Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a sweet, cozy treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, then this Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls elevated with the silkiness of instant vanilla pudding woven right into the dough—a little secret that makes these rolls irresistibly tender and rich. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s just the right amount of creamy and sweet, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for brunch, a special breakfast, or any time your sweet tooth calls for something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together in this Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls Recipe to create a delightful balance of texture and flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, from the yeast helping the dough rise to the vanilla pudding adding moisture and softness.

• Warm water: Activates the yeast for the perfect dough rise.
• Active dry yeast or instant yeast: Essential for that light and fluffy texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: A secret ingredient that makes the rolls incredibly tender.
• Butter (melted and softened): Provides richness and helps achieve a flaky, buttery finish.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the dough.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, giving it structure and chewiness.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel flavor to the cinnamon filling.
• Cinnamon: The classic spice that creates the warm, inviting aroma.
• Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, creamy and tangy for balance.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the frosting with floral sweetness.
• Confectioner’s sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
• Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency for easy spreading.

How to Make Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate Yeast

Start by combining the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Letting this mixture sit until it becomes bubbly—about 5 to 10 minutes—means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, ensuring that your dough will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare Dough

In a large bowl, prepare the instant vanilla pudding exactly as the package directs. This pudding adds moisture and a subtle vanilla flavor that’ll set your cinnamon rolls apart. Stir in the melted butter, eggs, and salt to build flavor and richness. Slowly add the bubbly yeast mixture, then gradually knead in the flour until you have a smooth, soft dough that’s pliable but not sticky.

Step 3: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and find a warm spot for it to puff up and double in size. This rise—usually about an hour—is where the yeast works its magic, creating that soft, airy texture you’re aiming for.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

Once risen, punch down the dough lightly and roll it out into a generous 34 by 21-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then mix your brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle that sweet, spicy mix all over. This cinnamon sugar filling will caramelize into sticky, delicious swirls.

Step 5: Shape Rolls

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting with one long side, so your filling stays in. Use dental floss or a serrated knife to slice the log into 1 ½-inch thick sections—this avoids squashing the rolls. Line them up on a greased baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to give them room to grow.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the tray with a clean towel, then let the rolls rise again until they nearly double in size—about 30 minutes. This final rise is key to fluffy, tender rolls bursting with cinnamon goodness.

Step 7: Bake

Pop those beauties into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. When they emerge, they should be lightly golden and smelling delicious—the hard part is letting them cool just enough to frost!

Step 8: Make Frosting

While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese and butter until perfectly smooth. Add vanilla and slowly mix in confectioner’s sugar until the frosting is fluffy and creamy. Adjust the thickness with a splash of milk to make spreading easy and even.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

The finest part of the Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is slathering that tangy cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls—watch it melt slightly, glistening and making each bite just heavenly.

How to Serve Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle your cinnamon rolls with chopped pecans or a dusting of extra cinnamon. Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also add a pop of color and an exciting contrast to the creamy frosting.

Side Dishes

Serve these vanilla pudding cinnamon rolls alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a cold glass of milk. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait to add a fresh counterpoint to their richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few cinnamon rolls on a pretty plate for a rustic brunch table centerpiece or arrange them in a circle on a large platter with frosting spread generously. For a party, consider serving mini rolls as finger foods, with a small bowl of extra frosting for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The rolls will stay soft and delicious, and you can always refresh them with a quick warming.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead, freeze unbaked rolls after shaping, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil, for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the fridge and allow the second rise before baking as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, cover a cinnamon roll with a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds, or warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through. Adding a little extra frosting after reheating gives them that fresh-baked charm again.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

While homemade pudding can add a nice flavor, the instant pudding mix contains stabilizers that help create the perfect dough texture for this recipe. Using homemade may affect the dough’s rise and softness, but if you prefer fresh, try using a thicker homemade pudding and adjust flour accordingly.

Is there a way to make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil or plant-based cream cheese, and use a non-dairy milk for the frosting. The vanilla pudding mix, however, should be checked to ensure it’s dairy-free or substituted with a suitable pudding alternative.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dough just up to the first rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. This slow rise enhances flavor. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling out and continuing with the recipe.

Why does adding vanilla pudding improve cinnamon rolls?

Instant vanilla pudding mixes contain ingredients like gelatin and starches that help keep the dough moist and tender. This results in cinnamon rolls that stay soft longer and have a richer mouthfeel than traditional recipes.

What’s the best way to slice the rolled dough?

Using unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife works best when slicing rolled dough. Dental floss allows for clean cuts without squishing the rolls, helping your cinnamon swirls stay intact and pretty.

Final Thoughts

This Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a delightful way to bring extra softness, flavor, and warmth to a beloved classic. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy weekend breakfast, or a treat to brighten your day, these cinnamon rolls never disappoint. I promise once you try this recipe, it will become a treasured favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Print