Soft Cinnamon Rolls Vanilla Glaze (Print Version)

Fluffy homemade spiraled buns with sweet cinnamon filling and creamy vanilla glaze

# What You Need:

→ Dough

01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
03 - 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
04 - ⅓ cup granulated sugar
05 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
06 - 1 large egg, room temperature
07 - ½ tsp salt

→ Filling

08 - ½ cup brown sugar, packed
09 - 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
10 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

→ Glaze

11 - 1 cup powdered sugar
12 - 2–3 tbsp milk
13 - ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

# Steps:

01 - Combine lukewarm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until mixture becomes frothy.
02 - Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Stir until dough forms.
03 - Knead dough on lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
04 - Punch down risen dough and roll into a 16x12 inch rectangle.
05 - Spread softened butter evenly over dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over buttered surface.
06 - Starting from long side, tightly roll dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
07 - Arrange rolls in greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
08 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
09 - Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown.
10 - While rolls cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The dough is impossibly soft and pillowy, never tough or dry like some homemade versions
  • That cinnamon sugar filling gets perfectly caramelized in spots while staying gooey in others
  • The vanilla glaze transforms everything into the kind of treat that makes weekend mornings feel special
02 -
  • Over kneading is better than under kneading, so give it those full 10 minutes for the best texture
  • Use unflavored dental floss or fishing line to slice the rolls without squishing them down
  • The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to pour easily
03 -
  • If your kitchen is drafty, turn your oven light on and let the dough rise inside the closed oven
  • Brush the baked rolls with a little melted butter before glazing for an extra shiny finish
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