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To make soft cinnamon rolls, you need a few key items. These ingredients work together to create that warm, gooey delight we all love. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C) - ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling) These ingredients help form the dough and create the sweet, cinnamon flavor. The yeast makes the rolls rise, while the butter adds richness. The glaze adds a sweet finish to your rolls. It’s simple and delicious. Here’s what you need for the vanilla glaze: - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze) - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract This glaze is quick to make and adds a creamy touch to your rolls. If you’re missing an ingredient or want to swap it for something else, here are some great options: - Flour: You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. - Butter: Coconut oil works well if you need a dairy-free choice. - Milk: Almond milk or soy milk can replace whole milk. - Sugar: Brown sugar can replace granulated sugar for a richer flavor. These alternatives can help you customize the recipe to your diet or taste. Enjoy making your rolls just the way you like! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the dough, start with a large mixing bowl. Pour in the warmed milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. You want to see it froth up. This means the yeast is ready to work! Next, add in the melted butter, eggs, and salt. Whisk until it blends well. Now, gradually add the flour one cup at a time. Mix until the dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. When done, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot. Wait about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle that is about 16x24 inches. Now, spread the softened butter over the dough. This will make the rolls rich and tasty. Next, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover them with a cloth and let them rise again for 30 minutes. This helps them puff up nicely. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When the rolls have finished rising, bake them for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color on top. This shows they are cooked through. While they bake, you can prepare the vanilla glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk. Once the rolls are done, take them out of the oven. Let them cool slightly. Then, drizzle the warm rolls with the vanilla glaze. Enjoy the sweet aroma and delight in every bite! If your dough does not rise, check the yeast. Make sure it is fresh and active. Also, keep the dough in a warm spot. If it’s too cold, the yeast will not work well. If your rolls are too dense, try kneading longer. This builds gluten, giving your rolls a better rise. For soft rolls, use whole milk. It adds richness and moisture. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This may take about 5-7 minutes. Letting the dough rise twice helps create a fluffy texture. The first rise allows the dough to grow, while the second gives you soft rolls. For a smooth glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract thoroughly. If it’s too thick, add more milk bit by bit. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls for the best flavor. The heat makes the glaze melt slightly into the rolls, creating a tasty finish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise and texture. Check the expiration date and perform a quick test in warm water with sugar to see if it foams up. Knead Properly: Knead your dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten, which is crucial for soft and fluffy rolls. Perfect Rolling Technique: When rolling the dough, keep it tight but not too tight. A snug roll helps the cinnamon filling stay in place without leaking out during baking. Adjust Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired drizzling consistency. {{image_2}} You can spice up your cinnamon rolls with fun additions. Try adding nuts for crunch. Walnuts or pecans work well. Chocolate chips also make a tasty twist. Just sprinkle them on top of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture before rolling. These flavors can change every bite into a new treat. If you want to mix things up, change the glaze. Cream cheese glaze is a rich option. Just blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a bit of milk. Maple glaze is another delicious choice. Combine maple syrup, powdered sugar, and milk for a sweet finish. Each glaze gives a new flavor to your rolls. Seasonal spices can bring joy to your rolls. In fall, add nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a cozy taste. In winter, think about using cardamom or ginger. You can also swap the filling. Try a fruit jam or a chocolate spread. These changes can make your cinnamon rolls fun for any season. To keep your soft cinnamon rolls fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their moisture. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. If you follow these steps, they will stay good for about 2 to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Freezing your cinnamon rolls is easy and smart. First, let them cool completely after baking. Then, place the rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. Your rolls can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy your cinnamon rolls, reheating them is simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them soft and warm. If you prefer a microwave, heat each roll for about 20-30 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they may become dry. Enjoy! Cinnamon rolls stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat them in the microwave for a warm treat. Yes, you can make cinnamon rolls ahead of time! Prepare the dough and fill the rolls, then cover them tightly. Place them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking. This saves time and gives you fresh rolls for breakfast. If you don't have active dry yeast, use instant yeast as a substitute. Instant yeast works the same, but you can add it directly to the dry ingredients. You can also use sourdough starter or baking powder, but these options may change the texture and taste. This post covered everything about making soft cinnamon rolls. We discussed key ingredients and gave steps to prepare, roll, fill, and bake the rolls. I shared helpful tips for texture and glaze. You found fun variations like adding nuts or using cream cheese glaze. Storing tips and FAQs helped clear up any questions too. Now you’re ready to make perfect cinnamon rolls! Enjoy the process and share the final treat with others.

Heavenly Soft Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze

Deliciously soft cinnamon rolls topped with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 0.33 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.33 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warmed milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  • Add the melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture; whisk until combined.
  • Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  • Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 16x24 inches.
  • Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly across the surface.
  • Roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
  • Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover with a cloth, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • While the rolls are baking, prepare the vanilla glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
  • Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm rolls.

Notes

For best results, ensure the milk is warmed to the right temperature for yeast activation.
Keyword baking, cinnamon rolls, dessert