Soft & Fluffy Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Soft & Fluffy Maple Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect sweet treat for any time of day. Infused with warm spices and a rich maple flavor, these rolls offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Enjoy them freshly baked with a creamy maple cinnamon icing.

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 115-120°F
• ½ cup maple sugar, divided
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted & slightly cooled
• 1 tablespoon maple extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• 4 ½ cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar (for filling)
• ½ cup maple sugar (for filling)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for filling)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (for icing)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for icing)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
• ¼ cup maple syrup (for icing)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (for icing)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for icing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a stand mixer bowl or large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and half of the maple sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir well. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until foamy, even if using instant yeast.
2. Step 2: Once foamy, add the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, maple extract, vanilla bean paste, ground allspice, flour, and salt.
3. Step 3: Attach the dough hook and mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together (1-2 minutes). Increase to medium speed and knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Shape the dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, and cover with plastic wrap or a towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1½ hours. If using rapid rise yeast, you may skip this rise.
5. Step 5: Punch down the dough to release air and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll into a 15×10-inch rectangle.
6. Step 6: Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a small border. Mix the brown sugar and remaining maple sugar, then sprinkle evenly over the butter. Add cinnamon and salt on top and gently press into the sugar mixture.
7. Step 7: Starting from the longest edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and seal the seam. Trim the ends if desired. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
8. Step 8: Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Arrange the rolls with space between them. Cover and let proof in a warm place until puffy (1–1½ hours) for same-day baking, or refrigerate overnight for slower rising. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature before baking.
9. Step 9: Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove covering and bake rolls for about 30 minutes until lightly golden.
10. Step 10: While baking, prepare the icing by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat until combined. Mix in maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, and cinnamon until silky and lump-free.
11. Step 11: When rolls are baked, spread the maple cinnamon icing generously over them. Add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use pure maple syrup instead of maple extract.
• If bread flour is unavailable, all-purpose flour can be used but may yield slightly less chewy rolls.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise better.
• Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture.

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving, then reapply icing if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, active dry yeast works well but may require proofing in warm water before adding to the dough. The recipe’s first rise time will remain about the same.

How do I make the rolls ahead for fresh baking?

After assembling the rolls in the pan, cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature and puff up before baking as directed.

Soft & Fluffy Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 86 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including proofing time)
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x

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Description

These Soft & Fluffy Maple Cinnamon Rolls feature a tender, buttery dough infused with warm spices and sweet maple flavors. The rolls are filled with a rich cinnamon-maple sugar mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a luscious maple cream cheese glaze that melts perfectly into every bite. Ideal for a cozy brunch or special breakfast treat.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 115–120°F
• ½ cup maple sugar, divided
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast (can substitute with active dry yeast)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 tablespoon maple extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• 4 ½ cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Filling Ingredients

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
• ½ cup maple sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Maple Cinnamon Icing Ingredients

• 4 ounces (brick) cream cheese, room temperature
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the yeast mixture: Combine warm milk and half of the maple sugar in a mixing bowl, sprinkle yeast on top, and stir. Let the mixture sit 10-15 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix dough ingredients: Add remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, maple extract, vanilla bean paste, allspice, bread flour, and salt to the yeast mixture.
3. Knead the dough: Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix on low for 1-2 minutes until combined, then medium speed for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead by hand for 10 minutes on a floured surface.
4. First proof: Shape dough into a ball, place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1½ hours. (If using instant yeast, this step can be skipped.)
5. Roll out dough: Punch down dough and roll on floured surface into a 15×10 inch rectangle.
6. Prepare filling: Spread softened butter over dough, leaving a small margin. Mix brown sugar and maple sugar, sprinkle evenly over buttered dough. Then sprinkle cinnamon and salt on top and gently rub in.
7. Roll and cut: Roll the dough tightly from the longest side with seam down. Pinch seam to seal and cut the roll into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
8. Second proof: Place rolls in a parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan with space in between. Cover and proof in a warm spot until puffy (1–1½ hours) or refrigerate overnight (8-10 hours). Bring to room temperature before baking if refrigerated.
9. Preheat oven and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered rolls for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
10. Make maple cinnamon icing: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat until combined. Mix in maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, and cinnamon until silky and lump-free.
11. Ice and serve: Spread the icing generously over warm rolls, optionally dust with extra cinnamon, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use bread flour for a chewy and soft texture; all-purpose flour can be substituted but may affect the fluffiness.
• For active dry yeast, proofing the yeast in warm milk is essential. Instant yeast can be added directly but proofing still improves flavor.
• Room temperature eggs and dairy ensure the dough comes together well.
• Chilling the rolls overnight improves flavor and makes morning prep easier.
• Use dental floss to cut rolls for clean edges without squishing the dough.
• Maple extract enhances the maple flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
• Store leftover rolls covered at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days; reheat before serving.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Maple cinnamon rolls, soft cinnamon rolls, maple sugar rolls, breakfast rolls, cream cheese icing, brunch recipe