If you love the warm, indulgent aroma of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls with a twist, you’re going to adore this Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Combining the classic comfort of cinnamon sugar swirls with the rich, natural sweetness of pure maple syrup, these rolls are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly sticky. Perfect for weekend breakfasts or special occasions, this recipe brings together simple pantry ingredients to create a treat that’s always a crowd-pleaser and feels like a cozy hug from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the flour that forms the fluffy base to the yeast that gives the rolls their airy texture. The combination of cinnamon and maple syrup creates a perfectly balanced filling that’s both sweet and warmly spiced.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The essential foundation for your soft, pillowy dough.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: Activates to help your dough rise beautifully.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps with browning.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F): Provides moisture and warmth to activate the yeast.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Keeps the dough tender and rich.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: Infuses that iconic spice that defines cinnamon rolls.
- ½ cup pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and depth for the signature maple flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Perfect for a smooth, sweet finish to your rolls.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the flavor of the glaze with a warm, aromatic note.
How to Make Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by combining warm milk and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly—this means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on your dough.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, stirring to combine into a soft dough.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly tacky. This kneading develops the gluten, giving your rolls structure and a tender crumb.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—this usually takes about an hour. The yeast’swork here is what will make your rolls wonderfully light.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup in a small bowl to create the irresistibly sweet and spicy filling.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about a quarter-inch thick. Spread your maple cinnamon filling evenly over the surface, making sure every bite is flavorful.
Step 7: Form the Rolls
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log from one long side to the other. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into even rolls, aiming for about 12 servings to keep them generously sized.
Step 8: Second Rise and Bake
Place the rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish and let them rise again for 30 minutes. Then bake them at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
How to Serve Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and maple syrup over warm rolls. You can also sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples to balance the sweetness with a tart contrast. A cup of rich coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or spiced chai pairs perfectly with the warm flavors of the maple cinnamon rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, arrange the rolls on a beautiful platter lined with parchment paper and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and fresh mint leaves. Alternatively, cut the rolls in half for a mini slider-style treat that’s great for sharing or portion control.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay soft and tasty, but if you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is an option, though it may slightly dry them out.
Freezing
Maple cinnamon rolls freeze wonderfully. Arrange the unglazed rolls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy fresh rolls any time you crave them.
Reheating
To bring your rolls back to life, warm them in the oven at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave individual rolls for about 20 seconds. If you froze them, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the dough?
While you can substitute brown sugar, granulated sugar helps create the right texture and sweetness balance in the dough. Using brown sugar might make the dough slightly denser, but it will add a deeper flavor.
Is it necessary to use warm milk for activating the yeast?
Yes, warm milk activates the yeast properly. Too hot or too cold liquids can kill or slow down the yeast, resulting in dough that doesn’t rise well.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap butter for a plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free milk alternative. Just ensure the milk is warmed to the right temperature to activate the yeast.
What can I use instead of maple syrup in the filling?
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey or light corn syrup can be used, but maple syrup gives that unique depth of flavor that really makes this recipe special.
Can I prepare the rolls the night before and bake in the morning?
Yes! After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed for fresh rolls right away.
Final Thoughts
The Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is truly a little slice of heaven that brings warmth and joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe promises a perfect balance of sweet maple and cozy cinnamon flavor wrapped in soft, fluffy dough. Give it a try and watch how this simple combination turns your kitchen into a bakery filled with comforting aromas and happy smiles.
Print
Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these soft and gooey Maple Cinnamon Rolls, infused with warm cinnamon and sweet pure maple syrup. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, these rolls are made from scratch with a tender yeast dough, rolled with a luscious maple-cinnamon filling, and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze.
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
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional maple syrup or milk (optional, to thin glaze)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the yeast and milk mixture to form a dough.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until its size has doubled.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and pure maple syrup until well blended for the sweet filling.
- Roll Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
- Apply Filling: Evenly spread the maple-cinnamon filling over the entire surface of the rolled dough.
- Shape Rolls: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into individual rolls of desired thickness.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover loosely, and let them rise again in a warm spot for about 30 minutes until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the risen rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: While rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of maple syrup or milk to create a smooth glaze. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze generously over warm cinnamon rolls before serving to enhance flavor and sweetness.
Notes
- Ensuring the milk is around 110°F is crucial to activate yeast without killing it.
- Kneading the dough well develops gluten, giving rolls a fluffy texture.
- Keep the dough covered during rises to prevent drying out.
- Add a bit of extra maple syrup or milk to the glaze if it is too thick for easy drizzling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and warm before serving.
