Maple Glazed Cinnamon Rolls (Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont)
These Maple Glazed Cinnamon Rolls are one of the featured items at Smuggler’s Notch Resort in Vermont. One bite, and you’ll see why!
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Moooose. Moooooose. Yup, that’s our patented moose call that we use every time we drive into Vermont. No, it hasn’t worked yet. But we are determined to see a moose on one of these trips! If you’ve ever traveled in Vermont, then you are well aware of how awesome this state is. Every state has its own feel and culture, but Vermont is just different. This wooded state doesn’t really have any large cities outside of Burlington, and there really aren’t any major interstates that cut across the wooded landscape. Instead, state highways connect town after town. This means that a drive through the rolling hills and mountains of Vermont is an awesome experience. You never know what you’ll come across.
For fans of good beer, Vermont actually has the most craft breweries per capita of any state in the country. Yes, the country. For fans of outdoor activities, there is no shortage of paths for hiking, biking and climbing. The Long Trail runs the length of the state and is a favorite for avid hikers. For fans of skiing, Vermont is well-known for its incredible ski resorts and peaks. My wife and I recently had the opportunity to travel to Smuggler’s Notch for several days of kayaking, winery and maple farm touring and just generally relaxing. Oh, and there may have been a lot of good eating in there, too!
Smuggler’s Notch, located near Stowe in the northern portion of Vermont, is well known as a family ski resort in the winter. Called “the granddaddy of all family resorts” by MSNBC.com, Smuggler’s Notch (or Smugg’s for short) features 78 trails ranging from beginning level (that’s where you’d find me!) to triple black diamond. Oh, and they get about 24 feet of snow up there every winter. But it’s not the winter…at least not yet!
My wife and I took the 3.5 hour drive from our house up to Smugg’s a couple of weeks ago, and our trip was amazing! It might seem counter-intuitive, but ski resorts are actually a great place for summer vacations. Sure, Smugg’s might not have had any snow while we were there, but we had more than enough activities to keep us busy. Smuggler’s Notch has earned a number of awards as the #1 family resort in the country…and it’s easy to see why. From the eight heated pools on site (several with water slides!) to the ziplines, tennis courts, hiking trails, mini-golf and even llama treks, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone in the family busy. Yes, I said llama treks.
But let’s talk about the food for a bit, shall we? After all, I spend my day thinking and talking about food…so it’s only reasonable that you should find some foodie talk here on Spiced! I can honestly say that the Hearth & Candle was one of the best restaurants that my wife and I have visited since we left Atlanta several years ago. The chef at the Hearth & Candle absolutely understood how to pair flavors to create incredible dishes. For instance, my wife ordered the Korean BBQ Chicken and Waffles which featured green onion + ginger waffles topped with local chicken and house kimchi. (Don’t be surprised when that recipe pops up here soon!) I seriously would make the drive back and stay at Smuggler’s Notch just to go to that restaurant every.single.night.
We kicked off our first morning at Smuggler’s Notch with breakfast right in the middle of the Resort Village at the Morse Mountain Grille. You guys know how much I love my “weekend breakfast food,” and my eyes immediately landed on their signature breakfast item: the Maple Glazed Cinnamon Roll. This wasn’t just any old cinnamon roll. This thing was huge! In fact, we split it among the four of us at the table.
Vermont is the largest producer of maple syrup in the country, and they are proud of their maple recipes. Maple syrup makes it’s way into everything from house salad dressings to soft serve ice cream. But this Maple Glazed Cinnamon Roll was a stroke of pure genius. Combining maple and cinnamon in a decadent breakfast recipe is pretty much my idea of perfection!
Speaking of maple syrup, we took one of the planned activities out of Smuggler’s Notch to go kayaking down a local river to a maple farm. How much more quintessential Vermont can you get? Kayaking to a maple farm! We may or may not have left with a carload of maple syrup…just sayin’. And this is just one of the hundreds of various activities at Smugg’s. After the activities, we were able to retreat back to our 3-bedroom condo for a little rest + relaxation. This condo included a full-sized kitchen, a large family room and a porch large enough to hold a 4-person dinner table. I could absolutely imagine splitting this condo in the future with our friends who just had a baby last year. The adults can hang out in one room while the kids have another all to themselves!
