Soft, gooey centers, layers of warm cinnamon, and a sweet orange glaze makes these the only cinnamon rolls you will ever want to eat.
Cinnamon rolls have been a huge part of my life. I first learned to make them while working at a small vegan bakery in a neighboring town. I fell in love with the orange glaze they used—it wasn’t too heavy, and the citrus perfectly complemented the cinnamon.
Then came our Christmas morning cinnamon roll tradition. I experimented with different doughs, proofing times, and the perfect ratio of cinnamon to brown sugar until this recipe was born. What started as a once-a-year treat quickly became a staple in our home. Now, cinnamon rolls and sausages are not just for special occasions—they make the perfect dinner option too.
Parts of a Perfect Cinnamon Roll
There are three key parts to a cinnamon roll: the dough, the filling, and glaze.
- Sweet Dough: Soft, chewy, with a slight sweet- this enriched dough makes the perfect base for cinnamon rolls.. The combination of butter, sugar, and milk
creates a rich flavor and tender texture while making the dough easier to work with. - Cinnamon Filling: A bold cinnamon flavor is key to an unforgettable cinnamon roll. My recipe uses 2 tablespoons of cinnamon mixed with brown sugar, layered over melted butter to create a gooey, spiced filling.
- Glaze: A light orange glaze enhances the cinnamon without overpowering it, adding a bright, citrusy contrast to the sweet, spiced rolls.
Instructions
- Make the dough and let is rise until doubled in size
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle and top with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon
- Roll tightly into a log.
- Cut into 12 equal portions and let is rise again.
- Bake
- Cool slightly and top with the glaze
Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
Everyone loves fresh, warm cinnamon rolls, but no one wants to wake up at 3 a.m. to make them! That’s why I usually let them proof overnight. Once the rolls are shaped and ready for their second rise, cover them with plastic wrap and place them in the fridge. Let them rise overnight for 12–16 hours.
The next morning, about two hours before serving, remove the rolls from the fridge. Let them come to room temperature for 60–90 minutes, then bake as directed.
Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- stand mixer
- 9 x 13 Baking DIsh
Ingredients
Sweet Dough
- 1 cup warm whole milk
- 2/3 cup sugar divided
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted, but cool
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dry active yeast
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/4 cup all purpose flour
Filling
- 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
Make the Dough
- Proof the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine yeast, warm milk, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let sit for five minutes or until bubbly.
- Mix Ingredients together: Add eggs, salt, remaining sugar, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Using a wooden spoon mix together until combined. Add in the remaining two cups of flour.
- Knead the dough: Using the dough hook, knead the dough on low for about 7-10 minutes or until a soft, smooth dough is formed.
- First Rise: Remove the dough from the mixer bowl, lightly grease the bowl, and replace the dough. Let the it rise until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
Shape the Cinnamon Rolls
- Prepare the pan: Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.
- Make Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set Aside
- Roll out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle. The dough should be about 1/2 inch thick.
- Add Butter and Filling: Evenly spread the melted butter over the top of the dough going all the way to the edges. Then sprinkle the cinnamon/brown sugar mixture of the the butter.
- Make the rolls: Tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place into the baking dish.
- Let is Rise: Cover the rolls and let rise for an another hour.
Bake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350℉
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. They have taken up to 35 minutes for me. Let cool for 15 minutes before glazinf
Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice and confectioners sugar until smooth.
- Spread the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
Notes
- Cinnamon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but will keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Make Ahead: After you have shaped the rolls, they can rise overnight night covered in the fridge. Bring them to room temperature prior to baking.
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