Brioche Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
If you love classic cinnamon rolls, wait until you try them made with brioche dough. Rich with butter, eggs, and milk, brioche creates incredibly soft, fluffy rolls with a tender, bakery-style texture that feels extra special.
These brioche cinnamon rolls are perfect for holiday mornings, family brunches, special occasions, or anytime you want a truly indulgent homemade treat. The dough takes a little more time than a basic cinnamon roll dough, but the results are absolutely worth it.
What Makes Brioche Different?
Traditional cinnamon roll dough is soft and delicious, but brioche dough contains more butter and eggs, creating:
- A richer flavor
- A softer texture
- A delicate, buttery crumb
- Bakery-style results
The finished rolls stay tender for days and make an impressive centerpiece for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
For the Brioche Dough
- ¾ cup warm whole milk
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, if needed
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar.
Allow the mixture to sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add eggs and mix well.
Add flour and salt, stirring until a rough dough forms.
Begin kneading. Once the dough starts coming together, add softened butter one tablespoon at a time, allowing each addition to incorporate before adding more.
Continue kneading for 8 to 12 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly glossy.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
Cover and let rise for 1½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
For easier handling, refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or overnight.
This step helps firm the butter-rich dough and improves flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 16 x 12 inches.
Spread softened butter evenly across the surface.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the butter.
Step 7: Roll and Slice
Roll the dough tightly into a log.
Slice into 12 large rolls.
Arrange in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Step 8: Second Rise
Cover and allow the rolls to rise for 45 to 60 minutes until noticeably puffy.
Step 9: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before frosting.
Step 10: Frost
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
Mix until creamy, adding a little milk if needed.
Spread generously over the warm rolls.
Delicious Brioche Cinnamon Roll Variations
Maple Pecan Brioche Rolls
Add 1 cup chopped pecans to the filling and use maple extract in the frosting.
Orange Vanilla Brioche Rolls
Add the zest of one orange to the filling and frosting.
Apple Pie Brioche Rolls
Layer finely diced cooked apples into the cinnamon filling.
Pumpkin Spice Brioche Rolls
Add pumpkin pie spice to the filling for a cozy autumn twist.
Make-Ahead Instructions
These rolls are ideal for overnight preparation.
After placing the sliced rolls in the baking dish, cover and refrigerate overnight.
The next morning, remove from the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes before baking.
Storage
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Warm individual rolls for a few seconds in the microwave before serving.
Why You'll Love These Brioche Cinnamon Rolls
- Ultra-soft and fluffy
- Rich buttery flavor
- Perfect for holidays and brunches
- Great make-ahead recipe
- Bakery-quality results at home
Brioche cinnamon rolls take everything people love about classic cinnamon rolls and make them even more luxurious. The buttery dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting create a treat that feels right at home on a holiday table, special brunch spread, or cozy weekend morning.
Once you've tasted cinnamon rolls made with brioche dough, it may be hard to go back to ordinary rolls again.
Technical Note
Because brioche dough contains a higher amount of butter and eggs, it may feel softer than standard dough. Chilling the dough before rolling makes it much easier to handle. Flour amounts can vary based on humidity and measuring methods, so add flour only as needed to maintain a soft, supple dough.
