Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Sweet Glaze
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the perfect balance of soft, fluffy dough combined with a luscious, glossy topping, this Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Sweet Glaze is about to become your new favorite go-to. Whether you’re craving a comforting breakfast treat or a tempting dessert, these rolls offer that warm, homemade goodness with a sweet finish that melts in your mouth. Packed with a rich cinnamon filling and drenched in a perfectly smooth, sweet glaze, this recipe is simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to wow family and friends every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Heavenly Soft Texture: The dough is tender and fluffy, making every bite feel like a cloud of cinnamon delight.
- Perfect Sweet Glaze: A glossy, sweet coating that’s just the right amount of sugary without being overpowering.
- Easy to Follow: Simple step-by-step instructions ensure success, even if you’re new to baking.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily add nuts, fruits, or spices to tailor this classic recipe to your taste.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect as a comforting breakfast, snack, or indulgent dessert treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These few but essential ingredients come together in perfect harmony to create tender dough and a flavorful cinnamon filling, plus that irresistible sweet glaze that tops each roll with shiny delight.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and softness.
- Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and become wonderfully fluffy.
- Whole Milk: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the rolls.
- Unsalted Butter: Used both in the dough and filling for that rich, buttery flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and enhances caramelization in the filling.
- Brown Sugar: For the cinnamon filling, adding moisture and deep molasses notes.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that gives warmth and character to the rolls.
- Eggs: Provide richness and help bind the dough together.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Powdered Sugar: Key for the sweet glaze’s smooth texture and sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a comforting aroma and flavor to the glaze.
Variations for Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Sweet Glaze
Feel free to get creative! This Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Sweet Glaze is a versatile base that’s easy to adapt for different tastes and dietary needs, giving you a chance to make it truly your own.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for satisfying crunch.
- Fruit-Filled Rolls: Incorporate dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apples inside for a fruity surprise.
- Vegan Version: Substitute dairy milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and use flax eggs.
- Spiced Up: Mix ground cardamom or nutmeg into the cinnamon filling for deeper spice complexity.
- Glaze Alternatives: Swap vanilla in the glaze with cream cheese or maple syrup for different flavor profiles.
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Sweet Glaze
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Warm the milk to around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast, then combine with yeast, sugar, and a bit of flour. Let it bloom for about 10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, mix the remaining flour, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Once risen, punch the dough down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches. This creates the perfect canvas for your cinnamon filling.
Step 3: Add the Cinnamon Filling
Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Then sprinkle generously with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon, making sure every inch is covered to guarantee that sweet, spicy flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice into 12 equal rolls with a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. Place them in a greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space for rising.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the rolls loosely with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise for another 30-45 minutes, giving time to puff up and get even fluffier when baked.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Avoid opening the oven door too often to maintain steady heat.
Step 7: Prepare the Sweet Glaze
While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, warm milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to create a smooth glaze. Adjust consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Pour the glaze generously over the warm rolls right after they come out of the oven, letting it soak in and add that irresistible sheen and sweetness.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Sweet Glaze
- Perfect Dough Temperature: Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use Fresh Yeast: Check the expiration date on the yeast for the best rise.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much cinnamon sugar can cause the rolls to ooze and become soggy.
- Roll Tightly: This helps create clean, even spirals inside each roll.
- Glaze While Warm: Applying glaze to warm rolls allows better absorption and creates that glossy finish.
How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Sweet Glaze
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a dash of cinnamon on top after glazing to elevate the presentation and add texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai tea, or a glass of cold milk for a truly cozy experience that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper and a dusting of powdered sugar for a charming bakery feel at home. You can also stack them in a tiered dish for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping them soft and fresh.
Freezing
Wrap individual or whole batches tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm rolls gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds to revive that freshly baked softness.
FAQs
Can I make the dough the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough up to the first rise, then refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before continuing the recipe.
What type of cinnamon works best?
Ground cinnamon is perfect, but using Ceylon cinnamon can add a milder, sweeter flavor if you prefer.
Is the glaze necessary?
While optional, the sweet glaze adds a signature finishing touch that enhances both flavor and visual appeal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, with the right gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast baking, though texture may vary slightly.
How do I prevent my rolls from being dry?
Make sure not to overbake and keep all rise times consistent for moist, tender rolls every time.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with Sweet Glaze is a heartfelt embrace in every bite, inviting warm smiles and satisfied sighs. It’s wonderfully adaptable and perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers who want a truly delightful treat. So, grab your mixing bowls and ingredients, and treat yourself to these soft, sweet rolls topped with that irresistible glaze—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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PrintCinnamon Rolls Recipe with Sweet Glaze
Experience the ultimate comfort with these Cinnamon Rolls topped with a sweet, glossy glaze. Soft, fluffy dough combined with a rich cinnamon filling and a smooth, sweet glaze creates a perfect breakfast or dessert treat. This easy-to-follow recipe is great for beginners and customizable to suit your taste, making homemade cinnamon rolls accessible and irresistibly delicious.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
Cinnamon Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Sweet Glaze Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tbsp whole milk, warmed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) and combine with yeast, sugar, and a tablespoon of flour. Let it bloom for 10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle, creating an ideal base for the filling.
- Add the Cinnamon Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture generously to cover every inch, ensuring a flavorful bite.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from a longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. Arrange them in a greased baking dish, leaving space to rise.
- Second Rise: Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed and fluffy.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Avoid opening the oven door frequently.
- Prepare the Sweet Glaze: While baking, whisk powdered sugar, warm milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust thickness as needed by adding more milk or powdered sugar.
- Glaze and Serve: Pour the sweet glaze generously over the warm rolls right out of the oven, allowing it to soak in and add a glossy sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use fresh active dry yeast for best rise and texture.
- Don’t overfill with cinnamon sugar to prevent sogginess.
- Roll dough tightly for clean and even cinnamon spirals.
- Apply glaze while rolls are warm for better absorption and shine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, sweet glaze, cinnamon roll recipe, homemade cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastry, soft cinnamon rolls
