Spring Cinnamon Rolls
Spring Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls with a warm cinnamon-sugar swirl and a light, sweet glaze perfect for spring brunch. This Spring Cinnamon Rolls recipe adds a fresh seasonal twist with optional citrus zest and a delicate glaze that melts into the warm rolls. Ideal for Easter brunch, weekend breakfasts, or family gatherings, these rolls are soft, gooey, and full of comforting cinnamon flavor.
Ingredients
- For the dough
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the filling
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
- For the glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ teaspoon lemon or orange zest
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter, egg, sugar, and salt, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and allow them to rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and optional citrus zest to create the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Do not add too much flour, which can make the rolls dense.
- Allow the dough to complete both rises for soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls.
- You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate them, then bake fresh in the morning.