INTRODUCTION
Brown Butter Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, perfect for the holiday season. They combine the rich flavors of brown butter, eggnog, and warm spices to create a treat that is comforting and festive. As you bite into these rolls, the warm, gooey filling and sweet glaze will fill your mouth with joy. They are sure to make any breakfast or brunch special and are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love Brown Butter Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls. First, they are easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can enjoy success. Second, the flavor is fantastic. The nutty, sweet taste of brown butter paired with the creamy richness of eggnog makes these rolls unforgettable. Third, they are versatile. You can serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as a delicious dessert. Finally, they fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma while they bake, creating a cozy atmosphere for holiday gatherings.
HOW TO MAKE Brown Butter Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
Making Brown Butter Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls is a fun and rewarding experience. Here’s a breakdown of the steps to follow to create these delightful rolls.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make these cinnamon rolls, you will need the following equipment:
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Spatula
- Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
- Oven
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Brown Butter Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls, gather these ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted brown butter, melted
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup unsalted brown butter, room temperature (for filling)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg (for filling)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (for glaze)
- 1/4 cup unsalted brown butter, room temperature (for glaze)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1/4 cup eggnog (for glaze)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- In a stand mixer, combine the ingredients for the dough: flour, brown sugar, yeast, salt, nutmeg, vanilla bean paste, eggs, melted brown butter, and eggnog. Mix until you have a smooth dough, which will take about 5-10 minutes. Adjust the dough’s consistency by adding more eggnog or flour if necessary.
- Once mixed, transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place. Allow it to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, mix softened brown butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until it forms a paste.
- After the dough has risen, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring about 13×15 inches. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, but leave about an inch at the top edge.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly. Pinch the seams to seal the roll. Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal slices. Place the slices in the greased baking dish, arranging them closely together.
- For a same-day option, let the rolls rise at room temperature for 1 hour. If you prefer to prepare them overnight, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the rolls rise at room temperature for 1 hour before baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and room temperature brown butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, then add eggnog until you reach your desired consistency.
- After baking, remove the rolls from the oven and immediately spread the glaze over the warm rolls. Serve them fresh and enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE Brown Butter Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
Brown Butter Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls can be served warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for a festive breakfast or a cozy brunch. You can pair them with a hot cup of coffee or hot cocoa to enhance the experience. For added flavor, sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top or serve them with a side of whipped cream.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Brown Butter Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
To store leftover Brown Butter Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a day or two. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To freeze, wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
You can enhance your serving experience by adding items like:
- Whipped cream on the side
- A dusting of powdered sugar on top
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert treat
- Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing touch
Serving these rolls with unique sides can make the meal more festive and fun.
VARIATIONS
Here are a few ideas to switch things up with your Brown Butter Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls:
- Nutty Add-Ins: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch to the filling.
- Fruity Twist: Add dried cranberries or raisins to the filling for a fruity flavor.
- Chocolate Options: Mix in chocolate chips with the filling for a sweet chocolate complement.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of brown butter?
Yes, you can use regular unsalted butter if you do not have brown butter. However, brown butter provides a richer and nuttier flavor.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure to follow the instructions on the gluten-free flour packaging as baking times and liquid amounts may vary.
How can I sweeten the glaze more?
If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can add more powdered sugar to taste until you reach your desired sweetness.
What if my dough does not rise?
If your dough does not rise, check if your yeast is active. You can test it by adding some yeast to warm water with sugar. If it bubbles, it is good to use. Make sure to place the dough in a warm area to help it rise successfully.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Brown Butter Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
To save time, you can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. After you roll the dough and fill it, place it in the greased baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it rise at room temperature for an hour before baking. This allows you to enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls without the hassle of preparation in the morning.
Enjoy your Brown Butter Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls any time, and have a lovely baking experience!
Brown Butter Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- In a stand mixer, combine flour, brown sugar, yeast, salt, nutmeg, vanilla bean paste, eggs, melted brown butter, and eggnog. Mix until you get a smooth dough, about 5-10 minutes.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover it and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- In a separate bowl, mix softened brown butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Once the dough has risen, grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring about 13x15 inches.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch at the top edge.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly and pinch the seams to seal. Cut into 12 equal slices and place them in the greased baking dish.
- For same-day consumption, let the rolls rise at room temperature for 1 hour. For overnight preparation, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and room temperature brown butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and eggnog until desired consistency is achieved.
- Spread the glaze over warm rolls immediately after baking. Serve fresh.