Brioche Cinnamon Rolls

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. 

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 glaze that beautifully enhances their sweet, spiced flavor.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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..

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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