Braided Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Braided Cinnamon Rolls take the classic cinnamon roll to an elegant new level with a stunning braided design that showcases layers of cinnamon-sugar filling. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and loaded with warm spice flavor, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The braided shape not only looks beautiful but also ensures a delightful texture in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourgranulated sugarsaltinstant yeastwhole milkunsalted buttereggsbrown sugarsground cinnamonvanilla extractpowdered sugarmilk or cream (for the glaze)

directions

Warm the milk and butter together until the butter melts. Let cool slightly.

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

Add warm milk mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.

Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter over the surface, and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix evenly.

Roll the dough up tightly from the long side, then slice the roll in half lengthwise to expose the layers.

Braid the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up, and form into a spiral or coil.

Transfer to a greased baking dish or parchment-lined pan and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

Mix powdered sugar with milk or cream to create a glaze, then drizzle over the warm rolls.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8–10 servings.Preparation time: 30 minutesRising time: 1.5–2.5 hoursBaking time: 25–30 minutesTotal time: 2.5–3.5 hours

Variations

Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy twist.

Mix in a little cardamom with the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.

Use cream cheese glaze instead of regular glaze for a richer topping.

Incorporate raisins or chopped dates for added sweetness.

storage/reheating

Store braided cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made and refrigerated overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.

Do I have to braid the dough?

Braiding enhances the look and texture, but you can also roll it and cut into traditional rolls.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can use active dry yeast; just proof it in warm milk with a bit of sugar first.

Can I make this without eggs?

Yes, substitute with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer, but texture may vary slightly.

Is this recipe good for beginners?

Yes, the dough is forgiving, and the braiding process is simple with practice.

How do I keep the rolls soft?

Don’t overbake and store them properly wrapped to retain moisture.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just be sure to use a larger baking dish or multiple pans.

What type of flour works best?

All-purpose flour is ideal, but bread flour can add extra chewiness.

Can I add a different filling?

Yes, try chocolate chips, fruit preserves, or Nutella for a creative twist.

Do they taste good without glaze?

Yes, the cinnamon-sugar flavor stands well on its own, but glaze adds sweetness and visual appeal.

Conclusion

Braided Cinnamon Rolls are an impressive yet approachable treat that combines the cozy flavors of cinnamon with a beautiful presentation. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to enjoy something sweet and homemade, these rolls are sure to become a favorite. Give them a try and elevate your cinnamon roll game with this delightful braided version.

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