Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze

Who’s ready to make their kitchen smell like a cozy bakery? These easy homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and loaded with sweet, spiced flavor. And that luscious vanilla glaze? It’s the cherry on top... or should I say, the frosting on the roll! Let’s bake happiness together!

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Who’s ready to turn their kitchen into the coziest bakery ever? The moment you start making these easy homemade cinnamon rolls, your home will fill with a heavenly scent that’ll have everyone flocking to the kitchen. Soft, gooey, and packed with just the right amount of sweet cinnamon spice, these rolls are pure joy you can bake. And don’t even get me started on that luscious vanilla glaze—it’s like a warm hug in frosting form. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into the wonderful world of dough, this recipe is here to make your mornings (or any time of day, really) extra special.

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

What makes these cinnamon rolls stand out? First, simplicity! No intimidating steps here; just a straightforward recipe that delivers a bakery-worthy treat. The filling combines brown sugar, cinnamon, and a surprise pinch of nutmeg for a subtle twist. It’s that little hint of warmth that sets these apart from your average roll. And let’s not forget the glaze—it’s a velvety mixture of powdered sugar, vanilla, and just enough milk to drizzle like a dream. Together, every bite feels like a perfect balance of tender, sweet, and spiced goodness. Trust me—these rolls are a hug disguised as food.

Now, here’s the secret to cinnamon roll success: patience. Letting the dough rise properly is what gives you that pillowy, cloud-like texture. If you can, let your dough do its thing in a warm spot until it’s doubled in size—this magic step makes all the difference. Another tip? Roll your dough tightly when adding the cinnamon-sugar filling for beautiful, even spirals. Oh, and don’t skip greasing your pan! Nothing’s sadder than a cinnamon roll sticking when all you want is to devour it. Finally, be generous with the glaze—it’s practically a rule.

So, are you ready to channel your inner baker? These easy homemade cinnamon rolls are perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or even a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Want to get creative? Add chopped nuts to the filling for some crunch, or sprinkle a little orange zest into the glaze for a citrusy twist. Serve them warm, with a cup of coffee or tea, and watch the smiles roll in—pun absolutely intended. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become a family favorite!

Keywords: easy homemade cinnamon rolls, best cinnamon roll recipe, cinnamon rolls with vanilla glaze, soft cinnamon rolls recipe, beginner-friendly baking recipes, sweet breakfast ideas, holiday brunch cinnamon rolls

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warm
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast.

  2. 2

    Add warm milk, melted butter, and the egg to the dry ingredients, then mix until a dough forms.

  3. 3

    Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  4. 4

    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 10 minutes.

  5. 5

    In a small bowl, mix light brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.

  6. 6

    Roll out the dough into a 12x15-inch rectangle and spread the softened butter over the surface.

  7. 7

    Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

  8. 8

    Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log and cut into 12 even slices.

  9. 9

    Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise for 15 minutes.

  10. 10

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

  11. 11

    While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.

  12. 12

    Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve.

Nutrition Information

Calories

320 calories

Protein

5g

Carbs

48g

Fat

11g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of yeast if I don't have instant yeast?

A: Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast in this recipe. If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk (not too hot, around 100-110°F) along with a pinch of sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding it to the dry ingredients. This step ensures the yeast is activated properly.

Q: Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare these cinnamon rolls ahead of time. After placing the sliced rolls in the baking dish, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking as directed. This method is perfect for fresh morning cinnamon rolls.

Q: What should I do if my dough is too sticky to work with?

A: If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour onto your kneading surface, about 1 tablespoon at a time, and knead it in until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the rolls dense and dry.

Q: Can I substitute the whole milk with a non-dairy alternative?

A: Yes, you can use a non-dairy milk such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk as a substitute for whole milk. Make sure the non-dairy milk is warm, but not hot, to help activate the yeast. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the milk alternative used.

Q: How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

A: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes. If reheating, consider adding a bit of extra glaze to restore moisture.

Q: Why are my cinnamon rolls not rising properly?

A: If your cinnamon rolls are not rising, it could be due to inactive yeast, incorrect liquid temperature, or a cold environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired. The milk should be warm (around 100-110°F) but not too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a warm spot to help it rise.

Q: Can I add other flavors or ingredients to the filling?

A: Absolutely! You can customize the filling by adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries. For a richer flavor, you can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Experiment with your favorite combinations to make the rolls your own.

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