Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Cinnamon Glaze
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls topped with a warm vanilla cinnamon glaze are the ultimate comfort treat. With tender dough, a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, and a smooth glaze that melts into every swirl, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert. Fresh from the oven, they fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and deliver bakery-style results at home.
This recipe creates classic cinnamon rolls that are pillowy on the inside, lightly golden on the outside, and generously coated with a sweet, spiced glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Rolls
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Soft and fluffy texture
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Rich cinnamon-butter filling
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Vanilla cinnamon glaze that melts into the rolls
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Perfect for make-ahead or special occasions
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Better than bakery-bought
Whether you’re serving them for a holiday morning or a weekend treat, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Dough
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1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
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2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
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1 teaspoon salt
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3½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Filling
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Vanilla Cinnamon Glaze
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1½ cups powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add melted butter, egg, egg yolk, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Knead
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 5: Roll and Fill
Roll the dough into a rectangle about 16×12 inches. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 equal rolls and place in a greased baking dish.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 22–26 minutes until lightly golden.
Vanilla Cinnamon Glaze
While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and pourable.
Pour the glaze over warm cinnamon rolls so it melts into every swirl.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
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Use room-temperature ingredients
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Don’t over-flour the dough
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For extra gooey rolls, slightly underbake
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Glaze while rolls are warm, not hot
Make-Ahead Instructions
Prepare the rolls through shaping, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Storage
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
These cinnamon rolls with vanilla cinnamon glaze are soft, indulgent, and bursting with cozy flavor. From the tender dough to the sweet, spiced glaze, every bite tastes like a warm hug. Once you try them, they’ll become a favorite for holidays, weekends, and anytime you’re craving something truly special.