Melt-in-Your-Mouth Maple Cinnamon Rolls are a heavenly treat that combines soft, fluffy dough with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and a luscious maple glaze.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are a decadent way to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. The warm flavors of cinnamon and maple create a cozy, comforting experience in every bite.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
Ingredients Overview
- Flour: All-purpose flour gives the rolls their structure and softness.
- Yeast: Active dry yeast ensures the rolls rise beautifully.
- Milk and Butter: These add richness and moisture to the dough.
- Cinnamon and Sugar: Essential for the sweet, spiced filling.
- Maple Syrup: The star of the glaze, providing a deep, warm sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a tangy balance to the maple glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
Warm 3/4 cup of milk (110°F or lukewarm) and combine it with 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) of active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine 3 cups of flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the yeast mixture, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a dough hook. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
Mix 1/2 cup of softened butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon in a small bowl until it forms a paste.
3. Roll Out and Fill
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Roll and Cut
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
5. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Make the Maple Glaze
While the rolls bake, whisk together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk if needed for a pourable consistency.
7. Glaze and Serve
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before spreading the maple glaze generously over the top. Serve warm and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth perfection!
Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking the next day.
- Extra Maple Flavor: Drizzle a little pure maple syrup over the rolls just before serving for an extra hit of maple goodness.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair these cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of milk. For a complete breakfast or brunch, serve them alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Skip the frothing step and mix the yeast directly with the dry ingredients.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after cutting them. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, let rise, and bake as directed.
What if I don’t have maple syrup?
Honey or a mix of honey and vanilla extract can work as a substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup milk, warmed
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
For the Maple Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Warm the milk, mix with yeast and sugar, and let it froth. Combine with flour, sugar, salt, butter, and egg to form a dough. Let rise until doubled.
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling.
- Roll out the dough, spread the filling, roll into a log, and cut into 12 rolls. Let rise.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Whisk cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk for the glaze. Spread on warm rolls and serve.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Maple Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup milk warmed
- 1 packet 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- For the Maple Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Warm the milk, mix with yeast and sugar, and let it froth. Combine with flour, sugar, salt, butter, and egg to form a dough. Let rise until doubled.
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling.
- Roll out the dough, spread the filling, roll into a log, and cut into 12 rolls. Let rise.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Whisk cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk for the glaze. Spread on warm rolls and serve.
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