Soft, fluffy, and oozing with buttery cinnamon goodness, these Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat to start your day on a sweet note. With their tender dough, swirls of cinnamon-sugar filling, and a luscious vanilla glaze, every bite melts in your mouth. Whether served fresh from the oven or reheated for a cozy morning treat, these rolls bring warmth and comfort to any occasion.
What Makes These Cinnamon Rolls Special
There’s something magical about homemade cinnamon rolls—the way the dough rises to pillowy perfection, the rich aroma of cinnamon filling the kitchen, and the gooey center that makes every bite irresistible. These rolls strike the ideal balance between soft and chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. The vanilla glaze adds a tangy contrast, making them utterly indulgent.
A Morning to Savor
Picture this: It’s a crisp morning, and you pull a warm tray of cinnamon rolls from the oven. The golden-brown spirals glisten under a drizzle of sweet, creamy glaze, and the scent of cinnamon fills the air. As you take a bite, the layers of soft dough, buttery filling, and smooth icing create a moment of pure comfort. Whether you’re enjoying them with family, friends, or just treating yourself, these cinnamon rolls make mornings extra special.
Perfect for Any Occasion
From holiday breakfasts to weekend brunches, cinnamon rolls are a timeless classic. They’re great for special gatherings, cozy nights in, or even as a make-ahead treat for busy mornings. Serve them warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredient Notes
Roux:
Milk: Forms the base of the roux, adding moisture and softness to the dough.
Bread Flour: Thickens the roux, helping create an ultra-soft, fluffy cinnamon roll texture.
Dough:
Milk (warmed to touch or cold for overnight rise): Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour, ensuring a tender dough.
Active Dry Yeast (adjusted for overnight rise): Leavens the dough, making it rise for a soft and airy texture.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture, richness, and a slight tang for extra flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the dough while keeping it tender.
Fine Sea Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: Slightly sweetens the dough while feeding the yeast for proper rising.
Filling:
Butter: Creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth filling that caramelizes as the rolls bake.
Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
Ground Cinnamon: The star of the filling, giving the rolls their signature warmth and spice.
Heavy Cream (optional): Poured over before baking, making the rolls extra gooey and soft.
Icing:
Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of the icing, giving it a smooth sweetness.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the icing flavor.
Fine Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness for a more well-rounded taste.
Milk: Thins out the icing to the perfect drizzle consistency
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Cinnamon Rolls with:
A steaming mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or chai tea.
Fresh fruit on the side for a balanced breakfast.
A sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra crunch.
A dusting of cinnamon on top for a beautiful finish.
Tips for Cinnamon Roll Perfection
Use warm milk in the dough: It helps activate the yeast for a fluffy texture.
Roll the dough evenly: This ensures a uniform bake and perfect swirls.
Don’t skimp on the filling: A generous layer of butter, cinnamon, and sugar creates that signature gooey center.
Let them rise properly: Allowing the rolls to double in size before baking makes them extra soft.
Apply the glaze while warm: This helps it seep into the rolls for extra moisture and flavor.
A Sweet Treat Worth Sharing
These Cinnamon Rolls are a reminder that some of the best moments in life come from simple, homemade delights. With their comforting aroma, pillowy texture, and melt-in-your-mouth glaze, they’re guaranteed to bring warmth and happiness to your table. One bite, and you’ll understand why they’re a beloved favorite!
Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Roux
- 125 gram or ½ cup milk
- 30 gram or 3 tbsp bread flour
Dough
- 75 gram or ⅓ cup plus 1 tbsp milk warmed to touch cold if doing an overnight rise
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast for an overnight rise lower this to ⅛ tsp
- 85 gram or ⅓ cup sour cream
- 250 gram or 2 cups all purpose flour
- Pinch fine sea salt
- 55 gram or ¼ cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 115 gram or ½ cup butter
- 55 gram or ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup heavy cream optional makes the rolls gooey
Icing
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch fine sea salt
- 2-3 tbsps milk
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Roux
- In a small pot, whisk together the milk and flour over medium heat. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens into a smooth, pudding-like consistency. This step helps create an ultra-soft texture in the final rolls!
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm milk and yeast, giving it a gentle stir to activate. Add the remaining dough ingredients, including your prepared roux, and start mixing on low speed. Gradually increase to medium and let the dough knead for about 20 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly shiny.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 2 hours (or overnight in the fridge for up to 12 hours) until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Brown the Butter
- While the dough is rising, melt your butter in a pan over medium heat. It will bubble and sputter at first, then calm down as brown specks form at the bottom—this is where all the nutty, caramelized flavor comes from! Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool.
Step 4: Roll & Fill
- Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 13x9-inch rectangle. Spread an even layer of browned butter over the surface, leaving a ½-inch border untouched. (No need to use all the butter—save some for the glaze!)
- Sprinkle a generous layer of brown sugar over the butter and finish with a dusting of cinnamon for that classic warm, spiced flavor.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
- Roll the dough up from the short side into a snug log. Using a bread knife or unwaxed dental floss, slice it into 9 even pieces and place them into an 8- or 9-inch square pan. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again until they look puffy and spring back slightly when pressed—this usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using heavy cream for extra richness, pour it into the empty spaces between the rolls and tilt the pan gently to distribute it.
- Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. For the most accurate doneness check, use an instant thermometer—it should read 190°F when the rolls are fully baked.
Step 7: Make the Glaze & Serve
- While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk. For an extra depth of flavor, stir in a little of the reserved browned butter (especially those golden brown bits at the bottom). Adjust the consistency by adding more liquid for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly, then drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for the ultimate soft, buttery, cinnamon-kissed treat!
Notes
- Storage Tip: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature overnight. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste the next morning!
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