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Stunning plated serving of Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze, a chef-tested recipe by Chef Jorj Morgan.
Jorj Morgan

Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze

A in yeast-leavened dough architecture and hygroscopic sugar fillings. These rolls achieve a superior, cloud-like crumb through a dual-rise process and are finished with a stable vanilla-bean glaze.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 14 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Ingredients
  

The Yeast-Leavened Dough
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter chilled and cubed
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
The Crystalline Filling
  • 1 cup brown sugar firmly packed
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
The Final Emulsion and Glaze
  • 1 tablespoon half and half for brushing
  • 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons half and half

Equipment

  • 1 Large rectangular ceramic baking pan
  • 1 Heavy wooden rolling pin
  • 1 Electric stand mixer
  • 1 Professional pastry brush (for buttering)
  • 1 Heavy-duty wire cooling rack

Method
 

The Initial Fermentation and Dough Build
  1. Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water and allow it to activate until foamy.
  2. In a stand mixer, combine the milk, granulated sugar, cubed butter, salt, and eggs.
  3. Integrate 2 cups of the flour and mix until a homogenous, smooth foundation is achieved.
  4. Add the activated yeast and gradually incorporate the remaining flour until a soft, pliable dough forms.
The Kneading and Primary Rise
  1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Execute a manual knead for 10 minutes to develop the gluten structure.
  2. Place the dough in an oiled vessel, cover, and allow for a primary rise until the volume has doubled, approximately 40 to 60 minutes.
The Filling and Architectural Rolling
  1. In a food processor, pulse the brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until integrated.
  2. Pulse in the chilled butter cubes until the mixture achieves a coarse, sandy crumb texture.
  3. Roll the risen dough into a 10x14-inch rectangle. Distribute the filling crumb evenly across the surface.
  4. Execute a tight, mechanical roll in a jelly-roll fashion, starting from the narrow edge. Pinch the ends to seal the architecture.
The Secondary Rise and Thermal Cycle
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Slice the dough cylinder into uniform 1-inch pieces.
  2. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a 13x9-inch baking dish coated with vegetable oil.
  3. Cover and allow for a secondary rise of 30 minutes.
  4. Brush the rolls with 1 tablespoon of half and half to promote a golden Maillard reaction.
  5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crumb is set and the exterior is golden.
The Glaze Emulsion
  1. Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and half and half until a smooth, glossy glaze is formed.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve immediately to maintain thermal comfort.