Description

Soft, chewy cinnamon rolls with a rich salted caramel glaze, perfect for brunch. This forgiving recipe uses simple pantry staples and delivers bakery-quality results in under an hour of active time.

Ingredients

Scale

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 packets active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk
½ cup sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions

Activate the yeast by combining warm milk and 1 tablespoon of sugar, sprinkling yeast on top, and letting sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Mix the dough by combining flour and remaining sugar in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt. Mix until shaggy, then knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let the dough rise in a greased bowl, covered, for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Prepare the caramel glaze by whisking brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until boiling and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Roll dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle.
Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a border. Sprinkle with granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal pieces.
Place rolls in the baking dish, cover, and let rise for 20-30 minutes until puffy.
Pour half of the warm caramel glaze over the rolls. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown, rotating pan halfway through.
Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then drizzle with remaining caramel glaze. Serve warm.

Notes

Ensure milk is between 105°F and 115°F to activate yeast without killing it. Knead dough until it passes the windowpane test for best texture. Use dental floss for clean cuts without squishing the dough. Rolls can be frozen unbaked after the second rise.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 350
Sugar: 35
Sodium: 300
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 55
Fiber: 2
Protein: 6

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, caramel cinnamon rolls, brunch recipe, easy baking, homemade pastries, salted caramel, weekend breakfast