cinnamon rolls with cinnamon glaze

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 1.5–2 hours
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 2.5–3 hours
Servings: 12 rolls
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (Intermediate)
Category: Breakfast | Brunch | Dessert
Cuisine: American Comfort Baking

Introduction

If you’re serious about cinnamon rolls, this is your recipe. These soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls are swirled with buttery brown sugar cinnamon, drizzled with a warm cinnamon glaze, then slathered with luscious cream cheese frosting.

They’re sweet, tender, and bursting with cinnamon in every bite. The double topping—glaze + frosting—melts into the rolls, creating gooey, sticky perfection. Whether it’s for holiday mornings, birthdays, or weekend brunch, these rolls will become a family favorite.

Ingredients

 For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 4–4½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

 For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 2½ tbsp ground cinnamon

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened

 For the Cinnamon Glaze:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tbsp butter, melted

• 2 tbsp milk (or cream)

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

 For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 1–2 tbsp milk (for spreading consistency)

Time Breakdown

Want fresh morning rolls? See Overnight Option below.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt.

3. Stir in 4 cups flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add the final ½ cup only if needed.

4. Knead for 8–10 minutes (by hand or mixer with dough hook) until smooth and elastic.

5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled.

Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix together:

• Brown sugar

• Cinnamon

• Softened butter

Set aside.

Roll Out & Shape

1. On a floured surface, roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle.

2. Spread filling mixture evenly across the dough.

3. Roll up tightly from the long edge into a log.

4. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.

5. Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Second Rise

Cover rolls loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and center rolls are cooked through.

• Let cool for 5–10 minutes before glazing.

Make Cinnamon Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Powdered sugar

• Melted butter

• Cinnamon

• Milk

• Vanilla

• Pinch of salt

Drizzle over warm rolls while still slightly hot. This glaze melts into the rolls for extra gooeyness.

Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat together:

• Cream cheese

• Butter

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla

• Milk (as needed)

• Salt

Once glaze sets slightly (5–10 mins), slather rolls generously with frosting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with:

• Fresh coffee or espresso

• Orange juice or milk

• Fresh fruit on the side

• Bacon or sausage for a brunch spread

Storage & Reheating

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Fridge: Keeps for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted rolls individually or in a tray (wrap tightly) for up to 2 months.

To reheat: Microwave individual rolls for 15–25 seconds, or warm a whole tray in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.

Overnight Option

To prep ahead:

1. After placing sliced rolls in the pan, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.

2. Next morning, let them come to room temp and rise for 45–60 minutes.

3. Bake and frost as directed.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Roll with Glaze + Frosting)

Values vary depending on specific brands and portion size.