Cinnamon Rolls Soft Fluffy (Print version)

Soft, fluffy spiraled buns filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
03 - 1 cup lukewarm whole milk
04 - ⅓ cup granulated sugar
05 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
06 - 1 large egg, room temperature
07 - ½ tsp salt

→ Filling

08 - ½ cup packed brown sugar
09 - 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
10 - ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

→ Glaze

11 - 1 cup powdered sugar
12 - 2 to 3 tbsp milk
13 - ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine lukewarm milk and active dry yeast in a small bowl; let stand for 5 minutes until frothy.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture; stir until a dough forms.
03 - Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
04 - Punch down dough and roll into a 16 by 12 inch rectangle.
05 - Spread softened butter evenly over dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly atop the buttered dough.
06 - Starting at the long edge, tightly roll dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
07 - Arrange rolls in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
08 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
09 - Bake rolls for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
10 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to a smooth glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

# Tips from the pros:

01 -
  • The dough transforms into pillowy soft clouds that practically melt in your mouth
  • That moment you unroll them from the oven and the cinnamon sugar has caramelized into gooey pockets is pure magic
  • They freeze beautifully, so you can have fresh baked comfort on busy weekdays
02 -
  • Over risen dough becomes boozy tasting and dense. Watch it closely during that first rise, especially in warm kitchens.
  • Slicing rolls with a regular knife squishes them. Use unflavored dental floss, slide it under the log, cross ends, and pull through for perfect slices.
  • Under baked centers are disappointing. If they look done but a knife comes out wet, give them a few more minutes. Better slightly over baked than raw dough.
03 -
  • Mix brown sugar and cinnamon ahead of time and store in a jar. Future you will be so grateful when the dough is ready and you can just sprinkle and roll.
  • Use a kitchen thermometer to check your milk temperature. Between 100 and 110°F is the sweet spot for happy, active yeast.
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