Description
These Peanut Butter & Jelly Cinnamon Rolls combine the classic flavors of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the comforting, warm textures of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. Soft, fluffy dough is rolled with a luscious peanut butter and cinnamon filling along with your favorite jam, then baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy peanut butter cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or indulgent brunch treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (1.25 oz) package instant yeast
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup water
- 1 egg
Filling
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup jam (flavor of choice)
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the milk and butter mixture: Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles around the edges, then remove from heat. Stir in the softened butter until fully melted. Allow this mixture to cool until it is lukewarm to avoid killing the yeast in the next steps.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2¼ cups of the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well. Add the water, egg, and the cooled milk-butter mixture to the dry ingredients and beat thoroughly. Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Place the kneaded dough in a well-oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set it in a warm, draft-free place. Let it rise for approximately 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix together creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined and smooth.
- Roll out and fill the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×9 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the peanut butter mixture over the dough, then layer the jam on top. Carefully roll the dough lengthwise and pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut and second rise: Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and place them cut side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise again in a warm place for about 30 minutes until doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Check around 20 minutes, and if the rolls are browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Once baked, remove from oven and cool for about 20 minutes.
- Make the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, beating until the frosting is creamy and smooth. Add additional heavy cream if a thinner consistency is desired.
- Frost the rolls: Spread the peanut butter cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cinnamon rolls. Serve warm or at room temperature for best enjoyment.
Notes
- To prevent the rolls from getting too dark, tent with foil during baking if needed.
- Use room temperature ingredients for best dough consistency and easier mixing.
- You can customize the jam flavor to suit your taste preferences, such as strawberry, grape, or raspberry.
- For a thinner frosting, gradually add more heavy cream until desired consistency is reached.
- Make sure the milk mixture is lukewarm before mixing with yeast to ensure proper rising.
- Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