But back to the food…ok, maybe food and drink since we also had the chance to visit Boyden Valley Winery in nearby Cambridge, VT. The wine tasting was booked through Smugg’s which meant all we had to do was show up and drink wine. Oh, and eat tasty cheese. One of my favorite Boyden Valley wines was actually their Maple Cream Liquor. Think Irish Cream but maple. Yeah, it’s good. Between that and their Glogg, a mulled spice wine that is served hot around the holidays, we left with more than a couple bottles in tow.
Oh, and how could I forget the local organic farm tour and farm-to-table dinner at Valley Dream Farm about 10 minutes away from Smugg’s? We piled in for a hayride through their various fields and crops. Then we unloaded just in time to enjoy a meal prepared by a local chef and served right there at the main building on the farm. There are literally hundreds of activities to choose from at Smugg’s, and I can say with 100% certainty that we will be back…if for no other reason than to eat at Hearth & Candle and grab another Maple Glazed Cinnamon Roll!
Have I convinced you that you need a vacation yet? Check out Smuggler’s Notch and book a vacation to put your feet up by the pool. Or go hiking. Or kayaking. Or tour a maple farm and a winery. Or eat a lot of delicious food. Or maybe all of the above!
Oh, and I’m crossing my fingers that our next trip to Smugg’s involves a moose sighting. Moooooose!!
Maple Glazed Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
For the Rolls
- 1 cup milk
- 1 Tbsp active dry yeast
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, diced
For the Filling
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp Vermont maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
For the Rolls
- Using either microwave or small saucepan, heat milk until warm. (Note: The milk should only be lukewarm, not hot.)
- Stir yeast into warm milk; let stand for 5 minutes.
- In separate bowl or a countertop mixer, add the flour, sugar and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Add eggs and milk/yeast mixture; stir until well combined.
- Add diced butter to the bowl. (If using a countertop mixer, gradually increase speed to medium.) Knead dough for about 10 min, or until very smooth.
- Grease a large bowl with butter or oil. Place dough in bowl and cover with towel. Let sit in warm spot until doubled in size (~1 hour).
- Fold dough several times and then let sit for 15 more minutes (covered).
- Meanwhile, using a small bowl, make the filling by whisking together sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set aside. (Note: The butter will be used later.)
- On a well-floured countertop, roll the dough into a large square approximately ½” thick.
- Brush the dough with the melted butter. Sprinkle the surface with Filling mixture, but leave a ½” border on all sides.
- Roll dough into a cylinder and press edges to seal.
- Using a sharp knife, cut dough into pieces. (Note: The thickness of each roll is your preference, but Smuggler’s Notch suggests cutting the dough into 8 pieces to create very large cinnamon rolls.)
- Place cut rolls onto a greased baking pan leaving a lot of growing room between them. (Note: I used 2 baking pans for 8 rolls.)
- Cover pan lightly and leave in warm spot until approximately doubled in size. (~40 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Bake rolls at 375°F until golden brown and puffed up (~15-20 minutes).
- While rolls are baking, combine Glaze ingredients in a small sauce pan. Place over low heat, stirring occasionally, until well combined.
- Once rolls are fully baked, removed from oven and pour warm Glaze over rolls.
My wife and I received a complementary stay at Smuggler’s Notch as part of this post. However, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Spiced!
I don’t know why the moose didn’t come when you called! Looks like an amazing trip with amazing food. I love cinnamon rolls and these look spectacular!
I know, right, Kathy! I can’t believe the moose don’t just come running when they hear our moose call. The nerve! This was an amazing trip…and I will be dreaming about those cinnamon rolls for many weeks ahead. Haha! Thanks!
