Peach Cobbler Cinnamon Rolls

This peach cobbler cinnamon roll recipe transforms the classic Southern dessert into a breakfast treat your family will request on repeat. The juicy peaches caramelize with brown sugar and cinnamon as they bake, creating pockets of fruit nestled in pillowy soft dough that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

I created these rolls during peach season when my farmers market haul was threatening to overripen. What started as a way to use extra fruit has become our traditional Sunday morning treat during summer months, with my children eagerly helping roll the dough.

Ingredients

• Warm milk: Provides the perfect environment for activating yeast ensuring proper rise
• Active dry yeast: Creates the fluffy texture essential for perfect cinnamon rolls
• Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and balances the tang of the dough
• Melted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough
• Salt: Enhances all flavors while controlling yeast activity
• Large eggs: Provide structure proteins and a richer flavor profile
• All purpose flour: Creates the ideal texture not too dense yet sturdy enough for rolling

For the Filling

• Fresh peaches: Deliver bright flavor and juicy texture; fresh is best but canned work in winter
• Brown sugar: Caramelizes during baking creating deep molasses notes
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spicy notes that complement the peaches perfectly

For the Frosting

• Cream cheese: Creates a tangy counterpoint to the sweet filling
• Butter: Adds silky richness to the frosting
• Powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and proper consistency
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aromatic profile

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast:

Pour warm milk into a large bowl ensuring temperature is around 110°F too hot will kill the yeast too cool won't activate it properly. Sprinkle yeast and a pinch of sugar over the surface. Let sit undisturbed until frothy and aromatic approximately 5 minutes. This step confirms your yeast is alive and ready to work.

Create the Dough:

Add remaining sugar, butter, salt, eggs, and flour to the activated yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly starting with a wooden spoon then switching to hands when it becomes too thick. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. The dough should bounce back when gently pressed with a finger.

First Rise:

Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl covering with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Let rise in a warm draft free location until doubled in size approximately one hour. The dough is ready when an indentation remains when poked with a finger.

Prepare Filling:

While dough rises, combine diced peaches, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl tossing gently to distribute spices evenly. If using fresh peaches, select ripe but firm fruits that hold their shape when cut. Allow mixture to sit which draws out juices and creates a syrupy consistency.

Shape the Rolls:

Punch down risen dough to release air bubbles. Roll out on a floured surface to a rectangle approximately 16x12 inches keeping thickness even throughout. Spread peach filling leaving a half inch border along one long edge. Starting from the opposite long edge, roll dough tightly toward the clean border creating a uniform log.

Cut and Second Rise:

Using unflavored dental floss or sharp knife, cut log into 12 even slices. Arrange in a greased 9x13 baking dish allowing space between each roll. Cover and let rise another 30 minutes until puffy and touching one another.

Baking:

Preheat oven to 350°F ensuring rack is positioned in the center. Bake rolls for 25 minutes until golden brown on top and dough is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 190°F if using a thermometer.

Finishing Touch:

While rolls are still warm, prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract beating until smooth and spreadable. Drizzle or spread over warm rolls allowing frosting to slightly melt into the crevices.

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The cinnamon in this recipe isn't just for flavor, it's actually a powerful antioxidant. I remember baking these rolls during a particularly stressful week and joking with my husband that the kitchen therapy combined with cinnamon benefits was better than any meditation session I'd tried.

Make Ahead Options

These cinnamon rolls offer several make ahead opportunities to fit your schedule. For overnight preparation, complete the recipe through arranging cut rolls in the baking dish then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The next morning, remove from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature for about 45 minutes before baking. Alternatively, fully baked rolls can be prepared up to two days ahead, stored in an airtight container at room temperature and briefly reheated before serving.

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Peach Selection Tips

The success of these cinnamon rolls largely depends on your peach selection. For fresh peaches, choose fruits that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren't mushy. They should have a sweet fragrant aroma at room temperature. White peaches offer a delicate honey like sweetness while yellow varieties provide classic tangy peach flavor. During winter months high quality frozen peaches work beautifully when thawed and drained. If using canned, select varieties packed in juice rather than syrup and drain thoroughly before using to prevent excess moisture in your filling.

Serving Suggestions

These peach cobbler cinnamon rolls transition seamlessly from breakfast to dessert. For a proper brunch presentation, arrange on a decorative platter alongside fresh berries and mint sprigs. Serve with vanilla bean ice cream for an elevated dessert experience or transform into an impressive trifle by cutting into cubes and layering with whipped cream and additional fresh peaches. For holiday mornings, sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve alongside champagne mimosas made with peach nectar instead of orange juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use canned peaches for the filling?

Yes, canned peaches work well for this recipe. Make sure to drain them thoroughly before dicing to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

→ Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before assembling the rolls.

→ What’s the best way to store the rolls?

Store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat before serving for a fresh taste.

→ Can I make these rolls without frosting?

Yes, the rolls are delicious even without frosting. However, the cream cheese frosting adds a luscious, sweet finish that complements the peaches.

→ Can I freeze the rolls for later?

Yes, you can freeze the rolls after baking and cooling. Wrap them individually or store in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.