These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a luscious vanilla glaze. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these rolls are guaranteed to be warm, gooey, and irresistibly delicious. The secret to their pillowy texture lies in the buttery dough, which is carefully kneaded and allowed to rise to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ½ cup warm water
- ½ cup scalded milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package (¼ oz) active dry yeast
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons hot water (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg.
- Add 2 cups of flour and mix until smooth. Stir in the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until the dough is easy to handle.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1-1.5 hours).
Step 2: Roll & Fill the Dough
- Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a 15×9-inch rectangle.
- Spread melted butter evenly over the dough.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the buttered dough.
- Add raisins or nuts, if using.
Step 3: Shape & Bake
- Starting at the long edge, roll up the dough tightly and pinch the edge to seal.
- Cut into 12-15 slices and place them in a greased baking pan.
- Cover and let rise for 45 minutes, until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Glaze & Serve
- In a bowl, mix butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Add hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches the desired consistency.
- Spread over slightly cooled cinnamon rolls.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serve warm for the best gooey texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, sweet, and absolutely irresistible. Enjoy every bite of this classic, comforting treat! 🍽️✨
For more inspiration, check out this recipe and another variation here!