Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 43 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 46 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x
  • Category: Bakery / Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Rolls are a classic breakfast treat featuring tender, fluffy dough swirled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a smooth, sweet glaze. Perfectly risen and baked to golden perfection, these cinnamon rolls offer a warm, comforting indulgence that’s ideal for weekends or special occasions.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dough

  • 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
  • 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Filling

  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tbsp milk or cream
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients evenly.
  3. Make the Dough: Add flour and salt to the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
  4. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a cloth or plastic wrap and leave it in a warm place to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  5. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly for the filling.
  6. Roll Out Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 14 by 10-inch rectangle.
  7. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the softened butter over the rolled dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
  8. Form Rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Slice the log into 9 equal rolls.
  9. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased or parchment-lined 9-inch square baking dish. Cover loosely and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until they become puffy.
  10. Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.
  11. Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 22–25 minutes or until the tops are golden and the rolls are baked through. Avoid overbaking to maintain softness and tenderness.
  12. Prepare Glaze & Serve: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk temperature is around 110°F (43°C) to properly activate yeast without killing it.
  • The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky; add flour sparingly if needed to prevent excessive dryness.
  • For extra gooeyness, bake the rolls slightly less time but ensure they are cooked through.
  • Cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in a microwave or oven.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with vegan alternatives.