Description
This Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls recipe delivers warm, tender, and sweet rolls perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with a rich dough that rises to a pillowy texture and filled with a classic cinnamon-sugar mixture, these cinnamon rolls are topped with a sweet vanilla glaze for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Glaze
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or unsalted butter
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture and mix well. Gradually stir in all-purpose flour and salt until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling and Roll Dough: Roll the risen dough into a 14×18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough surface. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg, then sprinkle the mixture over the buttered dough.
- Shape Rolls: Tightly roll up the dough from one long edge to the other, creating a log. Slice the log into 12 even rolls and place them in a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30–45 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22–28 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Prepare Glaze: While the rolls bake, mix powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract. Optionally, add cream cheese or additional butter for richness.
- Glaze and Serve: Spread the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls once out of the oven. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Rolls can be assembled the night before, refrigerated, and baked fresh the next morning for convenience.
- Add orange zest or maple extract to the glaze for extra flavor variations.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat briefly before serving to restore softness.
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, soft cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastry, sweet rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, cinnamon sugar rolls