Golden Maple Cinnamon Rolls: A Sweet Morning Indulgence

Imagine the comforting aroma of warm cinnamon and sweet maple syrup wafting through your kitchen—a scent that promises soft, gooey perfection in every bite. These Golden Maple Cinnamon Rolls are a breakfast favorite reinvented, combining the classic cinnamon swirl with the rich, earthy sweetness of maple. Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a special treat, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleaser that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

For the Filling

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup

For the Maple Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Heat the milk, butter, and water together until warm (not hot). Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Slowly combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, adding the eggs one by one. Stir until a soft, cohesive dough comes together.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.
5. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and set it in a warm spot to rise for 1–2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Make the Filling

1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, stirring until the mixture forms a smooth, spreadable paste.
2. Stir in the maple syrup to combine, creating a luscious filling.

3. Roll and Assemble

1. Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle, about 12×16 inches.
2. Spread the cinnamon-maple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
3. Roll the dough tightly from the longer side into a log. Pinch the edges to seal.
4. Cut the dough log into 12 equal rolls and arrange them in a greased baking dish with the cut sides facing up. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes.

4. Bake to Perfection

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool slightly before glazing.

5. Glaze and Serve

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if necessary.
2. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls.
3. Serve fresh and enjoy the gooey, maple-infused goodness!

Conclusion:

Golden Maple Cinnamon Rolls bring together the best of both worlds—pillowy soft dough and a rich, caramelized maple-cinnamon swirl. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as an indulgent snack later in the day, these rolls are sure to elevate any moment. With a straightforward recipe and simple ingredients, you’re just steps away from creating a bakery-style masterpiece at home. Why not make today a little sweeter?