Soft, fluffy, and gooey homemade cinnamon rolls with perfectly defined swirls, a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, and a smooth glaze — ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 55 minutes
Yield:12 cinnamon rolls
Category:Breakfast
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups warm milk (about 110°F)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and yeast.
Warm the milk to about 110°F, then mix it with the melted butter. Add this to the dry ingredients along with the egg. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Roll the dough into a 12 × 18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log and slice into 12 equal rolls.
Place rolls in a greased 9 × 13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 22–25 minutes until lightly golden.
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) to make the glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
Use dental floss to cut rolls cleanly and maintain swirl shape.
Don’t overbake to keep the rolls soft and gooey.
For overnight rolls, assemble and refrigerate before the second rise.
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Swap glaze with cream cheese frosting for a richer finish.