Name: Brioche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 eggs; 25 mL water; 1 3/8 cup bread flour; 15 g fresh yeast; 3 Tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup plus 2 Tablespoons cold butter; 2 Tablespoons cinnamon; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 2 Tablespoons butter, softened; 1/4 cup cream cheese; 3 Tablespoons milk; 1 1/2 cup confectioners sugar

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If you have a soft spot for cinnamon rolls but are ready to elevate your breakfast or brunch game, you absolutely must try this Brioche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. This recipe transforms classic cinnamon rolls into a pillowy, buttery masterpiece through the magic of rich brioche dough, layered with a fragrant cinnamon-sugar blend and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. The result is a tender, flaky, irresistibly aromatic treat that feels like a warm hug fresh from the oven. Whether it’s a special morning or a cozy weekend indulgence, these cinnamon rolls will quickly become your go-to comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single cinnamon roll with 3 visible spiral layers, showing a golden brown dough base with dark brown cinnamon filling, topped with thick white icing drizzled in wide stripes over the top and sides, sits centered on a white plate. To the right of the plate is a silver fork resting on a white cloth. Behind the plate is a white mug filled with black coffee. The scene is set against a soft orange cloth on a white marbled surface, with a white flower blurred softly in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Brioche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe plays a key role in building that perfect blend of sweetness, softness, and flavor. From the creamy butter to the fragrant cinnamon and fresh yeast, each element combines to create a dough that’s rich yet tender and a filling that’s perfectly spiced and gooey.

Cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star spice that brings warmth and sweet depth to the filling.
Light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness to your cinnamon layer.
Butter, softened (2 tablespoons + 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cold): Butter creates that rich, tender brioche texture and buttery filling.
Cream cheese (1/4 cup): Essential for the creamy glaze that tops your rolls with tangy sweetness.
Milk (3 tablespoons): Adds moisture and helps smooth out the cream cheese glaze.
Confectioners sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the glaze for that perfect drizzle.
Water (25 mL): Activates the yeast and helps create the dough’s ideal texture.
Eggs (3): Contribute to the brioche’s richness and beautiful golden color.
Fresh yeast (15 g): Gives your dough a wonderful rise and light crumb.
Bread flour (1 3/8 cup): Provides structure and chewiness that balance the soft brioche.
Sugar (3 tablespoons): Sweetens the dough to complement the cinnamon filling.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.

How to Make Brioche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Temper the Butter

Start by wrapping cold butter in plastic wrap and gently pounding it with a rolling pin. You want to soften it without melting, to ensure the butter layers nicely into your dough later. Keep it in the fridge while preparing the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

In an electric mixer, blend water, eggs, bread flour, and fresh yeast at low speed for a couple of minutes. Then add sugar and continue mixing, followed by the salt. Increase the speed and mix until the dough becomes stretchy and elastic—this is a key step to develop that perfect brioche texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Tempered Butter

Add the cold, tempered butter gradually to the dough. This part requires patience and steady mixing until the dough turns smooth and satiny. Don’t forget to scrape the mixer bowl and paddle regularly to fully incorporate all ingredients.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your dough ball in a large bowl lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Cover it and let it rise at room temperature for about an hour until it doubles in size. Afterward, punch it down gently into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill it for at least four hours. This resting time deepens the flavor and makes rolling out easier.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling and Roll Out Dough

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl to create your fragrant filling. On a lightly floured, cool surface, roll out the rested brioche dough into a 15 by 11 inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. This shape and thickness give your rolls their classic swirl and perfect balance of dough to filling.

Step 6: Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar, Then Roll Up

Spread softened butter evenly on the rolled dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter layer. Starting with the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. For clean, neat slices, use dental floss instead of a knife to cut the dough into 1-inch rolls.

Step 7: Second Rise and Bake

Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet, tucking the ends underneath for a tidy shape. Cover loosely with plastic and a kitchen towel, then let them rise again until doubled in size. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant. Let cool slightly before glazing.

Step 8: Make and Add the Cream Cheese Glaze

Whisk together cream cheese, milk, and confectioners sugar in an electric mixer until silky smooth. Drizzle or pipe this luscious glaze over the warm rolls to add a tangy, sweet finish that perfectly complements the cinnamon filling.

How to Serve Brioche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

A single cinnamon roll sits in the middle of a white plate, showing two main layers; the outer layer is light golden brown dough rolled around a dark brown cinnamon sugar filling that forms swirls. Thick white icing is drizzled to create three uneven stripes across the top and sides, adding a creamy smooth texture that contrasts with the soft but slightly rough dough. The white plate rests on a white marbled surface visible at edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the cream cheese glaze. A light dusting of cinnamon or a scattering of fresh orange zest can also brighten the flavor and add an inviting aroma that guests will love.

Side Dishes

Brioche Cinnamon Rolls are delightful on their own but also pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of fresh coffee or a rich hot chocolate. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples adds a refreshing balance to the richness of the rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual rolls in small ramekins or paper cups for easy portions at gatherings. You can also stack them on a tiered stand for an eye-catching brunch centerpiece. For parties, mini versions make adorable bite-sized treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover brioche cinnamon rolls tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This preserves their softness and keeps them fresh for a quick breakfast or snack.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated or thawed rolls in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds or heat gently in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to revive that just-baked warmth and softness. If you like, add a little extra glaze or butter after reheating to freshen them up.

FAQs

Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?

Yes! Substitute fresh yeast with about one-third the amount of active dry yeast. Dissolve it in the warm water first and proceed as usual. The rise time might vary slightly but the dough will still turn out delicious.

Why do I need to temper the butter?

Tempering the butter softens it just enough so it can be evenly incorporated into the dough without melting completely. This helps create layers and the tender, flaky texture brioche is known for.

Can I make the dough the night before?

Absolutely. After the first rise, wrap and refrigerate the dough overnight. This slow fermentation will even enhance the flavor of your Brioche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.

How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the baking sheet?

Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line your baking sheet. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use non-dairy milk, and replace eggs with a flax or chia egg. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly but it will still be tasty!

Final Thoughts

There is something deeply satisfying about pulling warm, gooey, beautifully golden cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven, and this Brioche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe turns that comforting experience into an elevated delight. With its rich, buttery brioche dough and perfectly spiced filling, this recipe invites you to slow down and savor every bite. So go ahead, treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a batch of these heavenly rolls—you’ll be so glad you did!