Vanilla Bean Cinnamon Rolls

Picture this: Soft, pillowy dough swirled with layers of buttery cinnamon sugar, all topped with a rich, velvety vanilla bean cream cheese frosting packed with real vanilla specks.

Nothing beats the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen, especially when they’re this easy to make and this delicious.

This recipe combines simple ingredients like milk, butter, and our Amoretti® Vanilla Bean Paste to create cloud-like dough that’s anything but basic. The cinnamon sugar filling melts into gooey perfection, while the rich vanilla bean cream cheese frosting ties it all together with a sweet & creamy finish. Whether you’re serving these for breakfast, holiday brunch, or just as a sweet treat, this recipe delivers pure comfort in every bite.

Why Our Vanilla Bean Paste?

Our Amoretti® Vanilla Bean Paste is crafted from premium Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans, using the entire bean to capture a rich, smooth flavor. With no artificial flavors, alcohol, or fillers, you get pure vanilla flavor at its finest—delivering real vanilla specks in every part of the recipe, from the dough to the frosting, for an irresistibly authentic taste and aroma.

Tips for baking with yeast:

• Use Fresh Yeast: Check the expiration date on your yeast to ensure it’s active. Instant yeast doesn’t need activation, while active dry yeast should be dissolved in warm water first.
• Warm Environment for Rising: Place dough in a warm, draft-free area to rise. If your kitchen is cold, warm the oven to 180°F, turn it off, and let the dough rise inside.
• Window Pane Test: To check if dough is kneaded enough, stretch a small piece between your fingers. If it forms a thin, translucent sheet without tearing, it's ready.
• Don’t Overwork: Knead just until smooth and elastic—over-kneading can lead to tough rolls.
• Be Patient: Allow dough to rise fully during both the first and second rises for the lightest, fluffiest rolls.

Ingredients

Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp. (1 packet) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons Amoretti® Vanilla Bean Paste

Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 – 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 teaspoons Amoretti® Vanilla Paste
• Pinch of salt

Directions

For the Dough:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachement, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Wisk until combined.
2. In a microwave safe bowl, warm the milk and butter for 30 seconds or until the mixture feels like lukewarm bathwater. If the mixture gets too hot, set it in the fridge for a few minutes to achieve the lukewarm temperature. You don't want to kill the yeast!
3. Add the milk and butter mixture to the dry ingredients along with the egg and Amoretti® Vanilla Bean Paste. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
4. Switch from a paddle to hook attachment & add the remaining 2 cups of flour. Give the dough a little mix with the hook before turning on the mixer. This helps start the process of getting everything combined without flour going everywhere. 
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Use the window pane method to ensure the dough is ready (see above for details). Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
1. Note: If you're baking in a cold room, warm your oven to 180°F, turn off & place the covered bowl inside. This will help the dough rise. Repeat for the second rise, if needed.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
2. Take the 1/2 stick of butter and place in the microwave until super soft. About 8-10 seconds on each side. You don't want it to be melted but soft enough to spread.

Assembling the Rolls:

1. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 18x12 inches in size.
2. Spread the butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
3. Starting at one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log.
4. Slice the rolled dough in half, then cut the halves in half, and cut those into 3, even rolls. You should end up with 12 equal pieces.
5. Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
6. Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for an additional hour, or until they have doubled in size.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top.
1. Note: if you placed the rolls in a warm oven to help them rise, keep an eye on them while they bake. You don't want the tops to get too brown.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the wisk attachment, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, Amoretti® Vanilla Paste, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired frosting consistency. 
1. Note: the warmth from the cinnamon rolls will make the frosting melt. We reccommend a softer frosting so that the frosting melts into the rollls & becomes almost transulcent. 

Finishing Touch:

1. Once the rolls are done baking, allow them to cool for 10-15 minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
2. Serve and enjoy!