the yeast while leaving the mixer running at medium speed.
    4. Then add the room temperature egg and the softened butter.
    5. And let the mixer run at medium speed for about 5-8 minutes. (The dough should come away from the sides of the bowl but remain sticky in the bottom of the bowl. If you find it too sticky to the finger add 2 tablespoons of additional flour and let the mixer run again.)
    6. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and let it rise at room temperature for 1 ½ to 2 hours, it will double in volume. (You can also let the dough grow overnight in the fridge).

    Cinnamon filling

    1. In a bowl, mix together all the ingredients, softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla and cinnamon until smooth.
    2. After the first rise, transfer the dough to a floured work surface and degas it with your hands by pressing lightly on it.
    3. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1 cm thick, making sure the top of the work surface is well-floured so that it comes off easily.
    4. Then apply a layer of cinnamon filling to the entire surface, using the back of a tablespoon or an angled spatula.
    5. Roll the dough into a long log.
    6. Cut the roll into 9-10 pieces 2.5 - 3 cm wide with a knife or a dental floss.
    7. Place the rolls in a square dish covered with parchment paper or greased with baking spray, taking care not to stick them together too much as they will still puff up.
    8. Cover again with a tea towel and let them rise a second time for 45 min to 1 hour.

    Baking 

    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C and bake the rolled buns for about 20-25 minutes. They are ready when they have puffed up and have a nice golden color but are still soft.

    Cream cheese glaze

    1. Place all ingredients, cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar and vanilla in a bowl and beat with an electric whisk until creamy and smooth.
    2. Cover your warm buns with the glaze and serve while they are still a little warm.

    Equipment

    Hand mixer

    Buy Now →

    Stand mixer

    Buy Now →

    Notes

    Conservation : At room temperature for 1 week (without icing) or in the freezer for up to 3 months

    • Prep Time: 30 minutes
    • rise time: 2 hours
    • Cook Time: 25 minutes
    • Category: Dessert
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Calories: 443
    • Sugar: 19
    • Sodium: 193
    • Fat: 20
    • Saturated Fat: 12
    • Carbohydrates: 64
    • Fiber: 2
    • Protein: 8
    • Cholesterol: 73

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @sweetlycakes on Instagram

    « Tiramisu Latte
    Vanilla Chai Latte »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ninon

      May 27, 2023 at 10:21 am

      It was absolutely amazing, I ate the whole thing!

      Reply
    2. Alex

      November 04, 2023 at 4:22 pm

      My first time making this, and it brought back memories of my indulgent Sunday mornings in the U.S. The brioche dough was incredible—absolutely delicious! The glaze was a bit too thick for my liking, but it still tasted great. Thank you so much for the recipe! Everyone loved it!

      Reply
    3. Soso

      January 21, 2024 at 5:14 pm

      Delicious! Paired with a chai latte, it was the perfect remedy for this gloomy weather. Thank you ☺️

      Reply
    4. Aurélie

      March 01, 2024 at 6:45 pm

      Thank you for this recipe! It was absolutely delicious. Not too sweet, with a soft and fluffy brioche. Everyone loved it!

      Reply
    5. Tiffanie

      June 01, 2024 at 2:23 pm

      I've made this recipe countless times and it's always a huge hit ! Thank you for sharing ! ☺️

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    Primary Sidebar

    Hello and welcome to my blog! Fully addicted to cakes, blogging, and beautiful pictures! I share with you on this blog some tips and my favorite baking recipes which I hope will help you to enjoy your loved ones!

    More about me →

     Popular Posts

    • Blueberry Cake

    • French Macarons

    • Lemon Buttercream Frosting

    • Lemon Curd Cake

    Follow us

    Search on the blog

    Sweetly Cakes has been featured on:

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About me
    • Recipes

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with me
    • Français

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 SWEETLYCAKES