For many, the perfect breakfast is a blend of sweet and savory—bacon alongside warm cinnamon rolls. However, store-bought or even some homemade cinnamon rolls can fall short when it comes to frosting; often, it’s overly sweet without much depth. The solution? Replace the standard icing with a quick brown butter glaze, a simple upgrade that transforms an ordinary treat into something extraordinary.
Why Brown Butter Makes All the Difference
The appeal of refrigerated cinnamon rolls lies in their convenience. Baking a batch is faster than starting from scratch, but the included frosting often lacks complexity. Brown butter glaze introduces a rich, nutty flavor that cuts through the sweetness and adds a layer of sophistication. Butter is already a cornerstone of delicious food, but browning it deepens its flavor profile, creating a toasty, caramelized sweetness that complements cinnamon rolls beautifully.
How to Make Brown Butter Glaze: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process is straightforward, requiring only a few extra minutes.
- Bake your cinnamon rolls according to package or recipe instructions.
- Prepare the brown butter: Melt 4 tablespoons of diced unsalted butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly until melted (about 2 minutes). Continue cooking and stirring until the butter turns golden brown (another 3-4 minutes). The butter will foam; keep stirring and check for a nutty aroma and color. Immediately pour into a mixing bowl to stop the cooking process.
- Make the glaze: Add 1/8 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 cup of sifted confectioners’ sugar to the browned butter. Whisk until smooth.
- Drizzle and enjoy: Cover the warm cinnamon rolls evenly with the glaze. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevates the flavor even further.
Pro Tips for Perfect Brown Butter Glaze
- Work quickly: Brown butter can burn rapidly, so have a mixing bowl ready to pour it into immediately.
- Adjust the consistency: If the glaze is too thick or thin, add small amounts of milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
- Scale up as needed: The recipe yields enough for 5-6 rolls. Double the ingredients for larger batches.
This simple swap elevates the experience from a quick breakfast to a truly indulgent treat. The difference between a good cinnamon roll and an exceptional one often lies in the details – and brown butter is one of those details that makes all the difference.
