Description
Enjoy these soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls that are perfectly sweet and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Made with a tender yeast dough, rich butter filling, and a creamy vanilla glaze, these rolls are ideal for a cozy breakfast or special treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Glaze
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or unsalted butter
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture and mix well. Gradually stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 minutes or use a mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1½ hours.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 14×18-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Add Filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional ground nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Shape Rolls: Tightly roll up the dough from the long edge into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls and place them in a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise until puffy, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 22 to 28 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare Glaze and Serve: Mix powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Optionally, add cream cheese or butter for creaminess. Spread the glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- Rolls can be assembled the night before, refrigerated, and baked fresh the next morning for convenience.
- Add orange zest or maple extract to the glaze to enhance the flavor.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat briefly before serving to maintain softness.
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, soft cinnamon rolls, fluffy cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls, breakfast rolls, sweet rolls, yeast dough, baked cinnamon rolls