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Brown Butter Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Brown Butter Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
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Brown Butter Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas, swirled with aromatic cinnamon and brown sugar. These soft, tender rolls offer a delicious fusion of banana bread and cinnamon rolls, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Easy to customize and comforting in every bite, they feature a well-proofed yeast dough that stays moist and fluffy for days.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, browned and cooled
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (for yeast bloom)

For the Filling

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

For the Glaze (optional)

  • Cream cheese glaze or vanilla icing, or maple syrup glaze

Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: Gently melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool.
  2. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine warm milk with 1 teaspoon sugar and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bloomed.
  3. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the browned butter, mashed bananas, granulated sugar, eggs, salt, and flour. Add the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
  5. Roll and Fill: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top. Add optional nuts or other add-ins if using. Roll the dough tightly into a log.
  6. Cut and Arrange: Slice the log into 12 equal rolls and arrange them side-by-side in a greased baking pan. Cover and allow the rolls to rise again for about 45 minutes until puffy.
  7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle cream cheese glaze, vanilla icing, or maple syrup glaze over the warm rolls before serving for added sweetness and finish.

Notes

  • Brown butter carefully by stirring constantly to avoid burning and to develop a deep nutty flavor.
  • Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • Don’t skip proofing the yeast to ensure light, fluffy rolls.
  • Roll dough evenly to achieve uniform cinnamon swirls and even baking.
  • Allow the second rise to create tender, airy texture that defines classic cinnamon rolls.
  • Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
  • Omit nuts for a nut-free option or add spices like cardamom or nutmeg for a spiced twist.
  • Reheat rolls at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds to enjoy fresh warmth.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, banana bread, cinnamon rolls, soft rolls, cinnamon swirl, brunch recipe, baked goods, banana cinnamon rolls

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/brown-butter-banana-bread-cinnamon-rolls/