Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a cinnamon roll that’s impossibly fluffy, decadently soft, and absolutely unforgettable, Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls are here to steal your heart and your taste buds. Imagine tender, sweet layers swirling with aromatic cinnamon and brown sugar, all thanks to a secret ingredient—instant vanilla pudding—in the dough. Each bite practically melts in your mouth, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that ties everything together. These rolls are destined to become a family favorite, whether for weekend brunches, special occasions, or simply to treat yourself on a cozy morning.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls is that every ingredient plays an essential role in building the perfect texture and flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each element matters.

• Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz package): Adds unbeatable softness and subtle vanilla flavor to the dough.
• Whole milk (2 cups): Gives richness and moisture, ensuring the rolls are tender and fluffy.
• Active dry yeast (2 tablespoons): The secret to a lofty, pillowy rise—make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Warm water (1/2 cup, 110°F): Activates the yeast, kick-starting the rising process.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast so it can work its magic.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Brings that unmistakable buttery flavor and adds richness to the dough.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances every other ingredient.
• Eggs (2 large): Provide structure and more delicious softness to each roll.
• All-purpose flour (6 cups): The backbone of your dough; add gradually to get the perfect consistency.
• Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup, for filling): Helps the cinnamon and brown sugar cling to the dough, creating gooey, caramelized swirls.
• Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds a deeper, molasses-y sweetness to the cinnamon swirl.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star spice—don’t be shy, this is where the bakery aroma comes from!
• Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Creates a tangy, creamy frosting that pairs beautifully with the warm rolls.
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened, for frosting): Adds a silky texture and flavor to the cream cheese topping.
• Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the rich frosting.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Extra vanilla goodness, highlighting the pudding in the dough.
• Milk (2–3 tablespoons, for frosting): Adjusts the frosting’s consistency for perfect spreading.

How to Make Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding

Start by whisking together the instant vanilla pudding mix with whole milk in a medium bowl. Make sure to beat until completely smooth with no lumps in sight. Let this mixture sit for about five minutes—watch as it thickens to a lush, velvety texture that will make your Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls uniquely soft and irresistible.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Give it a gentle stir and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until it turns foamy on top. This is the sign that the yeast is awake and ready to help your rolls rise high and fluffy—don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Mix the Dough

Add the granulated sugar, softened butter, salt, eggs, and your thickened vanilla pudding mixture into the bowl with the foamy yeast. Stir until everything is beautifully combined. Now, gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough that just pulls away from the sides of your bowl.

Step 4: Knead and First Rise

Turn your dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 6 to 8 minutes, adding flour as needed to keep it from sticking. You’re looking for a dough that’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until doubled in size. This patience pays off with gorgeously fluffy Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls.

Step 5: Shape and Fill

Punch down your risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a big rectangle, about 18 by 12 inches. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle liberally with brown sugar and cinnamon. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log—think jelly roll style. Use a sharp knife to cut into 12 even rolls, reveling in those stunning spirals of cinnamon goodness.

Step 6: Second Rise

Arrange the cut rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each. Cover and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes, until they’re puffed up and snuggling close together. It’s this second rise that guarantees super tender Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls every time.

Step 7: Bake and Frost

While your rolls are rising, preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and the kitchen smells heavenly. Meanwhile, whip together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to achieve a luscious, spreadable frosting. As soon as the warm rolls come out of the oven, lavish them with frosting so it melts into every crevice.

How to Serve Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon on top of the frosted rolls or add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a pinch of orange zest can also really elevate the look and taste, making your Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls feel bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a big bowl of fresh fruit or a fruit salad to cut through the sweetness. If you’re serving for brunch, some crispy bacon or breakfast sausage makes for a savory companion. And of course, a big mug of hot coffee or tea is always a must alongside Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, consider serving the rolls on a pretty cake stand or a rustic wooden board, sprinkled with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Try making mini rolls for brunch buffets, or serve with individual ramekins of extra frosting for dunking. Stack two rolls together for a decadent double-decker treat—because sometimes, more is more!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days. If you plan to eat them one by one, slice as needed and keep the rest tightly covered to preserve their tender crumb.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these rolls! Once baked and cooled (before frosting), wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost and warm before serving. You can also freeze the unbaked, shaped rolls; just put them in the pan, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw and let rise as usual before baking and frosting.

Reheating

To enjoy warm Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls, microwave individual rolls for 15-25 seconds, or reheat a pan covered with foil in a 300°F oven until just warmed through. If your rolls already have frosting, they’ll become slightly melty and even more decadent—like a gooey, bakery-fresh treat!

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor pudding mix for these cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! While the classic Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls are a winner, you can try butterscotch or even chocolate instant pudding for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that changing the pudding will subtly alter the flavor and color, but the rolls will still turn out soft and scrumptious.

Do I need to use a stand mixer to make the dough?

No mixer? No problem! You can bring these rolls to life with just a sturdy bowl and a wooden spoon, plus a little elbow grease for the kneading. If you do have a stand mixer with a dough hook, it will save you effort, but hand-kneading delivers equally pillowy Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls!

Can I prepare the rolls the night before and bake them in the morning?

Definitely! Prepare the rolls through the step of placing them in the pan, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the rolls come to room temperature and rise a bit before baking as directed. It’s a fantastic way to have fresh, warm Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls for breakfast with almost zero morning effort.

What do I do if my dough isn’t rising?

If your dough seems stubborn, double-check that your yeast is fresh and that you’ve given it a warm, draft-free spot to rise. Sometimes, simply waiting a bit longer is all it takes. If your kitchen is chilly, let the dough rise in a gently warmed (but off) oven or over a bowl of warm water to speed things up.

Can these rolls be made gluten free?

Yes, but with some adjustments! Use a gluten free all-purpose flour blend that’s suitable for yeasted doughs, and check the pudding mix for gluten additives. The texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still enjoy delicious, soft cinnamon rolls with all the flavor of the original Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to take that first warm, gooey bite of these Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls—there’s just something magical about them that brings everyone to the kitchen. Whether for special occasions or a weekend treat, making these beauties really feels like an act of love. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised when they become the most-requested recipe in your home!

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