🍞 Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls – Soft, Tangy, and Irresistibly Caramelized

If you thought cinnamon rolls couldn’t get any better, wait until you try Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. These are everything a perfect cinnamon roll should be — soft, fluffy, gooey, and beautifully golden — but with a rich twist of nutty brown butter and the subtle tang of sourdough starter that adds depth and complexity to every bite.

This recipe combines the comforting warmth of cinnamon sugar with the artisan flavor of sourdough, creating a bakery-style treat that’s as good for Sunday brunch as it is for holiday mornings. Once you bake these, store-bought cinnamon rolls will never compare again.

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🥖 What Makes Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Special?

Sourdough isn’t just for rustic bread — it works wonders in sweet dough too! Using an active sourdough starter gives these rolls a slightly tangy flavor, a soft and pillowy texture, and keeps them fresh longer without preservatives.

Pair that natural flavor with the nutty richness of brown butter (butter that’s gently cooked until golden and aromatic), and you get a cinnamon roll that tastes both gourmet and comforting.

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🍯 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• ½ cup (120g) active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (around 95°F / 35°C)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (60g) melted brown butter (see instructions below)
• ⅓ cup (70g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading

For the Filling:

• ½ cup (110g) brown butter, softened (not melted)
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

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🧈 How to Make Brown Butter

Brown butter adds a nutty, caramelized flavor that transforms ordinary cinnamon rolls into something spectacular.

1. In a small saucepan, melt ¾ cup unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Continue cooking, swirling the pan often, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Pour into a bowl immediately to stop the cooking.
4. Let it cool slightly before using in the dough and filling.

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🕐 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), whisk together the sourdough starter, warm milk, eggs, sugar, brown butter, and salt until smooth.
2. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.
3. Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes or mix on medium speed for 5–6 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

💡 The dough should be soft but not sticky — add a tablespoon of flour at a time if needed.

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Step 2: First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 6–8 hours, or overnight until doubled in size.
If your kitchen is cool, it may take up to 10 hours — sourdough takes its time, but it’s worth it!

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Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

• Once the dough has risen, turn it onto a lightly floured surface.
• Roll it into a rectangle about 12×18 inches.

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Step 4: Add the Filling

1. Spread the softened brown butter evenly over the dough.
2. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the butter.
3. Gently press the mixture into the dough to help it stick.

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Step 5: Roll and Slice

• Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
• Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut into 12 even rolls.
• Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan (or cast iron skillet).

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Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the pan and let the rolls proof until puffy and nearly doubled — about 3–4 hours at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator for a slower rise and deeper flavor.

If chilled, let them come to room temperature for about 1 hour before baking.

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Step 7: Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
• Let them cool slightly while you prepare the frosting.

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🍶 Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream or milk. Beat until light and fluffy.
3. Spread generously over the warm rolls.

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🍥 Optional Flavor Upgrades

✨ Maple Brown Butter Frosting: Add 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup to your frosting for a fall-inspired flavor.
✨ Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling before rolling.
✨ Extra Gooey: Drizzle ¼ cup of heavy cream over the rolls before baking.
✨ Orange Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough and filling for a citrusy kick.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Freeze baked rolls (without frosting) for up to 2 months.
• To reheat: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

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💡 Tips for Perfect Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

✔️ Use active, bubbly starter for the best rise and flavor.
✔️ Be patient — sourdough fermentation is slower but adds amazing texture.
✔️ Don’t over-flour the dough; it should feel soft and supple.
✔️ For extra richness, use whole milk and real butter.
✔️ Spread frosting while the rolls are still warm for that glossy, melty finish.

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❤️ Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

✔️ Soft, pillowy texture with tangy sourdough depth
✔️ Buttery, caramelized filling that melts in your mouth
✔️ Naturally leavened for better flavor and shelf life
✔️ Ideal for brunches, holidays, or weekend baking therapy
✔️ The smell alone is worth making them!

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🎉 Final Thoughts

Brown Butter Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are pure indulgence — the perfect combination of rustic sourdough charm and decadent cinnamon sweetness. The brown butter infuses each layer with a toasted, nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the soft tang of the dough and the creamy frosting on top.

Whether you bake them for a lazy Sunday morning or as a special holiday treat, these rolls are guaranteed to impress. Each bite is soft, gooey, and absolutely unforgettable — a true labor of love that tastes like home.

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