Description
Soft and fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, salt, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add the flour while mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle evenly on top.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the yeast foams during activation to confirm it is still active.
- Do not overheat the milk or butter as high temperatures can kill the yeast.
- For extra flavor, add chopped pecans, walnuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the filling.
- Cream cheese frosting can be used instead of the vanilla glaze for a richer topping.
- Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to restore softness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
