If you are searching for the ultimate cinnamon rolls with vanilla bean icing, this recipe delivers everything you want in a homemade treat. Soft, fluffy dough, a rich cinnamon sugar swirl, and a silky vanilla bean icing come together to create bakery quality rolls you can confidently make at home. These cinnamon rolls are perfect for weekend breakfasts, holidays, or anytime you want a comforting and impressive baked good.
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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Bean Icing Recipe
These cinnamon rolls are the kind that make your kitchen smell incredible while baking. The dough is enriched with milk, butter, and eggs, giving it a tender crumb that stays soft even the next day. The cinnamon filling is balanced and flavorful, not overpowering, and the vanilla bean icing adds a creamy, fragrant finish that sets these rolls apart from standard recipes.
You will also love how flexible this recipe is. You can prep the rolls ahead of time, freeze them for later, or customize the filling and icing to suit your family’s preferences. Whether you are an experienced baker or new to working with yeast, this recipe is approachable and reliable.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Bean Icing
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 to 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, very soft
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
Vanilla Bean Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk or cream
- Seeds from 1 vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
If you do not have a whole vanilla bean, vanilla bean paste is the closest substitute and gives the same speckled look. Pure vanilla extract also works, though the flavor will be slightly less intense.
For a dairy free version, substitute plant based milk and vegan butter at a one to one ratio. The texture will remain soft and fluffy.
If you prefer a slightly less sweet roll, you can reduce the brown sugar in the filling by 2 tablespoons without affecting structure.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes until foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to work.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add the melted butter, eggs, salt, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour, about ¼ cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and feels soft but not dry.
Step 3: Knead and First Rise
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Make sure the butter is very soft so it spreads easily.
Step 5: Roll and Fill
Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle about 16 by 12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, pressing it gently into the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the rolls loosely and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy and touching each other.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 22 to 26 minutes, until lightly golden on top and cooked through in the center.
Step 9: Make the Vanilla Bean Icing
While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla bean seeds, and enough milk to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
Step 10: Ice and Serve
Spread the icing over the warm rolls so it melts into every swirl. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use room temperature eggs to help the dough mix evenly.
- Do not overheat the milk or it may kill the yeast.
- Roll the dough evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- For extra soft rolls, avoid adding too much flour.
- Ice the rolls while warm, not hot, for the perfect melt.
Flavor Variations
- Orange Vanilla Rolls: Add orange zest to the filling and a splash of orange juice to the icing.
- Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling.
- Spiced Rolls: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Maple Icing: Replace half the vanilla icing with maple syrup for a warm twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cinnamon rolls warm with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit for brunch or a holiday breakfast spread. For dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
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. Reheat gently in the microwave before serving.
To freeze, wrap baked and cooled rolls tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before icing or serving.
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Ultimate Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Bean Icing
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with a rich cinnamon sugar swirl and a silky vanilla bean icing, perfect for weekend breakfasts, holidays, or any time you want a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 to 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, very soft
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk or cream
- Seeds from 1 vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Combine warm milk and granulated sugar in a bowl, sprinkle yeast on top, and let stand until foamy.
- Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and part of the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Gradually add remaining flour until dough is soft but not dry.
- Knead dough until smooth and elastic, then let rise until doubled.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
- Roll dough into a rectangle and spread with softened butter.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over buttered dough.
- Roll tightly into a log and cut into even rolls.
- Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise until puffy.
- Bake until lightly golden and cooked through.
- Whisk powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla bean, and milk to make icing.
- Spread icing over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
Do not overheat the milk or the yeast may not activate. For the softest rolls, avoid adding too much flour and ice the rolls while warm.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
FAQ About Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Bean Icing
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
Why are my cinnamon rolls dense?
Dense rolls are usually caused by too much flour or under proofing. The dough should be soft and allowed to fully double during the first rise.
Can I freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls?
Yes, freeze them after shaping. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let rise at room temperature before baking.
What makes vanilla bean icing special?
Vanilla bean adds a deeper, more aromatic flavor and visible specks that give the icing a bakery style look and taste.
Final Thoughts
These ultimate cinnamon rolls with vanilla bean icing are soft, comforting, and truly special. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you can create a homemade treat that feels indulgent and celebratory. Once you try them, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.