Imagine the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen—sweet, buttery, and utterly comforting. These homemade cinnamon rolls are a heavenly treat, with soft, fluffy dough wrapped around a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a creamy vanilla glaze. Perfect for a cozy morning breakfast or a delicious afternoon indulgence, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to impress family and friends. Get ready to make the best cinnamon rolls of your life with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp salt
Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, melted butter, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches). Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
- Carefully roll the dough up tightly from the longer side to form a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the roll into 12 even pieces.
- Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each roll. Cover the dish with a towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Step 5: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls, letting it melt slightly into the crevices.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and gooey. They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their soft texture.