Description

These soft, buttery brioche cinnamon rolls are made with a tender tangzhong dough, a rich cinnamon-spiced filling, and a smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or anytime you want a bakery-style homemade treat.

Ingredients

For the Tangzhong:

2 tbsp flour

1/2 cup whole milk

For the Brioche Dough:

3/4 cup whole milk, warmed

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup melted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 1/4 tsp salt

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup bread flour

5 tbsp softened butter

For the Cinnamon Filling:

1/2 cup softened butter

1 1/4 cups brown sugar

3 tbsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground cardamom

1 tsp vanilla extract

For Assembly:

1/3 cup heavy cream

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2–4 tbsp milk or heavy cream

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Instructions

Whisk the flour and 1/2 cup milk in a saucepan and cook over medium heat for 2–4 minutes until thickened. Let cool completely.
Combine the warmed milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Add the cooled tangzhong, melted butter, vanilla, eggs, salt, all-purpose flour, and bread flour. Knead for 5–8 minutes.
Gradually knead in the softened butter until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Cover and let the dough rise for 1–2 hours, then chill for 2–8 hours.
Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla until smooth to make the filling.
Roll the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle, spread the filling evenly, cut into 12 strips, and roll each strip into a spiral.
Pour the heavy cream into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the rolls inside.
Cover and let the rolls rise for 45–60 minutes until puffy.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 23–25 minutes until golden brown.
Beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk or heavy cream to make a smooth frosting.
Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve.

Notes

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.

Mix raisins into the filling for a classic variation.

Add orange zest to the dough or frosting for a bright citrus flavor.

Drizzle maple syrup over the filling before rolling for added richness.

Substitute the cardamom with additional cinnamon for a more traditional flavor.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freeze baked or shaped unbaked rolls for up to 2 months.

Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 488 kcal
Sugar: 34 g
Sodium: 310 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 66 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 8 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg