Brown Butter Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
Brown Butter Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with moist and tender banana bread dough wrapped around a perfectly spiced cinnamon and brown sugar swirl. These gooey, flavorful rolls are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and offer a unique and comforting twist on classic cinnamon rolls.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ripe overripe bananas
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted brown butter (from dough preparation)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar mixed with milk)
- Cream cheese frosting
- Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
- Mini chocolate chips
- Prepare the Brown Butter: Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Swirl frequently until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 4-6 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas until smooth but still slightly chunky to keep moisture and natural sweetness.
- Mix the Dough: To the mashed bananas, add 1 cup warm milk, 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 eggs, the cooled brown butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir to combine. Gradually add 3 1/2 cups flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix 3/4 cup packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon in a small bowl. Once dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Brush generously with some of the reserved brown butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
- Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long side, pinching the seam closed. Slice into 12 equal portions using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch pan, cover with a cloth, and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
- Optional Glaze: While warm, drizzle with glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or spread cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not skip browning the butter, as it adds a distinct nutty flavor.
- Knead dough just until smooth to maintain tender rolls.
- Avoid overproofing the dough to prevent dense or overly soft rolls.
- Slice rolls evenly using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: brown butter, banana bread, cinnamon rolls, cinnamon swirl, breakfast rolls, brunch, comfort food