If you adore those warm, gooey treats that make your kitchen smell like a bakery every morning, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling and Creamy Glaze Recipe. These rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy, featuring a buttery brown sugar cinnamon filling that melts in your mouth, all topped with a luscious creamy glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you’re making a special breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cinnamon rolls bring comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling and Creamy Glaze Recipe lies not only in the taste but in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, combining to create that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance. From the rich butter to the warm spices, every element contributes to an irresistible cinnamon roll experience.
- 2 ¾ cups flour: This forms the soft, sturdy base of your dough, essential for that fluffy texture.
- ¼ cup sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the spices without overpowering.
- 2 ¼ tsp yeast: The magic that helps the dough rise and become delightfully airy.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
- ¾ cup warm milk: Feeds the yeast and creates a tender dough with moisture.
- 3 tbsp butter, melted: Adds richness to the dough for a tender crumb.
- 1 egg: Binds ingredients together and gives the dough a beautiful color and structure.
- 3 tbsp butter, softened (for filling): Makes the filling decadently rich and helps hold the spices in place.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Pumps up the sweetness and adds that classic caramel note.
- 1 tbsp cinnamon: The warm spice that defines these rolls and fills your kitchen with heavenly aroma.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: For the creamy glaze that adds a silky finish on top.
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream: To thin out the glaze just right for drizzling or spreading.
- ½ tsp vanilla: Boosts the flavor and adds a smooth, sweet depth to the glaze.
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling and Creamy Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You want the yeast to bubble up and get frothy because that tells you it’s alive and ready to make your dough rise beautifully fluffy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, add the flour, egg, melted butter, and salt. Knead everything together for about 3 to 4 minutes, either by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook until you have a smooth, elastic dough. This kneading process develops the gluten, giving your cinnamon rolls their irresistible chewiness.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for one hour. It should nearly double in size, becoming soft and puffy — this is what sets up your rolls to be perfectly airy and tender.
Step 4: Roll Out and Fill
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top. This generous layer is where all the gooey, cinnamon goodness starts to shine.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly from one edge to the other, creating a long cylinder packed with that delicious filling. Slice the roll into 10 to 12 even pieces — these will be your individual cinnamon rolls, ready to bake.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the sliced rolls in a greased baking pan, spaced close but not squished, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. They’ll get cozy and puff up again, preparing for a perfect bake.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your rolls at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a beautiful golden brown and the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla to create a creamy glaze. Drizzle or spread this over the rolls generously — it’s the ultimate finishing touch that ties all the flavors together.
How to Serve Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling and Creamy Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts gives an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor to these cinnamon rolls. Freshly grated nutmeg or a dash of extra cinnamon on top can add a lovely aromatic punch that wakes up your senses even more.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls with a side of fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced apples to create a balanced plate. A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a creamy latte pairs beautifully, turning your breakfast into a full experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try baking the rolls in individual ramekins or mason jars for a charming presentation. You can also layer the rolls and glaze in a trifle dish for an indulgent cinnamon roll dessert parfait that delights both the eyes and taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cinnamon rolls stay soft and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For best results, warm them slightly before serving to refresh that soft texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked, sliced rolls by wrapping the pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then baking straight from frozen after thawing overnight in the fridge. Baked rolls also freeze well — just wrap each roll individually to prevent drying out.
Reheating
To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and soft. Alternatively, microwave them covered with a damp paper towel for 20 to 30 seconds for a quick fix.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! If you’re using instant yeast, you can mix it directly into the flour without dissolving it first. It may shorten the rising time a bit, so keep an eye on the dough.
What’s the best way to get the dough to rise faster?
Place the covered dough in a warm spot, like inside an oven with the light on or near a sunny window. Yeast loves warmth but avoid temperatures above 110°F so it doesn’t die.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk and butter with your favorite plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan margarine for a dairy-free version that’s just as delicious.
How do I prevent the glaze from being too runny?
Start by adding just 1 tablespoon of milk or cream to your powdered sugar, then add more little by little until you reach the perfect creamy but spreadable consistency.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts or raisins gives a nice texture contrast and bursts of flavor. Just sprinkle them over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling the dough.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling and Creamy Glaze Recipe is truly one of those heartwarming delights that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with your family on a lazy weekend morning or surprising friends with a sweet treat, these rolls will never fail to impress. Give this recipe a try and fill your home with love, warmth, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls.
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Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Filling and Creamy Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hrs
- Yield: 10–12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls swirled with a buttery brown sugar cinnamon filling and topped with a creamy vanilla glaze — the ultimate homemade breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 3 tbsp butter, softened
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir lightly and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Knead the dough for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare filling and roll dough: Roll the risen dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top.
- Form rolls: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 10 to 12 equal-sized rolls with a sharp knife.
- Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Glaze and serve: Mix powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract in a small bowl to create the glaze. Drizzle over the warm rolls before serving for a luscious finish.
Notes
- For an overnight version, refrigerate the sliced rolls before the second rise and bake the next day.
- Enhance richness by using a cream cheese frosting instead of glaze.
- To make a low-carb version, almond flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
