Quick Description
These classic cinnamon rolls are ultra-soft, buttery, and perfectly swirled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling. Baked until golden and finished with a simple glaze, they’re tender in the center with lightly crisp edges—exactly like the ones in the image.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8 rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1–1½ hours
- Bake Time: 22–25 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours
Ingredients List
For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (not hot)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
Mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Keep butter soft and spreadable.
5. Shape the Rolls
Roll dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
Spread softened butter evenly over dough.
Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture all over.
6. Roll & Slice
Roll tightly from the long side into a log.
Slice into 6–8 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
7. Second Rise
Place rolls in a greased baking dish, slightly spaced.
Cover and let rise 30 minutes until puffy.
8. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake 22–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
9. Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle over warm rolls.
Serving Suggestions
- Best served warm
- Enjoy with coffee or tea
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
Storage
- Room Temperature: 1 day (covered)
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
- Reheat: Microwave 15–20 seconds
Tips for Extra Soft Rolls
- Use warm milk, not hot
- Don’t over-flour the dough
- Let rolls rise until truly puffy
- Glaze while warm for melt-in texture
Variations
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace glaze with cream cheese + butter + powdered sugar
- Nutty Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts
- Orange Rolls: Add orange zest to the filling and juice to glaze
- Make-Ahead: Refrigerate shaped rolls overnight, bake in the morning
