Banana Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, fluffy, and bursting with banana flavor these Banana Cinnamon Rolls are the cozy twist on a breakfast classic. Layered with a sweet cinnamon filling and finished with a drizzle of glaze, they’re perfect for brunch, dessert, or anytime you want something comforting and homemade.

Why You’ll Love Them

• A flavorful banana boost in every roll
• Soft, pillowy dough that’s easy to work with
• Sweet cinnamon swirl throughout
• Great for brunch or as a dessert treat
• Can be made ahead and warmed before serving

Ingredients

Dough

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 3½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt

Filling

• ¼ cup melted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 Tbsp milk (or more for consistency)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Activate Yeast & Prepare Dough

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the egg, melted butter, and mashed bananas; whisk to combine.
3. Gradually stir in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).

Step 2: Roll Out & Fill

1. Punch down the dough and roll it into a roughly rectangular shape (about ¼ inch thick).
2. Brush the surface with melted butter.
3. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the buttered dough.

Step 3: Shape Rolls & Second Rise

1. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log.
2. Slice into even rolls (8 to 12 pieces).
3. Place rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving some room to expand.
4. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Glaze & Serve

1. While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Drizzle glaze over the warm rolls.
3. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, banana-cinnamon goodness.

Tips & Variations

• Use firm, very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
• Add chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) or raisins into the filling for extra texture.
• To make ahead: assemble rolls, refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.
• For a more indulgent twist, spread cream cheese between layers before rolling.
• If the tops are browning too fast, tent with foil mid-baking.