Give Cinnamon Rolls A Richer Flavor With This Simple Liquid Swap

It's hard to beat a good cinnamon roll. Warm, gooey, and oozing with a sweetly spiced filling — it really doesn't get much better than that. Of course, you can always try swapping one simple liquid for milk to create a treat with extra flavor and even a softer, more pillowy texture: buttermilk.

Buttermilk is known for its ability to transform a plate of fluffy pancakes or crispy fried chicken, but for some reason, it isn't commonly seen in most cinnamon roll recipes. Instead, many call for regular milk. Although milk works, buttermilk can create a lighter dough that's moist, airy, and enjoyably flakey. This is because the acid in the buttermilk breaks down gluten strands in the flour, creating a more tender dough. More importantly, though, this dairy swap improves flavor.

The fermented taste of buttermilk also adds a slight tang that pairs really well with the sweet cinnamon-spiked filling, making everything taste more balanced and increasingly complex. It also makes the bun itself taste richer, and also adds moisture to create a decadent texture that's almost like Japanese-style milk bread. 

To try the trick out, just swap in an equal amount of buttermilk for the regular milk in a classic cinnamon roll recipe. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can also make a homemade version by adding vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it curdle. It should work just as well when poured into the doughy mixture. 

The decadent and toasty flavor of brown butter works particularly well with rich yet tart buttermilk, if you have extra time to use it for your filling. All you need to do is a melt some butter in a pot until it turns golden and starts to smell nutty. Here is a balanced cinnamon sugar recipe to mix with it and fill the rolls.

For the topping, try cream cheese frosting to play into the tangy flavor further. A woodsy maple glaze would also be delicious, and even a simple vanilla glaze makes a sweet and light frosting alternative. A sprinkle of powdered sugar can work though if you're short on time, too — the buttermilk-infused rolls may end up so rich they won't require any topping at all. Just make sure to serve them warm for the best results.