These Brioche Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate breakfast indulgence. Soft and fluffy with a rich, buttery texture, they are filled with a cinnamon-brown sugar mixture and topped with a tangy vanilla cream cheese frosting. These rolls are perfect for a special occasion or a weekend brunch, and with an overnight option, they can be prepped ahead for easy baking the next day.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet active dry yeast

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 ¼ teaspoons salt

• 1 cup whole milk, warm

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Directions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

2. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

3. Make the filling: In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.

4. Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Starting from the long side, roll up the dough tightly and cut into 12 even pieces.

5. Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

6. Bake the rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

7. Prepare the frosting: While the rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth.

8. Frost the rolls: Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top.

9. Serve: Serve the rolls warm, and enjoy their soft, gooey goodness!

Nutrients (Per Roll)

• Calories: 400

• Total Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 60mg

• Sodium: 200mg

• Carbohydrates: 48g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 28g

• Protein: 4g

The Perfect Brioche Dough: Soft, Buttery, and Rich

The foundation of these cinnamon rolls is the dough itself, which is made from a classic brioche recipe. Brioche is known for its rich, buttery texture, and this dough is no exception. The addition of milk, butter, eggs, and a touch of vanilla extract gives the dough its smooth, elastic quality. The yeast helps it rise, creating a fluffy texture that’s ideal for rolling up and stuffing with the cinnamon-sugar filling. Kneading the dough for about 8-10 minutes ensures that it becomes smooth and elastic, providing the perfect base for these soft, pillowy rolls.

A Sweet Cinnamon Filling

What makes these brioche rolls so irresistible is the cinnamon filling that’s spread generously over the dough. The combination of brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter creates a sweet, gooey mixture that oozes into the dough as the rolls bake. The brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like flavor, while the cinnamon provides that comforting, aromatic spice that’s synonymous with cinnamon rolls. A pinch of salt in the filling helps balance out the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the cinnamon. As the rolls bake, the filling melts and caramelizes slightly, adding to the gooey, delicious texture that makes each bite so decadent.

Double Rising for Extra Fluffiness

One of the secrets to achieving the perfect cinnamon roll is allowing the dough to rise twice. After you mix the ingredients and knead the dough, you let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This first rise helps the dough develop a light, airy texture. After rolling out the dough and spreading the cinnamon filling, you’ll let the shaped rolls rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise gives the rolls that extra fluffiness, ensuring they are soft and pillowy after baking. These two rises are key to creating the perfect texture for brioche cinnamon rolls.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Baking the rolls at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes results in a golden, slightly crispy exterior, while the inside remains soft and gooey. The rolls puff up beautifully in the oven, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar. As they bake, the sugar in the filling melts and caramelizes, making the rolls not only delicious but also visually stunning with their golden-brown tops. You’ll know they’re ready when they have a deep golden color and are slightly firm to the touch. The combination of a golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior is what makes these brioche cinnamon rolls a truly luxurious treat.

Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting: The Perfect Finishing Touch

No cinnamon roll is complete without frosting, and for these rolls, a tangy cream cheese frosting adds the perfect balance to the sweetness of the dough and filling. Made from softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of heavy cream, the frosting is smooth and rich, with just the right amount of tang. As the rolls cool slightly after baking, you can generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top, allowing it to melt slightly into the warm rolls. This frosting is creamy and decadent, providing a perfect contrast to the cinnamon-sugar filling. If you like your rolls extra sweet, you can adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting, but the tang from the cream cheese adds a refreshing balance that keeps the rolls from becoming overly sweet.

Make-Ahead Option for Convenience

One of the best features of these brioche cinnamon rolls is the option to prepare them overnight. If you have a busy morning ahead or simply want to streamline your brunch preparations, you can make the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. The slow rise in the fridge helps develop even more flavor in the dough, and in the morning, you can simply roll out the dough, add the cinnamon filling, and bake the rolls. This overnight option makes these rolls incredibly convenient and ensures that they’ll be fresh and warm for breakfast with minimal effort the next day.

The Ultimate Breakfast Indulgence

These brioche cinnamon rolls are the ultimate indulgence for any breakfast or brunch occasion. Their rich, buttery dough, gooey cinnamon filling, and tangy cream cheese frosting create a combination of flavors and textures that are both comforting and luxurious. The soft, pillowy texture of the rolls makes them melt in your mouth, while the frosting adds an extra layer of decadence. Whether you serve them for a special celebration, a holiday breakfast, or just as a weekend treat, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends, and their homemade charm will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

A Perfectly Balanced Treat

While these brioche cinnamon rolls are undoubtedly indulgent, they strike a perfect balance between richness and sweetness. The dough is buttery but not overly greasy, and the cinnamon filling is sweet without being overwhelming. The cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness, and the light, airy texture of the rolls makes them feel indulgent without being too heavy. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures, making these cinnamon rolls a perfect treat for any occasion.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

At 400 calories per roll, these brioche cinnamon rolls are definitely a treat to savor. With 22g of fat and 28g of sugar per serving, they are rich and indulgent but also provide 4g of protein per roll, making them a filling breakfast option. The cinnamon and brown sugar filling provides a comforting sweetness, while the cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy element. Though they’re not the lightest breakfast choice, they’re perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

Conclusion

Brioche Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate indulgence, offering a combination of soft, fluffy dough, gooey cinnamon filling, and a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any special occasion, holiday, or weekend brunch, these rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With the option to prepare them overnight, they’re as convenient as they are delicious, allowing you to enjoy a freshly baked treat with minimal effort. Whether you enjoy them on their own or serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea, these brioche cinnamon rolls are a luxurious breakfast treat that everyone will love.