So much awesomeness in this post! Visiting ski resorts in summertime is my idea of fun because in winter – UGH – s.n.o.w!!!! And – now I wanna go on a hayride! It’s been so so long since Lil Shashi was Little enough to enjoy them! This one time I remember, we were on a “Haunted one” and part of the hayride involved going up a hill – well, we were on the first batch and as it had just rained, the tractor couldn’t get enough traction, and we slipped back a good 70 feet before he finally gunned it! Yup – that was one hayride for the memory books – just like these cinnamon rolls! GOSH! Lil Shashi isn’t a fan so I haven’t made cinnamon rolls or gotten them in so so long! When y’all move down, I will not only dessert sit, but cinnamon-roll sit too! 😉
BTW – Smuggler’s Notch sounds and looks lovely!
I know, right! You are a Southern gal, Shashi, and that means no snow. (Although I have to admit that the first big snow each year is still pretty cool…) So a haunted hayride, huh? In my head, I want to like that idea…but I know I would just end up getting startled so bad that I would fall off the tractor and run off into the woods. #SadButTrue Smuggler’s Notch is an amazing place…I think you and lil Shashi should visit next summer. That way you can have a cinnamon roll while Lil Shashi isn’t looking. Haha! 🙂
Ha! That I am! When my sis was in NYC, the first time it snowed, she called into work thinking they’d be closed (like they do here) and her boss laughed at her! I think that’s the real reason she moved to Dallas 😉
We will be coming up round July next year too – maybe not to Smuggler’s Notch but to the city and I sure hope we all get to meet up – it was a true pleasure meeting Sean, he is such a gem – we should all arrange a group meetup – what’d ya think?
Haha…tell me about it! They don’t close anything up here for snow. Put on your boots, get out your shovel and get to work. I’m down to come to the city to meet up next summer. Shoot me an email well in advance (once you know dates), and I’ll see if we can make it happen! Sean is one heck of an awesome guy. 🙂
I love Vermont. My uncle has a cottage near Woodstock, very close to the Long Trail Brewing Co. (their Long Trail Ale is pretty solid!) I go there every other weekend during the winter to sky in Killington.
I’ve been to Smugglers’ Notch just once, it’s a great place, I would love to go back.
But let’s focus for a moment on these beauties. I’m literally drooling on my keyboard, they look so good (the pictures are also amazing!)
#WolkpackTravels
Oh man, we were just driving through Killington, Mike! I also love Long Trail Brewing…we didn’t make it over there on this last trip, but we’ve been there a couple of times before. I’m jealous that your uncle has a cottage over there. That sounds like the perfect place for a #WolfpackRetreat I’m thinking!
Vermont sounds the place to be for me to be honest. Interesting post!
I want some of that Maple cream!! 🙂
Oh geez, maple cream is amazing, Emanuele. You should totally plan a trip over to Vermont sometime. It’s such a quiet, laid-back, awesome kind of place to relax. Plus, there are maple cinnamon rolls at Smuggler’s Notch. Just sayin’. 🙂
These look beyond delicious! I need to go to Vermont ASAP!
For sure, Phronsie…Vermont is an awesome place! Thank you!!
Sounds like it was a delightful trip! This looks like a great use for that vermont maple syrup too 🙂
Haha, we have a lot of Vermont maple syrup in our pantry now. I’ll either be using it in a lot of recipes, or I’ll just have to make a lot of these cinnamon rolls. Haha!
What a lovely trip! And I love you photos! Those action shots of the maple glaze are making me sooo hungry 🙂
Thank you so much, Medha! It was indeed an awesome trip despite the fact that we didn’t get to see a moose. Haha! 🙂
Smugg’s sounds killer, I mean ziplines, hiking, swimming. How cool is that?
PLUS, that chef – Korean BBQ Chicken and Waffles? Bring it! I laughed out loud when you wrote the four of us ate one cinnamon roll. Holy cow, that’s one big Maple Glazed Cinnamon Roll my friend!
