Cinnamon Sugar Brown Butter Popovers for Cozy Mornings

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Aniela Recipes Team

The moment I pulled my Cinnamon Sugar Brown Butter Popovers from the oven, the golden aroma wafted through my kitchen, surrounding me in a warm embrace. It s a delightful sensation that transported me to a cozy café, each bite unfolding with a perfectly crisp exterior and a soft, airy center, just waiting to reveal a gooey surprise of cream cheese. This recipe feels like a little hug on a plate a perfect blend of sweetness with a touch of cinnamon that dances on the palate.

After a whirlwind week of quick meals and takeout, I found myself yearning for something more inviting. Enter these popovers a dish that seems fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up. They are ideal for brunch gatherings or a cozy night in, bringing a sense of indulgence without the fuss. With just a handful of ingredients, including that nutty brown butter drizzled over warm popovers, you ll find this recipe elevates the simple act of cooking into a joyous celebration. Join me in creating this warm, delightful treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why are Cinnamon Sugar Brown Butter Popovers irresistible?

Warm, Fluffy Texture: These popovers are light as air, offering a wonderful contrast to the gooey cream cheese center.
Decadent Flavor: The rich brown butter paired with sweet cinnamon sugar creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Simple Yet Impressive: They may look gourmet, but this recipe is surprisingly easy, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
Versatile Delight: Whether for brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack, these popovers fit any occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Everyone loves a warm popover, and they re sure to impress your friends and family! Embrace the joy of homemade treats with this delightful recipe!

Cinnamon Sugar Brown Butter Popover Ingredients

Here s what you need to make these heavenly popovers!

For the Batter

• Salted butter 6 teaspoons to ensure a rich, savory base for your popovers.
• Whole milk 1 1/2 cups for a creamy texture that helps create the popover s lightness.
• Large eggs 3 eggs provide the necessary structure and aeration for a fluffy finish.
• Melted salted butter 1 tablespoon adds a delectable layer of flavor to the batter.
• Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon brings a sweet, aromatic note that enhances the overall taste.
• All-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups is essential for creating that perfect popover structure.
• Kosher salt 1 teaspoon enhances the flavors without overwhelming sweetness.

For the Filling

• Cream cheese 4 ounces cut into cubes; a lovely gooey surprise that complements the popover beautifully.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Granulated sugar 1/2 cup to sweeten and balance the popover s flavors.
• Ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon adds a warm, comforting spice that s perfect for the finishing touch.
• Salted butter 6 tablespoons for browning; this transforms into a nutty, aromatic drizzle that makes the popovers shine.

Now, gather these ingredients, and let s create a cozy treat that will make your kitchen smell divine!

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Brown Butter Popovers

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by positioning a rack in the lower third of your oven and preheating it to 450 °F. This critical step ensures your popovers will puff up beautifully!

2. Prepare the Pan: Add 1 teaspoon of butter into each cup of a 6-cup standard popover pan. Place the pan in the oven for 3-5 minutes, allowing the butter to melt and the pan to become hot this is key for that crisp exterior.

3. Whisk the Batter: In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the milk and eggs until frothy, about 1 minute. Next, mix in the melted butter, vanilla extract, flour, and salt. Don t worry about small lumps they re totally fine!

4. Fill the Pan: Carefully remove the hot popover pan from the oven and swirl the melted butter around the cups. Evenly pour the batter into each cup, filling them 3/4 full. If you re using cream cheese, gently push a cube into the center of each cup.

5. Bake First Phase: Transfer the filled pan back into the oven and bake for 20 minutes resist the urge to peek! Afterward, lower the temperature to 350 °F and bake for another 15-18 minutes until your popovers are puffed, golden, and crisp.

6. Make Brown Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter. Watch closely and let it brown until it emits a toasted aroma and turns a deep golden color, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a heat-proof bowl.

7. Coat the Popovers: In a shallow bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon. Brush each warm popover with your fabulous browned butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Enjoy these delightful treats warm for the best experience!

Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Cinnamon Sugar Brown Butter Popovers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts seeking time-saving solutions! You can whisk together the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator, which keeps it fresh and ready for baking. Additionally, you can measure and melt the butter for greasing the pan ahead of time, ensuring all components are ready when you need them. When you re ready to serve, simply preheat the oven, pour the batter into the popover pan, and bake them fresh! This method preserves their fluffy texture, making them just as delicious as if they were made that day. Enjoy warm for a cozy treat without the fuss!

How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Sugar Brown Butter Popovers

Room Temperature: Store popovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This will help maintain their soft texture.

