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Giant Cinnamon Roll for Two | with Brown Butter Icing

Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:28 minutes
Rise Time:1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time:2 hours 28 minutes

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 ⅝ cup flour
  • 1 ½ tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • 3/4 cup milk, warmed to 100 ℉
  • 1/2 large egg (25 grams) lightly beaten
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Filling

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt

Brown Butter Frosting

  • 3 tbsp cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, browned
  • ½-¾ cup sifted powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tsp milk or cream
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla or vanilla bean paste

Instructions

  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, instant yeast, and sugar.
  • Add warm milk (95-105 degrees F), ½ beaten egg, and softened butter. Mix until shaggy dough forms.
  • Knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Check with the windowpane test: stretch a small piece — it should form a thin, translucent 'window' without tearing.
  • Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 45–60 minutes.
  • Stir together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pinch of salt.
  • Roll dough into a 6 × 12-inch rectangle and spread filling evenly.
  • Slice into two long strips. Roll one strip tightly, then wrap the second around it to form one large spiral.
  • Place in a greased 6-inch cake pan (or small skillet/ramekin). Cover loosely and let rise 20–30 minutes, until puffy.
  • In a small saucepan, melt butter and cook until golden brown and nutty. Let cool slightly. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add browned butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk/cream. Mix until creamy.
  •  Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Just before baking, pour 2–3 tbsp heavy cream over the rolls (optional, for a gooier texture). Bake 22–28 minutes, until golden brown and center registers 190–195°F. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  • Cool 10 minutes before frosting.