Pure Vermont Maple Syrup, full-sized kitchens, the possibility of moose sightings and breakfast danish like these Maple Glazed Cinnamon Rolls sounds like a fantastic getaway.
BTW, two years ago we went up to Estes Park (11K feet elevation) in Colorado. Fantastic scenery, hiking and to top it off we walked straight into a moose the size of a tank. Scared the you know what out of me and as he stared at us on the trail, then he just turned and walked away. No stomping or charging. Quite the memory…
I wasn’t lying when I said these Maple Glazed Cinnamon Rolls were legit, Kevin…haha! We totally saw moose crossing signs all over the place, but I couldn’t find the darned moose for the life of me. That’s ok, though, Smugg’s was definitely an awesome place and we enjoyed eating our way across Vermont for several days. The folks at Cabot even left us some goodies in the condo, too!
Wait…you saw a moose…I’m jealous! I’ve heard they are like tanks, and I really just want to see one of the buggers. Although I’m not sure I would want to see him on the trail right in front of me. hah!
I’ve never been to Vermont, but I’m sure as soon as I tell my husband about the craft brewery population he’ll book a trip ASAP. Which will be totally fine with me because you have completely sold me on a trip with this post! These cinnamon rolls look to-die-for!!
Actually, our first experience with Vermont was a couple of years ago when my wife and I did a tour of the Vermont breweries. We hit 10 different ones in 3 days all across the state, and it was an awesome trip! We actually just repeated the trip (different breweries this time) with a friend. Vermont is pretty much one of my favorite states…and the Maple Cinnamon Roll really puts it at the top. Haha!
I love the pictures David, the place looks so beautiful! I bet you guys had a great time! and these cinnamon rolls are perfection. They are making me very hungry right after I had my breakfast! :/
Thank you so much, Manali! We did indeed have a blast hanging out at Smuggler’s Notch and eating cinnamon rolls. I mean, talk about the ultimate relaxation, right? 🙂
Hi David! The last time I made cinnamon rolls I left them on the counter to cool and went into the living room to check something on the computer. A little while later my dog Wylie came through carrying what I thought was a tennis ball in his mouth, until I remembered we didn’t have any tennis ball toys – lesson learned! We’ve been to Vermont to visit one of my sister in laws who is a vet in Rutland and it is beautiful! Didn’t see any moose there, but saw plenty while visiting my father in law in Maine. Moose crossing signs are all along the highways, with good reason. We saw a number of them walking down the highways! Did I detect a hint in this post? 🙂
Oh no! I actually made these rolls at my sister’s house down in Nashville, and her new puppy almost grabbed the dough right off the counter. I don’t know what it is, but yeasted doughs always send the dogs crazy! We’ve been talking about taking a trip up to Maine, but we haven’t been there yet. Rutland is actually not far away from us at all (maybe an hour?), although I think the moose tend to live in the northern parts of the state. Guess we’ll need to head to Maine! And yes, there was a small hint in here. You are really good! 🙂
You have definitely convinced me that I need a vacation soon! I’ve never been to Vermont but have always wanted to go, now even more so. These maple cinnamon rolls look like the ultimate lazy weekend breakfast item…total perfection!
Yes, you need a vacation! And your vacation needs to include Maple Glazed Cinnamon Rolls! Vermont is a really cool state. We didn’t know much about it at all before we moved up here to upstate New York. (It was always just one of those New England states.) But we’ve become huge fans of Vermont. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing vacation! 🙂
I love the way you use maple syrup in many recipies! It’s almost like me using lavender haha. Brown sugar, cinnamon, and maply syrup is such an amazing combo which always works great. But wait. Maple cream liquor? I’ve never seen that in Canada. That’s totally unfair! I should buy a maple farm to produce it. As you might guess, some fields I’ll be using for lavender:) Awesome job! P.S. I hope when I wake up, I’ll find a few of these with my coffee:)
Yeah, I’ve never heard about maple cream liquor either. Maybe it’s unique to just that winery…but man, that stuff was awesome! Like I said, think Irish Cream but with maple flavor instead. I suspect it will become very popular around our house come Fall when the nights start to get a little chilly. If you buy a maple farm, then I’ll be your first customer. Deal? 🙂
I’ve always wanted to visit Vermont!!!! so beautiful!! and I LOVE these cinnamon rolls. . these are perfection!
