If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat that fills your kitchen with warmth and irresistible aromas, this Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Soft, pillowy dough swirled with a luscious cinnamon and maple filling, then topped with a smooth glaze, creates the perfect balance between comforting tradition and a delightful twist. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, these rolls will quickly become a beloved favorite in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first exciting step toward baking these heavenly cinnamon rolls. Each item plays a crucial role, from the flour that creates the tender dough to the pure maple syrup that delivers a distinctive, rich sweetness you won’t want to miss.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, providing structure and softness.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: This little powerhouse helps the dough rise and become wonderfully fluffy.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the spices and maple without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavors and keeps everything balanced.
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F): Activates the yeast and creates a tender crumb.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness to both the dough and the filling.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that creates that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- ½ cup pure maple syrup: Adds a unique, natural sweetness and depth to the filling.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the glaze with a subtle aromatic touch.
How to Make Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
Start by combining warm milk with the active dry yeast in a large bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate and become frothy, signaling it’s ready to work its magic on the dough.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, stirring gently to combine. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and slightly tacky, feeling elastic and ready to rise beautifully.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer your kneaded dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a warm towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm spot. In about an hour, the dough should double in size—this rise is crucial for those tender, fluffy rolls everyone loves.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While waiting for the dough to rise, blend the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pure maple syrup in a small bowl. This fragrant and flavorful filling is the heart of your Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, infusing every bite with irresistible sweetness and spice.
Step 5: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
Once your dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the maple cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, ensuring every inch is covered to create delicious layers inside each roll.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Rolls
Carefully roll the dough up tightly starting from one long edge, like a jelly roll. Then, slice the log into equal pieces—these will become your individual rolls bursting with flavor and gooey filling.
Step 7: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish and cover them again for a second rise of about 30 minutes. This extra step makes the rolls even softer and lighter once baked.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they’re golden brown and irresistible. The maple cinnamon aroma that fills your home now signals it’s time to enjoy!
How to Serve Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra on top can elevate this already spectacular treat. Consider drizzling a smooth maple glaze made with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, or sprinkle chopped pecans for a delightful crunch and extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
Pair these warm maple cinnamon rolls with a cup of fresh coffee or a creamy latte for the ultimate cozy breakfast experience. You might also enjoy a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these rolls on a rustic wooden board for a charming weekend brunch spread or individually wrapped as thoughtful homemade gifts. For an extra-special touch, top each roll with a small drizzle of maple syrup just before serving—it adds shine and a little extra sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the rolls soft and moist without drying out, making it easy to enjoy again without losing that fresh-baked feeling.
Freezing
Maple cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. Place individual rolls or the whole pan in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months, perfect for holiday prep or busy mornings when you want homemade comfort fast.
Reheating
To revive frozen or refrigerated rolls, warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 to 15 minutes or microwave briefly with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. This brings back their fresh-out-of-the-oven softness and lets the maple cinnamon flavors shine anew.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the dough?
While brown sugar adds a nice depth of flavor, it’s best used in the filling rather than the dough. The granulated sugar helps with the dough’s texture and rise, but you can experiment if you prefer a richer taste.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Absolutely! The first rise lets the yeast develop, creating the fluffy texture, while the second rise allows the shaped rolls to relax and puff up, ensuring softness after baking.
Can I make the dough in a bread machine?
Yes, a bread machine can take care of mixing and kneading the dough for you. Just be sure to remove it after the first rise so you can roll, fill, and shape the rolls manually.
How do I make the maple glaze?
Simply mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk or cream and vanilla extract, then stir in a tablespoon or two of maple syrup. Adjust the thickness by adding more liquid or sugar until it’s perfect for drizzling.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
With a few substitutions like using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flaxseed egg, you can adapt this recipe to be vegan-friendly without losing the comforting flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about homemade cinnamon rolls, and this Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe takes that magic to the next level with a touch of natural sweetness and warmth from real maple syrup. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, I promise these soft, gooey rolls will bring joy to any morning. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite breakfast tradition!
Print
Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet, infused with warm cinnamon and rich maple syrup. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful brunch treat, this recipe guides you through making the dough from scratch, preparing a luscious maple-cinnamon filling, and finishing with a smooth maple glaze that enhances each bite with a perfect balance of sweetness.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (used in filling mix)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or milk (optional, to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk (110°F) with the active dry yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, signaling the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the yeast mixture, stirring to form a rough dough. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it vigorously for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly tacky.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and pure maple syrup until well combined and smooth.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the maple cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, covering the entire surface.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into about 12 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, cover them, and allow them to rise again for 30 minutes to become fluffy and light.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (or a little milk for desired consistency) to create a smooth glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Remove rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before drizzling the maple glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot (around 110°F) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- The second rise is crucial for fluffy rolls; don’t skip or shorten this step.
- You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- To make the glaze thinner, add more maple syrup or a splash of milk until desired consistency is achieved.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat rolls gently in the microwave or oven before serving if stored.
