Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you adore the warm, comforting hug of cinnamon rolls but crave an extra layer of flavor and creaminess, then the Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will quickly become your new obsession. These rolls are marvelously soft, thanks to the vanilla pudding in the dough that adds moistness and richness you wouldn’t expect in a classic cinnamon roll. The gooey cinnamon-sugar filling paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting brings an irresistible balance of sweetness and creaminess that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will feel like your kitchen has become the coziest bakery in town.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the key to making these vanilla pudding cinnamon rolls truly sing. Each component plays a role, from activating the yeast for that perfect rise to the brown sugar and cinnamon combo that makes the filling heavenly. Plus, the pudding mix is the secret weapon for keeping your rolls incredibly tender. Here’s everything you’ll want on hand:

• Warm water: Vital for activating the yeast and kickstarting the dough’s rise.
• Active dry yeast or instant yeast: The magic behind the fluffy texture; both work, but adjust timing slightly if using instant.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to the dough.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds moisture, flavor, and keeps the rolls tender for days.
• Butter (melted and softened): Provides richness and softness to the dough and filling.
• Eggs: Help bind ingredients and contribute to the dough’s light texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, crucial for structure; start with 6 cups and add more as needed.
• Brown sugar: Sweet and slightly molasses-forward, perfect with cinnamon for the filling.
• Cinnamon: Warms the rolls with that signature spicy-sweet kick.
• Cream cheese: Key to that dreamy, creamy frosting that finishes the rolls wonderfully.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting’s flavor with a lovely aromatic note.
• Confectioner’s sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
• Milk: Helps achieve the right frosting consistency—add gradually.

How to Make Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate Yeast

Begin by waking up your yeast. Combine warm water, sugar, and your yeast in a small bowl, then let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy. This active yeast mixture ensures your dough will rise perfectly, giving your rolls that soft, fluffy texture everyone loves.

Step 2: Prepare Dough

Next, prepare the instant vanilla pudding according to the package instructions in a large mixing bowl. This step is where the magic starts—the pudding brings a subtle vanilla flavor and moistness that’s unique to this recipe. Add melted butter, eggs, and salt, then stir in the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the flour, kneading as you go until you create a smooth, soft dough that’s slightly tacky but not sticky. This dough is the heart of your Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.

Step 3: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap or a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until it has doubled in size. This rise is crucial for developing flavor and ensuring the rolls will be incredibly fluffy once baked.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

Once risen, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle roughly 34 by 21 inches. Spread the softened butter all over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture evenly. This combination creates the gooey, fragrant filling that makes each bite irresistible.

Step 5: Shape Rolls

Roll up the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long edge. Slice the log into 1.5-inch sections using dental floss or a serrated knife—dental floss works wonders for clean, neat cuts without squashing the rolls. Place the individual rolls on a greased baking sheet, spacing each about an inch apart to allow for expansion.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the arranged rolls with a clean towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until they are doubled in size. This second rise adds extra tenderness and a light crumb to your vanilla pudding cinnamon rolls.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cinnamon rolls for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful light golden brown on top. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage will be practically intoxicating.

Step 8: Make Frosting

While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and gradually mix in the confectioner’s sugar, adjusting the thickness with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk as needed to achieve a creamy, spreadable frosting.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

As soon as your rolls come out of the oven, spread the luscious cream cheese frosting all over the top while they’re still warm. This melts the frosting slightly, allowing it to seep into every nook, ensuring that every bite is decadently sweet and creamy. Now, it’s time to enjoy the best Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls Recipe you’ll ever taste!

How to Serve Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate these vanilla pudding cinnamon rolls even more, sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for a delightful crunch. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal that your guests will love.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines brightest served alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a rich latte, making it a perfect weekend brunch or breakfast treat. Fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or a bowl of mixed berries, balances the richness of the rolls beautifully and adds a pop of color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these rolls stacked on a pretty platter or in a rustic basket lined with a vibrant cloth napkin for a casual gathering. You could also make mini rolls by slicing thinner pieces before baking for individual serving sizes that are perfect for parties or afternoon snacks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover vanilla pudding cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and moist. For slightly longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but bring them back to room temperature or warm them before serving to restore their tender texture.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or save some for later, these rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best warmth and softness, reheat individual cinnamon rolls in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. If the frosting becomes too firm, add a dollop of fresh frosting or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze to revive that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade vanilla pudding instead of instant?

Absolutely! While instant vanilla pudding is convenient and helps keep the dough tender, a homemade vanilla pudding can add a fresh flavor and texture. Just ensure your pudding is thick and cooled before mixing it into the dough to maintain the correct consistency.

What if I don’t have dental floss for slicing the rolls?

If dental floss isn’t available, a sharp serrated knife works fine—just make sure to saw gently and keep your cuts even to avoid squashing the rolls. Waxed dental floss is preferred because it slides smoothly without sticking to the dough.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

You can! Swap the butter and cream cheese for your favorite plant-based alternatives, such as vegan margarine and dairy-free cream cheese. Use a nondairy milk to adjust the frosting consistency. The pudding mix would need to be dairy-free as well—there are several options available in stores or you can make your own.

How long do these cinnamon rolls stay fresh?

Because of the pudding in the dough, these cinnamon rolls stay softer and fresher feeling for 2 to 3 days at room temperature. After that, they’re still good refrigerated for about 5 days but are best warmed up before eating.

Is it possible to make the dough in a stand mixer?

Yes, definitely! Using the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer makes kneading much easier. Mix the ingredients on low speed until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides and becomes smooth and elastic, then let it rise as directed.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls Recipe enough if you’re looking to add a rich twist to a beloved classic. The pudding ensures each bite is tender and moist, while the cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch. Baking these rolls fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma and fills your heart with joy. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these unforgettable cinnamon rolls—you won’t regret it!

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