Description
These Easy Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort bake—fluffy, buttery, and filled with a gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze (or cream cheese frosting), they’re perfect for brunch, breakfast, or dessert. This no-fuss recipe delivers bakery-style rolls right from your oven.
Ingredients
1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
2 ¼ teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon salt
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
2 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional, for cream cheese glaze)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (1 to 1.5 hours).
4. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to make the filling.
5. Punch down the dough and roll into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly across the surface.
6. Roll dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 rolls.
7. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
9. For glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cream cheese (if using) until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
For softer rolls, don’t overbake—remove once tops are lightly golden.
You can refrigerate unbaked rolls overnight and bake fresh in the morning.
Add chopped pecans or raisins before rolling for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg