Soft, fluffy, and filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, these cinnamon rolls with glaze are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The rich glaze drizzled over the warm rolls takes them to the next level, making each bite irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are incredibly tender and full of warm, comforting flavors. Whether you’re serving them fresh from the oven or reheating the next day, they remain soft and flavorful. The simple glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the rolls. They are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any time you want to enjoy a bakery-style treat at home.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Salt
Whole milk
Unsalted butter
Active dry yeast
Large eggs
Ground cinnamon
Brown sugar
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar
Cream or milk (for glaze)

directions

Warm the milk until lukewarm and dissolve the active dry yeast. Let it sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the milk-yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Mix to form a dough.
Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
Spread softened butter over the dough. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
Roll up the dough tightly from the long edge. Slice into equal rolls.
Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cream or milk until smooth.
Drizzle glaze over the warm rolls before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 cinnamon rolls.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: about 3 hours

Variations

Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace the milk glaze with a rich cream cheese glaze by combining cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract.
Nutty Filling: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a crunchy twist.
Fruit Addition: Add a layer of finely chopped apples or raisins before rolling up the dough.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg substitute to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
Spiced Glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for extra depth of flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave individual rolls for about 15–20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. For best results, add a light splash of milk or cover with foil to retain moisture when reheating in the oven.

FAQs

How do I make sure my dough rises properly?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the milk is warm—not hot—when mixing. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.

Can I prepare the cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the second rise and refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking the next day.

What type of yeast should I use?

Active dry yeast works best for this recipe. Instant yeast can also be used, but it may reduce rising time slightly.

Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Yes. Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping or freeze baked rolls (without glaze). Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake or reheat before glazing.

Why did my rolls turn out dry?

Overbaking is a common cause. Make sure to bake just until golden and soft. Also, ensure there’s enough moisture in the dough and glaze.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly chewier. All-purpose flour gives a tender, soft result.

How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Adjust the thickness of the glaze by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more milk/cream to thin it out.

Can I add other spices to the filling?

Absolutely. Nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice can complement the cinnamon nicely.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

Add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is manageable but still soft and slightly tacky.

Can I bake the rolls in a muffin tin?

Yes, this can give a nice shape and individual portions. Reduce the baking time slightly and check for doneness early.

Conclusion

Cinnamon rolls with glaze are a timeless classic that delivers on comfort and flavor every time. With a soft, pillowy texture and sweet, aromatic filling, they’re the perfect treat for sharing—or savoring solo. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced cook, this recipe provides simple steps to create irresistible cinnamon rolls from scratch.

Cinnamon Rolls with Glaze