These Bourbon Butterscotch Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent twist on the classic cinnamon roll, boasting soft, fluffy layers filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a rich, buttery glaze infused with a hint of bourbon. The glaze adds a warm, caramel-like finish that complements the spiced filling beautifully, creating an indulgent treat that’s perfect for fall mornings or holiday gatherings. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the comforting aroma of cinnamon combined with the velvety richness of butterscotch. The bourbon adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors, making these rolls a favorite for both brunch tables and dessert trays alike. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee, and you’ll have a cozy, bakery-worthy treat that’s perfect for savoring on a crisp autumn day.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
- For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- For the Bourbon Butterscotch Glaze:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp bourbon (optional)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- For the Dough:
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- To make the dough, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Add the warm milk, egg, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- For the filling, roll the dough out on a floured surface to a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough into a log and cut it into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in the prepared baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- To make the glaze, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in bourbon (if using), vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours
Kcal: 420 kcal per roll | Servings: 12 rolls
A Cozy Classic with a Twist
Cinnamon rolls have long been a staple of comforting, home-baked treats, enjoyed for their fluffy layers and sweet cinnamon filling. Butterscotch, a classic flavor made from caramelizing brown sugar and butter, is equally nostalgic, evoking memories of cozy desserts and rich sauces. By combining these two flavors with a touch of bourbon, this recipe achieves a unique balance of comforting familiarity and sophisticated flair. The bourbon adds a mild warmth and depth without overpowering the other flavors, making each bite delightfully complex.
The Origins and Inspiration of Bourbon Butterscotch
Bourbon and butterscotch are a match made in flavor heaven, both carrying the warm, caramelized notes that make fall desserts so appealing. Originating as a candy flavor in 19th-century England, butterscotch quickly became popular in the United States, where its versatility in desserts grew. Bourbon, America’s iconic whiskey, offers a subtle smokiness and a hint of vanilla that makes it an ideal pairing for rich, sweet treats. This recipe combines these iconic flavors to create a dish that’s not just a cinnamon roll, but an elevated, nuanced experience.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
1. Elevated Flavor Profile: Traditional cinnamon rolls are already delicious, but the addition of bourbon and butterscotch elevates them to something special. The butterscotch glaze adds layers of caramelized sweetness, and the bourbon brings out earthy, vanilla notes that pair perfectly with the cinnamon filling.
2. Homemade From Scratch: Baking from scratch isn’t just about taste; it’s also about the satisfaction that comes from knowing every ingredient in your dish. This recipe uses wholesome ingredients like real butter, milk, and heavy cream, with no preservatives or artificial flavors, so every bite is fresh and flavorful.
3. Perfectly Soft and Fluffy Texture: One of the standout features of these rolls is their pillowy, soft texture, achieved through a balance of warm milk, melted butter, and gentle kneading. The dough is allowed to rise twice—once after kneading and again after being shaped into rolls—which makes them exceptionally fluffy.
4. Versatile for All Occasions: Whether you’re serving brunch for a group or treating yourself to a quiet morning treat, these rolls are versatile enough for any occasion. The bourbon can be adjusted or even omitted, making the recipe kid-friendly and customizable for different taste preferences.
Health Benefits (Yes, Really!)
While these cinnamon rolls are certainly indulgent, there are still some surprising benefits you might not expect:
1. Cinnamon’s Health Perks: Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also been linked to potential benefits for heart health and blood sugar regulation, making it a spice with both flavor and function.
2. Homemade Over Store-Bought: By baking from scratch, you avoid preservatives and artificial sweeteners commonly found in pre-packaged cinnamon rolls. Real ingredients lead to a fresher, more satisfying treat, and making it yourself allows you to control the amount of sugar and butter you use.
3. Emotional Benefits of Baking: Research shows that baking has psychological benefits—it can be therapeutic and stress-relieving, offering a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment. Sharing homemade baked goods, like these cinnamon rolls, is also a great way to connect with friends and family.
Pro Tips for Baking Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
- Use Warm, Not Hot, Ingredients: The milk should be warm, around 110°F (43°C), to activate the yeast without killing it. If your milk is too hot, it can inhibit the rise, leading to dense rolls.
- Don’t Skip the Rising Time: Letting the dough rise properly is key for achieving that fluffy, airy texture. If you’re in a hurry, try using a warm (but not hot) oven to help the dough rise a bit faster.
- The Secret to a Smooth Butterscotch Glaze: Stir the glaze constantly while it cooks to prevent it from sticking or clumping. Adding bourbon after removing the glaze from heat ensures the flavor remains, and the alcohol content doesn’t completely evaporate.
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are best served warm, allowing the butterscotch glaze to stay gooey and slightly melty. You can enjoy them as a standalone dessert, pair them with a cup of coffee, or serve them alongside fresh fruit for a balanced brunch spread. For an extra touch, you might add a few sprinkles of sea salt over the glaze just before serving. The salt brings out the flavors of the butterscotch and adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without bourbon?
Yes! If you prefer to leave out the bourbon, simply omit it from the glaze recipe. The rolls will still be delicious and have that classic cinnamon-butterscotch flavor, but without the hint of bourbon.
How can I make these rolls in advance?
You can prepare the rolls the night before by allowing them to rise and shaping them as directed. Instead of baking, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. After baking, let the rolls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven. For best results, add the glaze fresh after reheating.
Conclusion
In a world filled with bakery shortcuts, there’s something truly special about taking the time to make these rolls from scratch. The process itself is a rewarding experience, and the final result—a tray of soft, aromatic cinnamon rolls draped in butterscotch glaze—is worth every moment. These rolls bring the comfort and nostalgia of a favorite childhood dessert with a refined twist that even adults can appreciate. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also a wonderful way to share a moment with loved ones or simply treat yourself to something indulgent.
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Bourbon Butterscotch Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
These Bourbon Butterscotch Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent twist on the classic cinnamon roll, boasting soft, fluffy layers filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a rich, buttery glaze infused with a hint of bourbon. The glaze adds a warm, caramel-like finish that complements the spiced filling beautifully, creating an indulgent treat that’s perfect for fall mornings or holiday gatherings. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the comforting aroma of cinnamon combined with the velvety richness of butterscotch. The bourbon adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors, making these rolls a favorite for both brunch tables and dessert trays alike. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee, and you’ll have a cozy, bakery-worthy treat that’s perfect for savoring on a crisp autumn day.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- For the Bourbon Butterscotch Glaze:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp bourbon (optional)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- To make the dough, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Add the warm milk, egg, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- For the filling, roll the dough out on a floured surface to a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough into a log and cut it into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in the prepared baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- To make the glaze, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in bourbon (if using), vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
