Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls

This peach cobbler cinnamon roll recipe transforms classic breakfast pastry into a summery sensation with juicy peach filling and warming spices. I created these when looking for a special weekend breakfast that would use up my farmers market peach haul, and they've become our family's most requested special occasion breakfast.

These rolls became an instant tradition in our home after I first made them for my daughter's birthday breakfast. The combination of tender dough and juicy peaches creates something truly magical that store-bought rolls simply can't match.

Ingredients

• Warm milk: Provides the perfect environment for yeast to activate and creates tender dough
• Active dry yeast: Gives the rolls their signature fluffy texture
• Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough
• Melted butter: Enriches the dough for that bakery quality texture
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to create pillowy soft rolls
• All-purpose flour: Gives the perfect balance of structure and tenderness
• Fresh peaches: Offer the best flavor but canned work well in winter months
• Brown sugar: Creates a caramelized filling that tastes like cobbler
• Ground cinnamon: Pairs perfectly with peaches for that classic cobbler flavor
• Cream cheese: Makes the frosting tangy and irresistible
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without graininess
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the frosting and complements the peaches

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast:

In a bowl combine warm milk around 110°F with yeast and a pinch of sugar. The milk should feel like warm bath water on your wrist. Let sit until foamy which indicates your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. This takes about 5 minutes and is crucial for proper rising.

Mix the Dough:

Combine sugar butter salt eggs and flour in a large mixing bowl. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will look slightly sticky at this point which is exactly what you want.

Knead to Perfection:

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should bounce back when you press it gently with your finger. This develops the gluten which gives your rolls their perfect texture.

First Rise:

Place dough in a greased bowl covered with a clean kitchen towel in a warm draft free spot. Let rise until doubled in size about 1 hour. Look for a significantly puffed dough that holds an indentation when gently poked.

Prepare Filling:

While dough rises mix diced peaches with brown sugar and cinnamon. If using fresh peaches choose ripe but firm fruit and dice into small pieces for easy distribution. The mixture will become juicy as the sugar draws moisture from the peaches creating that cobbler like filling.

Roll Out Dough:

On a floured surface roll dough into a large rectangle about 16 by 20 inches and ¼ inch thick. Work from the center outward using even pressure to maintain uniform thickness throughout.

Add Filling:

Spread the peach mixture evenly across the dough leaving a one inch border along one long edge. This border helps create a proper seal when rolling.

Create the Roll:

Starting with the long edge without the border roll the dough into a tight cylinder using your fingers to maintain even pressure. Pinch the seam firmly to seal completely.

Slice Rolls:

Using unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife cut the roll into 12 equal slices. For perfect portions mark the roll at the halfway point then divide each half into 6 even pieces.

Second Rise:

Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish with slight space between each. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes until puffy and touching.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25 minutes until golden brown on top. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F if you have a thermometer.

Create Frosting:

While rolls bake beat together softened cream cheese butter powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. The frosting should be thick yet spreadable.

Frost While Warm:

Spread or drizzle frosting over rolls while still slightly warm allowing it to melt slightly into the crevices for maximum flavor distribution.

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I discovered that using ripe but still slightly firm peaches creates the best texture in these rolls. My family particularly loves when I add a tiny pinch of cardamom to the filling which elevates the peach flavor in a subtle way that makes everyone ask what my secret ingredient is.

Overnight Option

For fresh morning rolls without the early wake up prepare everything through the slicing step. Place cut rolls in your baking dish cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next morning remove from refrigerator let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes then bake as directed. The slow cold rise actually develops even more flavor making this method my personal preference.

Storage Tips

Leftover rolls stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. For longer storage refrigerate up to 5 days and microwave individual rolls for 15 to 20 seconds before serving. These rolls also freeze beautifully either baked or unbaked. For unbaked freeze after cutting and before the second rise then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe.

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Serving Suggestions

While delicious on their own these rolls reach peak indulgence when served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a true peach cobbler experience. For brunch pair with savory egg dishes and fresh fruit to create a balanced spread. The rolls also make wonderful gifts simply place 3 to 4 in a decorative tin or box for neighbors or friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use canned peaches for the filling?

Yes, canned peaches work well as a substitute for fresh peaches. Be sure to drain them thoroughly before dicing to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

→ How do I ensure my dough rises properly?

Make sure the yeast is activated by using warm milk, around 110°F, and proof it until it becomes frothy. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free space for the best results.

→ How long do these rolls stay fresh?

The rolls stay fresh for up to 2 days in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the rolls up to the point of the second rise. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before baking the next day.

→ What can I use as a substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

If you don't have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone or make a simple vanilla glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the milk, butter, and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.