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Easy Cinnamon Rolls (Soft, Fluffy & Irresistible)

Soft homemade cinnamon rolls with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and a thick vanilla glaze.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 cup whole milk warm
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter very soft
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Glaze
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 Rolling Pin
  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish
  • 1 small bowl for filling and glaze
  • 1 Knife or unflavored dental floss for slicing rolls

Method
 

Make the dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Whisk in the eggs, melted butter, and salt. Add 4 cups of flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes, adding more flour only if needed, until smooth, soft, and slightly tacky.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the filling and shape the rolls
  1. Stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
  3. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top in an even layer.
  4. Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam closed.
  5. Slice the log into 12 even rolls and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
  6. Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 40 minutes, until puffy.
Bake and glaze
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F while the rolls finish rising.
  2. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until lightly golden on top and cooked through in the center.
  3. Let the rolls cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
  4. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
  5. Spread or drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve.

Notes

Use warm milk, not hot, so the yeast activates properly. Keep the dough slightly tacky for softer rolls. For overnight prep, refrigerate shaped rolls before the second rise and let them sit at room temperature before baking. Do not underbake; check that the center rolls are fully cooked.