Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Glaze

Why You’ll Love Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Glaze Recipe

• The dough is light, pillowy, and bakes to perfection.

• Warm cinnamon-sugar filling makes every bite rich and flavorful.

• The creamy glaze melts into the rolls for extra moisture and sweetness.

• Easy to make ahead—perfect for weekends or holiday mornings.

• Completely from scratch with basic pantry ingredients.

• The aroma alone is worth baking them.

• Customizable with your favorite fillings or toppings.

• Great for sharing or freezing for later.

• Beginner-friendly with satisfying results.

• Loved by both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dough

• Warm milk

• Granulated sugar

• Active dry yeast

• Unsalted butter (melted)

• Eggs

• All-purpose flour

• Salt

Cinnamon Filling

• Unsalted butter (softened)

• Brown sugar

• Ground cinnamon

Creamy Glaze

• Powdered sugar

• Milk or cream

• Vanilla extract

• Optional: cream cheese or extra butter for a richer glaze

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast: Warm the milk and combine it with sugar and yeast. Let sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the Dough: Add melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead and Rise: Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

4. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a spreadable paste.

5. Roll Out and Fill: Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.

6. Shape the Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 even pieces.

7. Second Rise: Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.

8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 22–28 minutes, or until golden brown.

9. Make the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth. Add cream cheese for a tangy twist if desired.

10. Glaze and Serve: Pour the glaze over the warm rolls and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls

• Prep time: 30 minutes

• Rise time: 1½ to 2 hours total

• Bake time: 22 to 28 minutes

Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.

• Sprinkle raisins or dried cranberries before rolling.

• Use maple extract in the glaze for a unique flavor.

• Substitute whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose for a nuttier texture.

• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling.

• Make mini rolls by slicing smaller portions and reducing bake time.

• Add orange zest to the glaze for a citrus twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.

• Freezer: Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before glazing.

• To reheat: Microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

FAQs

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and leave an indent when poked gently with a finger.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes, you can. Skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour.

Can I prepare the cinnamon rolls the night before?

Yes, prepare and shape the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

Why did my cinnamon rolls turn out dense?

Overloading with flour or under-kneading the dough can lead to dense rolls.

How do I cut the dough cleanly?

Use unflavored dental floss to slice the dough log without squishing the rolls.

What’s the best milk to use?

Whole milk gives the richest dough, but any milk (even non-dairy) will work.

Can I use a stand mixer?

Yes, a mixer with a dough hook makes kneading quicker and easier.

Can I make a cream cheese glaze instead?

Absolutely. Just blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

Why did my filling leak out during baking?

If the rolls are not sealed tightly or over-proofed, filling may leak. It’s still delicious though!

How can I keep the rolls moist?

Store them in an airtight container and reheat gently to bring back softness.

Conclusion

Fluffy cinnamon rolls with creamy glaze are a crowd-pleasing, made-from-scratch classic that bring warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you’re treating family on a weekend morning or making a batch for a holiday brunch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The soft texture, rich filling, and indulgent glaze all come together to create the ultimate cinnamon roll experience.

Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Glaze

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These fluffy cinnamon rolls are soft, tender, and filled with a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, then topped with a rich and creamy glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (for filling)
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon (for filling)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for glaze)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for glaze)
• 1 – 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
• 1–2 tbsp milk (for glaze, as needed for consistency)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let rise in a greased bowl for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
5. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
6. Roll up the dough tightly and cut into 12 rolls.
7. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
9. While baking, prepare the glaze by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
10. Spread glaze over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

• Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• You can prepare the rolls the night before and bake the next morning.
• Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for variety.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 55mg