Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you dream in swirls of pillowy dough, gooey cinnamon sugar, and a luscious maple-scented glaze, these Maple Cinnamon Rolls are your perfect sweet fix! A feast for the senses, every bite combines a soft, fluffy roll layered with spiced brown sugar and topped with a rich maple cream cheese icing. Whether you’re treating your family on a lazy weekend or impressing friends at brunch, there’s nothing quite as comforting and thoroughly irresistible as Maple Cinnamon Rolls, fresh from the oven and still just a bit warm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Maple Cinnamon Rolls plays a crucial role—from creating the tender, golden dough, to the warm spiced filling, and, of course, the velvety maple icing. Gather these simple staples and you’re already halfway to baking up a pan of cozy, aromatic comfort.
- Warm milk: Jump-starts the yeast and gives the dough irresistible softness.
- Active dry yeast: Ensures the rolls rise into pillowy clouds.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness to both the dough and filling—always use unsalted for best control.
- Large eggs: Give the rolls structure and that tender crumb everyone loves.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and rounds out flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides just the right texture for a soft, chewy roll.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes to the cinnamon filling.
- Ground cinnamon: The star seasoning, delivering warmth and oh-so-intoxicating aroma.
- Cream cheese (softened): Lends tang and smooth body to the maple icing.
- Pure maple syrup: Infuses the icing with cozy maple character—don’t skimp here!
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweet notes in the icing.
- Powdered sugar: Melts seamlessly into the icing for an ultra-creamy finish.
- Nutmeg: Just a hint in the icing adds subtle complexity.
How to Make Maple Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes—when it’s foamy and fragrant, you’ll know your yeast is alive and ready to transform your Maple Cinnamon Rolls into a light, airy delight.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Add softened butter, eggs, salt, and 3 1/2 cups of flour to your yeast mixture. Stir until a soft, sticky dough starts to form, adding a little extra flour only if needed. Turn this dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s elastic and smooth—it’s like a quick, satisfying mini workout!
Step 3: First Rise
Slide your dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise somewhere warm. After about an hour, it should be doubled in size and begging to be rolled out for the next step of these Maple Cinnamon Rolls.
Step 4: Roll Out and Fill
Roll your risen dough into a generous 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter across the surface, then shower with brown sugar and cinnamon. This is where the magic (and that classic swirl) comes together!
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Slice it into 12 perfect rolls and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise one more time for 30 to 45 minutes, until beautifully puffed and nestled together.
Step 6: Bake
Heat your oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like heaven! Look for a golden top and a tantalizing aroma to know they’re done—don’t worry if a little filling bubbles up around the edges, it only adds to the charm.
Step 7: Make the Maple Cream Cheese Icing
Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together, then blend in the maple syrup, vanilla, powdered sugar, salt, and a whisper of nutmeg. The result? A ridiculously smooth and flavorful frosting that takes these Maple Cinnamon Rolls completely over the top.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Spread the icing generously over your freshly baked rolls while they’re still warm. The frosting will melt just slightly, sinking into every heavenly spiral. Now you’re ready to devour and share!
How to Serve Maple Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
You can absolutely serve Maple Cinnamon Rolls as-is, but a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a light drizzle of extra maple syrup can take their presentation— and flavor—right over the top.
Side Dishes
Pair warm Maple Cinnamon Rolls with fresh fruit for a bright contrast, a side of crispy bacon for savory balance, or even a simple green salad if you’re making brunch a full meal. And, of course, they’re unbeatable with hot coffee or chai.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these rolls straight from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style treat, or arrange them on a pretty cake stand with small bowls of extra icing for dipping. For a charming individual touch, wrap cooled rolls in parchment and twine for on-the-go gifting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Maple Cinnamon Rolls tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure they’re sealed well to keep every bite as tender as possible.
Freezing
If you want to stash some sweetness for later, freeze unfrosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before icing and serving for fresh-baked flavor anytime.
Reheating
To revive your Maple Cinnamon Rolls, warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or cover the whole pan with foil and heat for about 10 minutes in a 325°F oven. Add icing after reheating—or let it melt right into the rolls!
FAQs
Can I let the dough rise overnight?
Absolutely! Prep the rolls up to the shaping stage, then cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes before baking for Maple Cinnamon Rolls on your schedule.
What’s the best way to get evenly sliced rolls?
Use a sharp serrated knife or, even better, dental floss to slice the rolled dough cleanly—this prevents flattening and keeps every roll perfectly round.
Does the maple flavor really stand out?
Yes, using pure maple syrup in the icing gives these Maple Cinnamon Rolls just the right hit of maple goodness—don’t substitute with pancake syrup for this recipe; the depth of real maple is key.
Can I make these Maple Cinnamon Rolls dairy-free?
You can! Swap in plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese for equally dreamy rolls, though the flavor will be slightly different from the classic version.
Why did my rolls turn out dense rather than fluffy?
If your rolls are on the heavy side, the dough may not have risen enough or the flour was over-measured. Be gentle when adding flour—stop as soon as the dough is soft but not sticky, and always give it plenty of time to rise in a cozy, draft-free spot.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as welcoming or soul-soothing as the smell and taste of homemade Maple Cinnamon Rolls. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly smiles appear around your table. Don’t be surprised if these quickly become your most requested treat!
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Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, comforting flavors of homemade Maple Cinnamon Rolls topped with a decadent Maple Cream Cheese Icing. These soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for breakfast or brunch, and the maple-infused icing adds a delightful twist to a classic treat.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2–4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Maple Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar; let sit until foamy. Add butter, eggs, salt, and flour; knead until smooth. Let rise until doubled. Roll into a rectangle, spread with butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Roll tightly, cut into rolls, and place in a baking dish. Let rise. Bake until golden brown.
- Maple Cream Cheese Icing: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add maple syrup, vanilla, powdered sugar, salt, and nutmeg; beat until fluffy. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- For an overnight option, refrigerate shaped rolls before the second rise. Let sit at room temperature before baking.
- Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes rising)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking, Yeast Dough
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
