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These peach pie cinnamon rolls bring the warmth of homemade comfort with a fruity twist. Soft, fluffy rolls swirled with cinnamon sugar get a luscious addition of peach filling that feels like a sunny surprise in every bite. They are perfect for sharing at breakfast or serving as an indulgent brunch treat.
I first made these on a lazy weekend when fresh peaches were in season, and the family has asked me to make them every summer since.
Ingredients
- Warm milk: activates the yeast to give the dough a light, airy texture. Use milk heated to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
- Active dry yeast: makes the dough rise beautifully& check the expiration date to ensure it's lively.
- Granulated sugar: feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- Unsalted butter: adds rich flavor and helps create tender rolls. Melted butter in the dough and softened butter for the filling serve different purposes, so keep them separate.
- Eggs: provide moisture and help bind the dough, giving a nice sheen on the finished rolls.
- Salt: enhances all the flavors and controls yeast activity.
- All-purpose flour: gives the dough structure& fresh flour yields better results so avoid flour with too much age.
- Fresh or canned peaches: bring a sweet and tart layer& if using canned, drain well to avoid sogginess.
- Brown sugar: adds deep caramel notes to the cinnamon filling and the peach layer.
- Ground cinnamon: is the star spice giving warmth and aroma—opt for fresh ground if possible.
- Cornstarch: thickens the peach filling so it doesn't leak during baking.
- Lemon juice: brightens the filling balancing sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: adds sweetness and depth to both filling and glaze, use pure vanilla for best flavor.
- Cream cheese: creates a tangy, smooth glaze that ties everything together.
- Powdered sugar: sweetens and lightens the glaze texture.
- Milk: in the glaze adjusts consistency for easy drizzling or spreading.
Instructions
- Activate The Yeast:
- Combine the warm milk with active dry yeast in a large bowl. Stir gently and leave it to sit for five to ten minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work.
- Mix The Dough:
- Add granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Begin mixing by hand or with a mixer. Slowly add flour, about a cup at a time, until a soft yet workable dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but not overly wet.
- Knead Until Smooth:
- Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Knead with your hands for five to eight minutes. This develops gluten for a stretchy, elastic dough that will rise nicely and become tender.
- First Rise:
- Place your dough in a clean, greased bowl and cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Leave it in a warm spot for about an hour or until the dough doubles in size. This builds flavor and texture.
- Prepare Peach Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, mix together diced peaches, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook gently until the filling thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and let cool completely to prevent soggy rolls.
- Roll Out The Dough:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it into a large rectangle approximately sixteen inches by twelve inches. This shape makes rolling easier and ensures even filling distribution.
- Spread The Cinnamon Layer:
- Brush the softened butter evenly over the dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle this cinnamon sugar evenly on the buttered surface. This layer adds that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- Add The Peach Filling:
- Evenly spread the cooled peach filling over the cinnamon sugar layer. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges to prevent leaks during baking.
- Roll And Slice:
- Starting with one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the roll into twelve even pieces. This keeps the rolls uniform so they bake evenly.
- Second Rise:
- Arrange the rolls in a greased nine by thirteen inch pan. Cover loosely and leave in a warm spot to rise again for thirty to forty-five minutes. This step lets them get puffy and soft before baking.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for twenty-five to thirty minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye near the end to avoid burning the edges.
- Prepare The Glaze:
- Beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and two to three tablespoons of milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust milk for drizzle or spread consistency.
I love how the sweetness of the peaches plays against the spicy cinnamon. It reminds me of the peach pies my grandmother used to bake in summer. Making these rolls feels like sharing a little piece of that tradition with friends and family.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to five days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to refresh softness.
Ingredient Swaps
Try swapping the peaches with apples or pears for a fall twist. Use honey instead of granulated sugar in the dough for a more natural sweetness. Coconut milk or almond milk can replace regular milk to make the recipe dairy-free with slight flavor changes.
Serving Ideas
Serve warm with a dusting of extra powdered sugar and fresh peach slices if in season. These rolls pair beautifully with fresh whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert version. A cup of spiced chai or black coffee rounds out the experience.
Seasonal Twists
In summer use fresh ripe peaches for the brightest flavor and juiciest filling. In winter canned peaches or even spiced apple filling work just as well. Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the peach layer for added crunch and a nutty dimension.
This recipe delivers warm, fruity comfort with every bite and is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of peaches work best for the filling?
Fresh, ripe peaches in season provide the best flavor and texture. If using canned peaches, drain them well to avoid a soggy filling.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight to develop deeper flavor and make the process easier the next day.
- → How do I achieve the perfect dough consistency?
Gradually add flour while mixing until a soft but kneadable dough forms. Knead for 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- → What is the best way to roll and shape the dough?
Roll the dough into a large rectangle, spread the butter and sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly, then add the peach filling before rolling tightly into a log.
- → How should the cream cheese glaze be prepared?
Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth, adjusting milk for desired thickness.
- → Can these rolls be baked without cream cheese glaze?
Yes, you can enjoy the rolls plain or substitute the glaze with icing sugar dusted on top if preferred.