Fridge: If you need to keep them longer, place them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore warmth and crispiness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze popovers in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Reheating: To enjoy warm cinnamon sugar brown butter popovers again, preheat your oven to 350 °F and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Brown Butter Popovers

• Heat the Pan: Preheating the popover pan ensures a crisp exterior. If the pan isn t hot enough, the batter may not rise properly.

• Don t Overmix: Mixing until just combined helps maintain fluffiness. Overmixing can result in dense popovers that lose their airy texture.

• Fill Correctly: Be careful not to overfill the cups; aim for 3/4 full to allow for proper rising. Overfilling can lead to spillovers and uneven shapes.

• Watch the Baking: Avoid opening the oven door during the first baking phase; this can cause the popovers to deflate.

• Brown Butter Magic: Pay attention when browning the butter; it can go from perfect to burnt quickly. A good nutty aroma is your cue it s ready!

• Serve Fresh: These cinnamon sugar brown butter popovers are best served warm. Enjoy them immediately for the utmost flavor and texture!

Cinnamon Sugar Brown Butter Popover Variations

Feel free to take this already delightful recipe and make it your own with these fun swaps and twists!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a similar texture and taste.

• Sweet Potato: Replace cream cheese with a small dollop of mashed sweet potato for a subtly sweet and earthy flavor in each popover.

• Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a rich, gooey surprise that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar.

• Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the batter for a savory twist, complementing the nutty flavor of brown butter.

• Spicy Kick: Mix in 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the cinnamon sugar for a sweet and spicy contrast that will awaken the taste buds!

• Nutty Flavor: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch and a deeper flavor profile.

• Maple Syrup Glaze: Swap brown butter with warm maple syrup for brushing over the popovers delivering that autumnal sweetness.

• Fruit Surprise: Place a slice of fresh apple or pear into each popover instead of cream cheese for a juicy, fruity surprise.

Embrace these creative variations and turn your popovers into an exciting exploration of flavors!

What to Serve with Cinnamon Sugar Brown Butter Popovers?

Warm popovers deserve a delicious spread of flavors to make your meal complete.

• Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries add a burst of natural sweetness and a refreshing contrast to the rich popovers.
• Vanilla Yogurt: The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of vanilla yogurt provide a delightful dip for these airy treats. Each bite combines a beautiful contrast of flavors.
• Maple Syrup: Drizzling warm maple syrup over the popovers takes them to a new level of indulgence, enhancing their flavor with a touch of sweetness.
• Savory Egg Dish: Pairing with fluffy scrambled eggs or a quiche balances the sweet note, creating a well-rounded brunch experience.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage like a rich coffee or soothing chamomile tea complements the popover s flavors, making each bite a cozy moment.
• Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream brings a touch of decadence and pairs perfectly with the cinnamon sugar coating for a delightful dessert finish.
• Fruit Compote: A homemade berry compote provides a tart-sweet contrast, enhancing the buttery flavor with a bright burst of freshness.
• Breakfast Sausages: The savory, spiced notes from breakfast sausages create an exciting contrast to the sweet, cinnamon popovers. This duo is a brunch match made in heaven!
• Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: For those with a sweet tooth, this rich spread adds a chocolatey, nutty dimension that will elevate your popovers to dessert status.
• Ice Cream: Serving warm popovers with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream turns these goodies into an exquisite dessert everyone will love!

Cinnamon Sugar Brown Butter Popovers Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe and fresh ingredients for the popovers?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, ensure your eggs are fresh look for those with a clean, uncracked shell. The milk should be cold and kept refrigerated until use. As for butter, I recommend using good-quality salted butter to give an extra edge to the flavor. If you can, choose cream cheese that is first fresh, without any dark spots or weird smells, for that luscious gooey center!

How do I store leftover popovers?
Very! To store your popovers, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft. If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 3 days but they ll benefit from reheating in the oven for a few minutes at 350 °F to restore some of their crispiness and warmth.

Can I freeze cinnamon sugar brown butter popovers?
Of course! Freezing is a great way to keep extra popovers for later. To freeze, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a preheated oven at 350 °F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through for that lovely, fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.

What if my popovers don t rise properly?
Ah, no worries! If your popovers don t puff up, several factors could be at play. First, ensure your oven is fully preheated and the popover pan is hot when you pour in the batter; that s crucial for a good rise. Also, avoid opening the oven door while they bake during the first 20 minutes! Lastly, check your ingredients overmixed batter can lead to dense popovers, so mix just until combined!

Are these popovers suitable for people with allergies?
Very! This recipe includes dairy and gluten, so if you have someone who is gluten-intolerant or lactose-sensitive, I recommend substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and using lactose-free milk and cream cheese. Always check with your guests to ensure everyone enjoys these delicious treats without any worries!