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Close-up image of a warm, freshly baked apple cinnamon roll topped with creamy vanilla icing being held by a hand, with more cinnamon rolls blurred in the background.

Soft & Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze – Easy Bakery-Style Recipe

Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls drizzled with sweet vanilla glaze—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or holiday mornings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cuisine American
Servings 12 rolls
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 packet active dry yeast 2 ¼ tsp
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 1 tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Filling

  • ½ cup softened butter
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 –3 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Activate the Yeast: Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  • Prepare the Dough: Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in flour and knead until smooth. Cover and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
  • Make the Filling: Combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
  • Shape the Rolls: Roll dough into a rectangle, spread filling, roll tightly, and slice into equal pieces.
  • Second Rise: Place rolls in a baking dish, cover, and let rise 30–40 minutes.
  • Bake: Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.
  • Make the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Serve: Drizzle warm rolls generously with glaze. Enjoy!

Notes

Tips & Variations
Extra Soft Rolls: Use room-temperature ingredients and avoid over-flouring.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the glaze for a tangy cream cheese topping.
Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before; bake fresh in the morning.
Add-ins: Pecans, raisins, chocolate chips, or orange zest for extra flavor.
Bread Flour: Creates a softer, stretchier texture.
Storage
Room Temperature: 2–3 days in an airtight container
Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
Freezer: Freeze baked rolls (without glaze) up to 2 months
Reheat: Microwave 10–15 seconds to restore softness