Oh man, you totally need to visit Vermont as soon as you get the chance, Alice…it’s such an incredible place! And these cinnamon rolls? Oh man, I’m going to be dreaming about them for weeks to come. 🙂
I have always wanted to go to Vermont. Not only does it look beautiful, but the food looks pretty epic too. I will just have to stare at the pictures here instead.
Hey! You can visit Vermont, Dannii! It’s just a short little plane ride across the pond. If you’re looking for a relaxing, laid-back vacation (with lots of good food and beer and wine), then Vermont needs to be on your list. 🙂
I should have totally dressed up as a Moose and hid at Smuggler’s Notch- What an epic name! Also…Koren chicken and waffles? Geebuz. I’m not jealous… Excuse me as I go find a Cinnabon lol.
Haha…an Australian moose? Do they walk backwards, too? 🙂 Um, Cinnabon doesn’t even compare to this deliciousness. Does Cinnabon use Vermont maple syrup? I think not. And does 1 Cinnabon feed 4 people? I think not.
I am a HUGE fan of cinnamon rolls. And your version looks absolutely perfect! I love the addition of maple glaze. So creative, David! 🙂
Thank you so much, Kennedy! Cinnamon rolls might be one of my all-time favorite breakfast foods. And the maple glaze? That’s just the icing on top. Literally. 🙂
Vermont maple syrup is THE BEST! These look ahhhhmazing.
I couldn’t agree more, Bianca! We always keep Vermont maple syrup in our cupboard…that stuff is delicious!! Now if only I could find a way to always keep one of these cinnamon rolls in my cupboard, too…haha!
Hi David! Have you ever considered putting cooked, crumbled bacon in cinnamon rolls? Trust me, it works! 🙂
Oooo…now you’re talking, Dorothy! I’ve done maple bacon cupcakes, but bacon in these maple cinnamon rolls? That sounds perfect! I’m doing that on the next batch! 🙂
Hi David! I forgot to ask – when you were in Nashville did you get a chance to try Bro’s Cajun or track down that food truck? I’m not much on “city living”, but the food possibilities sure are a draw!
We never made it to the food truck. Courtney knew about it, but we had her baby with us so it was difficult to wander out much. It’s definitely on our list for a future visit though. I did get a chance to try “nashville hot chicken” though. That stuff is amazing! Basically the best fried chicken ever but they offer various levels of spicy…with the hottest being almost too hot to eat. Haha!
Awesome post! Can’t wait to try these buns.
Thank you so much, Kim! These buns are out of this world. Now I just need to make my way back to Smugg’s…haha! 🙂
What a beautiful resort! And these cinnamon rolls? Have mercy!!!
Thank you so much, Tamara! Have mercy is right…these rolls (and the resort) are both top-notch! 🙂
Those cinnamon rolls were delicious. Glad you shared yours with us. Now I’ve got to try and make them for myself. Great post!
I couldn’t agree more, Kim! Those cinnamon rolls were amazing…and of course the Vermont maple syrup was key. Definitely give them a shot at home…you won’t regret it! 🙂
Hi there, thanks so much for sharing your recipe with all of your followers, I have never made Maple Glazed Cinnamon Buns from scratch nor have I ever taste them lol. I will surely give this recipe a try.
Thank you
Sincerely,
Veronica.
Hey there, Veronica! You should definitely give these cinnamon buns a shot…they are really, really tasty! But make sure to use good Vermont maple syrup for the glaze! 🙂 I hope you enjoy these buns as much as we do!