If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the irresistible aroma of a sweet treat filled with warm spices and rich maple syrup, then this Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite breakfast obsession. Soft, fluffy rolls swirled with a luscious cinnamon-maple filling and finished with a creamy glaze make every bite a little moment of joy. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table, filling your kitchen with warmth, comfort, and a touch of gourmet magic that’s surprisingly simple to create at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in making sure your Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe turns out perfectly soft, flavorful, and beautifully baked. From the yeast that helps the dough rise to the maple syrup that adds a deep, rich sweetness, every item is essential to the final delicious result.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and fluffiness to the rolls.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: The secret to that light and airy texture everyone loves.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F): Activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture to the dough and filling.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The warm spice at the heart of the filling.
- ½ cup pure maple syrup: Brings a deep, natural sweetness with a hint of complexity.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet finish that’s irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely warmth and rounds out the glaze perfectly.
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 this mixture rest for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, signaling the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. This little wait is crucial for light, tender rolls.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
While the yeast activates, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a separate bowl. Then slowly incorporate these dry ingredients into the yeast mixture, creating a sticky dough that will soon transform under your hands.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the dough to feel smooth and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. This kneading step develops the gluten, giving your rolls that wonderful chewy softness.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm spot. Let it rise until it doubles in size, which usually takes about an hour. This is when the dough builds air bubbles, making your rolls fluffy and light.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup together in a small bowl. This combination creates the perfect balance of sticky sweetness and warm spice that’s signature to this Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
Step 6: Roll Out and Fill
Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the cinnamon-maple filling evenly over the surface, making sure every inch has a generous layer. This step ensures every bite is filled with that dreamy swirl of flavor.
Step 7: Shape the Rolls
Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it into individual rolls. Each piece becomes its own delightful cinnamon-maple treasure, ready to bake and wow your taste buds.
Step 8: Second Rise and Bake
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes. This final rise is important for achieving that soft, pillowy texture. Finally, bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn golden brown and smell absolutely heavenly.
How to Serve Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A light drizzle of simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and vanilla really completes these rolls, adding a silky sweetness that melts in your mouth. You can also sprinkle chopped pecans or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples to balance out their sweetness. If you want to go bold, serve alongside a warm mug of coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can turn these rolls into a pull-apart bread by arranging the pieces in a circular or star shape before baking. Or drizzle maple syrup over warm rolls just before serving to double down on the signature flavor of this Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Maple cinnamon rolls keep beautifully at room temperature when wrapped in foil or stored in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days. This maintains their softness and keeps them fresh for repeat indulgence mornings.
Freezing
If you want to make these rolls ahead, freeze the sliced unbaked rolls after shaping but before the second rise. Arrange them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw, allow them to rise, and bake as usual for fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a warm oven wrapped in foil. A quick nuke or oven warm-up will revive the gooey center and soft dough, letting you enjoy the magic of this Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sugar for the filling?
Absolutely! Brown sugar provides a nice molasses flavor, but you can also use coconut sugar or even a combination of maple sugar if you want to keep that maple theme going strong. Just expect a slightly different texture and sweetness level.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the milk for any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter alternative. The maple syrup and spices remain the same, so you won’t lose any of the signature flavor in this Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
How long can I let the dough rise?
The first rise should be about an hour until the dough doubles in size, but you can also let it rise longer in the refrigerator overnight. This slower rise enhances flavor development and gives you more flexibility if you want a fresh bake in the morning.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins add wonderful texture and bursts of flavor that complement the cinnamon and maple beautifully. Sprinkle them evenly over the filling before rolling the dough for extra goodness.
Why is my cinnamon roll dough tough?
Tough dough usually means it was either over-kneaded or not given enough time to rise. Make sure the dough feels elastic but soft after kneading, and allow it to rise fully in a warm spot. Proper resting and gentler kneading lead to those soft rolls everyone dreams of with this Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is truly a labor of love that rewards you with fluffy, flavorful, and downright irresistible rolls every single time. Whether you’re treating family or impressing brunch guests, these rolls bring that perfect blend of sweet warmth and cozy comfort that makes mornings extra special. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a cherished staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Maple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these soft and sweet Maple Cinnamon Rolls, featuring a rich filling of cinnamon and pure maple syrup swirled inside tender dough, finished with a luscious vanilla glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, this recipe yields 12 delicious rolls with a warm, comforting aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (optional for consistency)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk (at 110°F) with the active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the yeast mixture, stirring until combined. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly tacky, indicating proper gluten development.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and pure maple syrup. Mix well until smooth and evenly blended.
- Roll Dough: Once risen, roll the dough out onto a floured surface into a rectangle approximately ¼ inch thick.
- Apply Filling: Evenly spread the prepared cinnamon-maple filling over the rolled dough rectangle, ensuring complete coverage to create sweet layers.
- Form Rolls: Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape starting from one of the longer edges. Cut the log into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Second Rise: Place the cinnamon rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish, cover them again, and let them rise for about 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a few tablespoons of milk if needed to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and let slightly cool before drizzling the vanilla glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm but not hot, as temperatures above 110°F can kill the yeast.
- For extra flavor, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Use pure maple syrup for authentic flavor; avoid maple-flavored syrups which contain corn syrup.
- Glaze consistency can be adjusted with milk to your preferred thickness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat cinnamon rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore softness.
