Ooey Gooey Goodness: The Ultimate Breakfast Rolls Recipe
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! These aren’t just your average breakfast rolls; they’re a symphony of soft, pillowy dough, a decadent, gooey filling, and a melt-in-your-mouth glaze that will make you the hero of any breakfast or brunch gathering.
These ooey gooey breakfast rolls are the perfect comfort food, ideal for a cozy weekend morning, a festive holiday brunch, or even a special dessert. The best part? While they look impressive, they’re surprisingly easy to make, especially with our detailed, step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.
So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to experience breakfast bliss! Let’s dive into the wonderful world of ooey gooey breakfast rolls.
## What Makes These Rolls So Special?
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes these rolls so irresistible. It’s a combination of factors that work together to create a truly unforgettable experience:
* **The Dough:** A soft, enriched dough is the foundation of these rolls. We’ll use a combination of flour, milk, butter, sugar, and yeast to create a dough that’s light, airy, and perfectly tender.
* **The Filling:** This is where the magic happens! A generous spread of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon creates a gooey, caramelized filling that oozes out with every bite. Some variations include pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
* **The Glaze:** A simple yet elegant glaze of powdered sugar and milk adds a touch of sweetness and creates a beautiful, glossy finish. You can also add vanilla extract or other flavorings to customize the glaze to your liking.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these ooey gooey breakfast rolls. Don’t be intimidated by the length of the list; most of these are pantry staples.
**For the Dough:**
* 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 ounce (or 2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
* 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 large egg
**For the Filling:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
**For the Glaze:**
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup milk, or more as needed
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large mixing bowl or stand mixer
* Measuring cups and spoons
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Rolling pin
* Small saucepan (for melting butter)
* Whisk
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making these delicious ooey gooey breakfast rolls:
**Step 1: Prepare the Dough**
1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to go. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it may be expired or the milk may have been too hot, which can kill the yeast. If this happens, start over with fresh yeast and properly warmed milk.
2. **Add the Wet Ingredients:** Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture and whisk to combine.
3. **Add the Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. If mixing by hand, use a sturdy spoon or your hands.
4. **Knead the Dough:** Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes (if using a stand mixer) or 8-10 minutes (if kneading by hand) until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is a crucial step for developing the flavor and texture of the rolls. A warm environment helps the yeast to thrive and produce carbon dioxide, which makes the dough rise. You can proof your dough in a warm oven (turned off!), a sunny spot, or even in your microwave (with the door ajar).
**Step 2: Prepare the Filling**
1. **Combine the Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use a fork or your hands to mix the ingredients together until well combined and the mixture is crumbly.
2. **Add Nuts (Optional):** If using, stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
**Step 3: Assemble the Rolls**
1. **Roll Out the Dough:** Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
2. **Spread the Filling:** Spread the softened filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This will help to seal the rolls when you roll them up.
3. **Roll Up the Dough:** Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
4. **Slice the Rolls:** Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal-sized rolls. Dental floss creates a cleaner cut and prevents the rolls from getting squished.
5. **Arrange in Baking Dish:** Place the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, cut-side up.
**Step 4: Second Rise**
1. **Second Rise:** Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and almost doubled in size. This second rise allows the rolls to become even lighter and fluffier.
**Step 5: Bake the Rolls**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Bake:** Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on the rolls during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from burning.
3. **Cool Slightly:** Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for 10-15 minutes before frosting.
**Step 6: Prepare the Glaze**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** While the rolls are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the rolls but thin enough to drizzle easily.
**Step 7: Glaze and Serve**
1. **Glaze the Rolls:** Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm rolls.
2. **Serve:** Serve the rolls warm and enjoy! These are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also reheat them briefly in the microwave or oven to restore their warmth and gooeyness.
## Tips for Success
* **Use Fresh Yeast:** Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. Expired yeast will not rise properly, resulting in dense, flat rolls.
* **Warm the Milk:** The milk should be warm to the touch (110-115°F) but not hot. Hot milk will kill the yeast.
* **Don’t Overknead:** Overkneading the dough can result in tough rolls. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, but not overly firm.
* **Let the Dough Rise Properly:** Give the dough enough time to rise in a warm place. This is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the rolls.
* **Soften the Butter:** Make sure the butter for the filling is softened to room temperature so it’s easy to spread.
* **Use a Sharp Knife or Dental Floss:** Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the rolls can make them dry. Bake until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
* **Adjust the Glaze Consistency:** Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency.
## Variations and Additions
* **Cream Cheese Filling:** Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the filling for a tangy twist.
* **Apple Cinnamon Rolls:** Add 1 cup of diced apples to the filling for a fall-inspired treat.
* **Maple Glaze:** Substitute maple syrup for some of the milk in the glaze for a maple flavor.
* **Orange Zest:** Add orange zest to the dough or glaze for a citrusy aroma.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Sprinkle chocolate chips over the filling for a chocolatey indulgence.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls after glazing for an extra layer of sweetness.
* **Nutella Rolls:** Spread Nutella over the dough instead of the brown sugar filling for a hazelnut chocolate delight.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
These ooey gooey breakfast rolls can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for busy mornings or holiday gatherings. Here are a few options:
* **Prepare the Dough Ahead:** You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, punch down the dough, roll it out, and continue with the recipe.
* **Assemble the Rolls Ahead:** You can assemble the rolls completely and let them rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, bake them as directed.
* **Bake and Freeze:** You can bake the rolls, let them cool completely, and then freeze them. When ready to serve, thaw them completely and then glaze them before serving.
## Serving Suggestions
These ooey gooey breakfast rolls are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other breakfast dishes.
* **Coffee or Tea:** A classic pairing! The sweetness of the rolls complements the bitterness of coffee or tea.
* **Fresh Fruit:** Serve with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or bananas, for a healthy and refreshing contrast.
* **Bacon or Sausage:** Add some savory protein to balance the sweetness of the rolls.
* **Scrambled Eggs:** A hearty and satisfying breakfast combination.
* **Yogurt:** Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy and tangy complement.
## Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
* **Freezer:** Freeze the baked rolls (unglazed) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before glazing and serving.
## Recipe Card
**Ooey Gooey Breakfast Rolls**
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Rise Time:** 1.5-2 hours
**Bake Time:** 25-30 minutes
**Total Time:** Approximately 3-3.5 hours
**Yield:** 12 rolls
**Ingredients:**
* **Dough:**
* 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 ounce (or 2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
* 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 large egg
* **Filling:**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
* **Glaze:**
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup milk, or more as needed
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:** Activate the yeast in warm milk with sugar. Add melted butter and egg. Gradually add flour and salt. Knead until smooth and elastic. Let rise until doubled.
2. **Prepare the Filling:** Combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add nuts if desired.
3. **Assemble the Rolls:** Roll out dough into a rectangle. Spread filling evenly. Roll up tightly and slice into 12 rolls. Arrange in a greased baking dish.
4. **Second Rise:** Let rise until puffy.
5. **Bake:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. **Prepare the Glaze:** Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. **Glaze and Serve:** Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!
## Conclusion
These ooey gooey breakfast rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will bring joy and deliciousness to any occasion. With their soft, pillowy texture, decadent filling, and sweet glaze, they’re the perfect way to start your day or treat yourself to a special dessert. So, go ahead, bake a batch and experience the magic for yourself! We guarantee you’ll be coming back for more.