Soft Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze (Printable Version)

Soft, fluffy spiraled buns with sweet cinnamon sugar filling and vanilla glaze

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
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 teaspoon salt

→ Filling

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

→ Glaze

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

# Directions:

01 - Combine lukewarm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until mixture becomes frothy and activated.
02 - Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Stir until dough forms and pulls away from sides.
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 in size.
04 - Punch down risen dough and roll into 16×12 inch rectangle on lightly floured surface.
05 - Spread softened butter evenly over dough surface. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle mixture evenly over buttered dough.
06 - Starting from long edge, roll dough tightly into log. Slice into 12 equal pieces using serrated knife or dental floss.
07 - Arrange rolls in greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
08 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
09 - Bake rolls for 22–25 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through.
10 - While rolls cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The dough is practically foolproof and rises reliably every single time
  • That moment when you pull them out of the oven, all golden and spiraled, feels like magic
  • The vanilla glaze transforms them from breakfast bread into something that feels like a special occasion
02 -
  • Don't rush the rising time or your rolls will be dense instead of fluffy
  • Use dental floss to slice the rolls instead of a knife, it cuts cleanly without squishing the spiral
  • The glaze should be thick enough to coat a spoon but thin enough to pour, adjust with more milk or sugar as needed
03 -
  • Warm your mixing bowl with hot water before making the dough, it creates the perfect cozy environment for rising
  • Brush the baked rolls with a little melted butter right out of the oven for extra shine and flavor
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