Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe with you! These rolls have a humble, comforting charm that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. What makes them really special is the tangy vinegar sauce that perfectly balances the sweet cinnamon brown sugar filling—trust me, it’s a game changer. Whether you’re making an easy weekend brunch or a cozy afternoon treat, these rolls come together effortlessly and always impress.

Over the years, I’ve found that this recipe is a fantastic fallback when I want something sweet but not overwhelming, and it’s so forgiving for beginners. You’ll love how the buttery pie crust softens with the luscious vinegar glaze, creating layers of sticky, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Plus, it’s a great recipe to pull out when friends drop by unexpectedly because you likely have most of the ingredients already. I’m telling you, once you try this Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to favorites!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here are straightforward, but they come together to create something deceptively complex because of the vinegar sauce and the cinnamon-sugar filling inside each roll. Using a storebought pie crust is my go-to for busy mornings, and the combination of brown sugar and cinnamon is a classic for a reason—it adds a warm spice and sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tanginess.

• Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and thins the vinegar mixture for a perfect glaze consistency.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, molasses-like sweetness essential for that rich filling and sauce.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy flavor and fragrant spice that pairs perfectly with the sugar and vinegar.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: The secret ingredient that gives the rolls their signature tang and balances the sweet.
• Pie Crust: Using a 9-inch pie crust makes this recipe super approachable while creating a flaky, buttery base.
• Butter: Softened butter adds richness both in the filling and as dotting on top to keep rolls moist and flavorful.

Make It Your Way

The great thing about this Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I love to play around with the filling spices or even swap out apple cider vinegar for something milder when I’m feeling adventurous. Don’t be shy—make these rolls your own! The filling is forgiving and can handle a pinch more cinnamon or a bit less sugar depending on your taste.

• Variation: I once added a sprinkle of nutmeg to the filling mixture, and it gave the rolls a lovely hint of autumn warmth that lingers just right.
• Diet-Friendly Option: For a dairy-free twist, swap the butter with coconut oil—it still gives you a rich taste but without the dairy.
• Seasonal Twist: Try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit inside the rolls for texture and bursts of flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tangy Vinegar Sauce

Start by combining the water, brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is smooth. This step is crucial because you want a silky syrup that will soak into the rolls without being grainy. Once it’s ready, set the sauce aside but keep it warm; that way, it pours nicely over the dough in the next step.

Step 2: Roll and Fill the Dough

Lightly flour your workspace and roll out the pie crust into a 12×11 inch rectangle. I like to keep my hands dusted with flour to prevent sticking but avoid adding too much or the dough gets tough. Spread half of your softened butter evenly over the dough surface. Then mix the cinnamon and brown sugar together and sprinkle it over the butter, distributing it evenly. Using a spatula helps to spread everything out without tearing the dough.

Step 3: Roll Up and Cut Into Rounds

Starting on one of the long sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Don’t rush—if it gets too loose, the filling can spill out. Once rolled, slice into 12 even rounds with a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (great little trick!). Laying the slices out in a 9×9 baking dish gives them room to puff and bake evenly.

Step 4: Butter and Pour the Vinegar Mixture

Dot the tops of the rolls with the remaining butter—it melts into the rolls during baking and keeps them wonderfully moist. Then pour your warm vinegar sauce evenly over all the rolls. You’ll see the sauce bubble between the layers as they bake, which is pretty satisfying to watch if you peek through the oven door!

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Gooey

Bake in a 375°F oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until your rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Oven times vary, so keep an eye on them starting around 30 minutes to avoid burning. When done, let them cool for a few minutes—you want to serve these warm but not lava-hot. If you like, spoon a bit of heavy cream over each roll for an extra indulgent finish.

How to Serve Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a drizzle of heavy cream or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a little extra sweetness without overwhelming the tangy sauce. Freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream works wonders if you want a dessert feel. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top after baking for a nice crunch contrast.

Side Dishes

These vinegar rolls shine on their own but pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. For a heartier brunch, I love serving them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance out the sweet and tangy notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the rolls in a circular pan to create a beautiful flower shape. Adding a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or frosting on top turns them into a fancy brunch centerpiece. You can also bake these rolls in individual ramekins for single servings—so cute and perfect for gift-giving or party trays!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is best—but bring them to room temperature before reheating to preserve their soft texture. I usually pop any leftovers right back into the container once cooled to maintain freshness.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen these rolls—either before baking (freeze the unbaked rounds arranged on a tray first) or after baking once cooled. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake or warm gently before serving.

Reheating

Reheat rolls in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave a single roll for 20-30 seconds but be careful not to overdo it or they get chewy. I like oven reheating best to restore that fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vinegar Rolls with Cinnamon Brown Sugar Filling Recipe has earned a special spot in my recipe box because it’s such a simple yet delicious treat that feels both nostalgic and a little unexpected thanks to that vinegar glaze. I hope you’ll give it a try—it’s perfect for cozy mornings, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want to surprise your family with something new and wonderful. Once you’ve made these, you might just find yourself making them over and over, just like I do!

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