Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort treat—soft, tender swirls of rich, buttery dough infused with creamy vanilla flavor, all finished with a gooey cinnamon-sugar center and a swoosh of luscious cream cheese frosting. They are the kind of homemade bakery goodness that fills your kitchen with the kind of coziness that draws people in. Whether you’re baking up a special breakfast or just want a sweet moment to brighten the day, these buns are a must-try for anyone who loves a truly classic, irresistible cinnamon roll with a delightful vanilla twist.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for these Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls is probably already in your pantry, but each ingredient plays a big part in creating the pillowy, flavorful rolls you’ll never forget. Here’s why they matter—and how they help you bake up pure magic.

• Instant vanilla pudding mix: The secret ingredient for ultra-tender texture and creamy vanilla flavor that makes these rolls stand out.
• Whole milk: Adds richness to the dough and helps activate the pudding, ensuring each bite is moist and soft.
• Active dry yeast: The essential leavening that makes the rolls beautifully fluffy as they rise and bake.
• Warm water: Perfect for waking up the yeast and giving it a cozy environment to bloom.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetness for the dough, plus an extra boost for the yeast to thrive.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Keeps the dough soft and adds rich, buttery notes throughout.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor in the recipe.
• Large eggs: Bind the dough together while giving it a tender crumb.
• All-purpose flour: Gives just the right amount of structure for soft, chewy rolls—you can swap for bread flour if you like them even lighter.
• Unsalted butter, softened (for filling): Makes the flavorful cinnamon-sugar swirl silky and decadent.
• Brown sugar: Brings deep caramel tones to the cinnamon swirl filling.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that adds warmth and classic cinnamon roll charm.
• Chopped nuts or raisins (optional): For a little extra texture and flavor—totally up to your mood.
• Cream cheese frosting or glaze: The crowning glory: smooth, tangy-sweet, and totally irresistible on warm rolls.

How to Make Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Whisk the Pudding Base

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the instant vanilla pudding mix and whole milk. Do this until the mixture is completely smooth and thickened—think luscious, creamy custard. This secret step transforms the dough into something magical, giving the baked Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls their melt-in-your-mouth feel and that underlying vanilla layer in every bite.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In a separate bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (just shy of hot bath temp, about 110°F). Let this sit for 5 minutes, or until it turns foamy and fragrant. That’s your signal the yeast is alive and ready to work its lift-and-fluff magic. This step sets you up for perfectly pillowy dough every time.

Step 3: Combine Everything and Build the Dough

Add the now-bubbly yeast mixture, granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs right into the thickened pudding base. Stir until everything is well combined—the mixture will look a little lumpy, and that’s fine! Gradually, add in the flour one cup at a time, stirring after each addition. By the sixth cup, you should have a soft, workable dough that’s just barely sticky but easy to handle.

Step 4: Knead and Let it Rise

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. The goal: dough that’s smooth, elastic, and bounces back when pressed gently. This process is a labor of love—you’re developing the gluten that gives Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls their beautiful crumb. Place your dough in a well-greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled, about one hour.

Step 5: Roll Out, Fill, and Shape

Punch down the risen dough, then roll it into a large 18×12-inch rectangle on a floured countertop. Slather the dough with softened butter, coating right up to the edges. Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle this aromatic mixture evenly over the buttered surface. If you’re adding nuts or raisins, sprinkle them on now. Starting from the long edge, roll up the dough tightly, then slice into 12 equal pieces—these will become your signature rolls.

Step 6: Second Rise

Nestle those cut rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise ensures that each roll bakes up tall, soft, and full of swirly layers. The anticipation is real, but you’re almost there!

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once it’s hot, bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until they’re puffed and golden brown on top and your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. Let the rolls cool for a few minutes so the frosting won’t melt away instantly.

Step 8: Frost and Enjoy

Spread cream cheese frosting or your favorite glaze generously over the warm rolls. Watch it ooze into the crevices, making every bite sweet, tangy, and decadent. You did it—your Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls are ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

Freshly baked Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls are a treat all on their own, but you can dress them up with a sprinkling of chopped pecans, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even an extra swirl of your favorite cream cheese frosting. For brightness, add fresh berries or a little zest of orange for a subtle, citrusy lift.

Side Dishes

Pair your rolls with creamy scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, or a fresh fruit salad for a winning breakfast spread. If you’re celebrating, serve with coffee drinks and a pitcher of cold brew or a fancy brunch mimosa—the soft, gooey sweetness of these rolls balances beautifully with just about anything savory.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls warm and arranged on a pretty platter for brunch, stack them in a basket lined with a gingham cloth, or plate individually with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate. For parties, cut them in half and offer as bite-sized “cinnamon roll sliders” with tiny flags or cocktail picks—adorable and totally irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you), keep your Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them extra fresh and moist, layer a piece of parchment between the rolls and lightly cover with plastic or foil.

Freezing

These rolls freeze beautifully! Simply cool the unfrosted rolls completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can keep them frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and then frost before serving for that out-of-the-oven freshness.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a single roll in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or refresh a whole pan in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. The frosting softens, the rolls warm up, and they taste just like the day you baked them.

FAQs

Can I prepare Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls the night before?

Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls, cover the pan tightly, and refrigerate overnight after the first rise and shaping. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes, then bake as directed for a fresh, fuss-free breakfast treat.

Do I have to use the vanilla pudding mix, or can I skip it?

The vanilla pudding mix is what gives Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls their signature softness and slight vanilla richness. While you could bake classic cinnamon rolls without it, you’ll miss out on the unique tender crumb and subtle flavor that makes these rolls so special.

What’s the best way to cut cinnamon rolls cleanly?

For neat layers, use unflavored dental floss: slide it under the log of rolled dough, cross the ends on top, and pull tight for a clean cut. This keeps the spirals perfectly intact and prevents the dough from squishing.

Can I make these rolls with bread flour?

Definitely! Using bread flour will yield an even lighter, fluffier texture thanks to its higher protein content. Both all-purpose and bread flour work well in this Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls recipe, so use whichever you have on hand.

What kind of frosting works best?

Classic cream cheese frosting is the gold-standard for Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls, but a simple vanilla glaze, maple icing, or even a drizzle of caramel all make deliciously acceptable toppings. Feel free to get creative or keep it traditional—whatever suits your crowd.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like baking a batch of Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls to fill your kitchen with sweet, homey goodness—and to treat everyone you love to a seriously special breakfast (or anytime snack). Make them once and they’ll earn a spot in your family’s recipe collection forever. Give them a try soon, and see why this twist on the classic is so absolutely lovable!

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