Print

Aromatic Garlic Bread Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

4.9 from 105 reviews

A savory twist on the classic cinnamon roll, these Aromatic Garlic Bread Cinnamon Rolls blend the fluffy, soft texture of cinnamon rolls with the rich, garlicky flavors of garlic bread. Infused with herbs, fresh garlic, parmesan, and a buttery garlic-parsley topping, they make for an impressive appetizer or side dish that’s perfect for dinner parties, holiday meals, or any gathering where you want to wow your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 1 cup water (warm to the touch, about 110°F)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (Fleischmann’s RapidRise recommended)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp dried rosemary
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 3 1/4 cups bread flour (King Arthur preferred for chewiness)
  • 2 1/4 tsp salt

For the Filling

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter (softened to room temperature, about 70°F)
  • 8 cloves garlic (freshly minced)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/4 cups grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

For the Topping

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp fresh parsley (finely chopped, about 1/8-inch pieces)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough and mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy and the yeast is activated. Add melted butter, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine and infuse the dough with herb flavors.
  2. Build and knead the dough: Stir in 2 cups of bread flour and salt to the wet mixture until mostly combined. Gradually add the remaining 1 1/4 cups flour in stages, mixing for 2 minutes each time. Switch to medium speed (or knead by hand) for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky. Lightly oil the dough, place it into a greased bowl, and turn it to coat.
  3. First rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 2 hours until it has doubled in size, allowing flavor development and proper yeast activation.
  4. Roll out and fill the dough: Transfer the risen dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it into an 18 x 12 inch rectangle. Mix the softened butter, freshly minced garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl to create the filling. Spread evenly over the dough, leaving a small border, then sprinkle parmesan cheese evenly on top.
  5. Shape and second rise: Cut the filled dough into 12 equal strips. Roll each strip tightly from one end to form spiraled rolls. Place them seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spaced about an inch apart. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 30 minutes at room temperature until puffed and slightly touching.
  6. Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 28-33 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Meanwhile, melt 3 tbsp butter with garlic powder and chopped parsley to prepare the topping butter.
  7. Finish and serve: Remove rolls from the oven and immediately brush generously with the garlic-parsley butter while still hot to seal in moisture and enhance garlic flavor. Serve warm for the perfect balance of soft cinnamon roll texture and savory garlic bread seasoning.

Notes

  • Use unsalted butter to control salt levels throughout the recipe.
  • Ensure water temperature is around 110°F to properly activate yeast and avoid killing it.
  • Add flour gradually to prevent tough dough; dough should be slightly sticky.
  • Use softened butter (not melted) for the filling to spread easily without running.
  • Don’t skip the second rise, it makes rolls soft and fluffy.
  • Fresh garlic is preferred for a brighter, bolder flavor; jarred garlic can be used as a substitute.
  • Rolls can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze unbaked or baked rolls for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds.

Keywords: garlic bread, cinnamon rolls, savory rolls, garlic bread rolls, homemade bread, bake, appetizer, side dish, pull-apart bread