Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Glaze

Is there anything more inviting than the smell of warm cinnamon rolls baking in the oven? These Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls are the definition of indulgent comfort. Made with a pillowy yeast dough, filled with cinnamon-sugar goodness, and finished with a creamy glaze that melts into the spirals, these rolls are everything you dream of in a homemade treat.

They’re perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or just a cozy baking day when you want to make something truly special. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make and worth every minute.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly soft dough: Light, fluffy, and never dry—thanks to milk and butter.
• Perfect cinnamon filling: Sweet, sticky, and packed with warm spice.
• Creamy vanilla glaze: Soaks into the rolls while they’re warm and adds the perfect finishing touch.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prep the rolls the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
• Heavenly aroma: Your entire home will smell like a bakery.

Ingredient List (With Purpose)

For the Dough:

• Whole milk: Adds moisture and helps create that soft, tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and lightly sweetens the dough.
• Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise into pillowy perfection.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and softness to the dough.
• Eggs: Bind the dough and contribute to its fluffy texture.
• All-purpose flour: The structure-building ingredient that still keeps things tender.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• Unsalted butter: Softened and spreadable to stick the filling to the dough.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes to the filling.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives the rolls their classic warmth.
• Optional: Ground nutmeg or cardamom for added spice complexity.

For the Creamy Glaze:

• Powdered sugar: Smooth and perfect for glazing.
• Cream cheese or butter (optional): Adds richness and tang.
• Milk or cream: Loosens the glaze to the perfect consistency.
• Vanilla extract: For sweetness and that classic aroma.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Warm the milk until just lukewarm (not hot). Add sugar and sprinkle yeast over the top. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix the yeast mixture with melted butter and eggs.
3. Gradually add flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8 minutes, or use a stand mixer with the dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until well blended.
2. Roll the risen dough into a rectangle (about 14×18 inches).
3. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, going all the way to the edges.

Step 3: Roll, Slice, and Arrange

1. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log.
2. Cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
3. Place the rolls in a parchment-lined 9×13 baking dish, evenly spaced.
4. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy and touching.

Step 4: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake rolls for 22–28 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the middle.
3. Let cool slightly before glazing—but don’t wait too long, the glaze melts beautifully over warm rolls.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

1. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract.
2. For a richer glaze, add softened cream cheese or butter.
3. Drizzle generously over warm rolls and let it melt into the swirls.

Tips for Success

• Room temperature ingredients: Help everything mix and rise better.
• Don’t rush the rise: Letting the dough fully proof makes the rolls super fluffy.
• Dental floss for cutting: Ensures clean, round rolls with no squishing.
• Use bread flour for extra fluffiness, though all-purpose works beautifully.
• For overnight rolls: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate after step 3. Let rise at room temp 45 minutes before baking.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store glazed rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Freezer: Freeze unglazed rolls tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Reheat and glaze before serving.

Enjoy!

These Soft and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls are bakery-quality, right from your own oven. They’re warm, gooey, sweet, and spiced to perfection. Whether you’re enjoying them with coffee on a slow Sunday morning, serving them at brunch, or treating guests to a cozy dessert, these rolls will win hearts and taste buds alike.

And once you’ve tried them fresh and warm with that velvety glaze dripping into every swirl, you may never go back to store-bought again.