If you’re ready to fall head-over-heels for pastry perfection, these Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls deserve a front-row seat in your baking lineup! Imagine the pillowy fluff of homemade dough, enriched with creamy vanilla pudding, wrapped around a gooey swirl of cinnamon sugar, and finished with a dreamy cream cheese frosting. Every bite is soft, sweet, and utterly comforting, making these rolls a swoon-worthy treat for breakfast, brunch, or whenever you crave a cozy pick-me-up. With a flavor-packed twist on classic cinnamon rolls, this recipe will make you the star of any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about making Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls is how such humble pantry staples work their magic together. Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor, texture, and irresistible aroma. Take a moment to round up the essentials―they’re truly what transform these rolls into something unforgettable!
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz): The not-so-secret ingredient that makes the dough ultra-soft and subtly sweet, setting these rolls apart from any you’ve had before.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Creates richness and lends moisture to the dough for an oh-so-tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Just the right touch of sweetness for the dough and helps activate the yeast.
- Active dry yeast (1 package/2 ¼ teaspoons): The powerhouse that brings your rolls to life, adding lovely rise and fluff.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted for dough; ½ cup, softened for filling; ¼ cup, softened for frosting): Butter brings essential flavor and richness to every layer, from dough to decadent swirl to creamy topping.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances all the sweet notes and enhances every flavor in the mix.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs make the dough soft and sturdy, giving it the ideal structure to hold that luscious filling.
- All-purpose flour (5 cups): The backbone of your dough—be sure to measure properly for the softest rolls.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): You want that caramel-like, gooey swirl, and brown sugar is the key.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): A generous scoop delivers that iconic spicy warmth with every bite.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The ultimate creamy base for a tangy, luscious frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1 ½ cups): Gently sweetens the frosting, making it spreadable and cloud-like.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): It boosts the vanilla essence, tying the whole recipe together with a comforting aroma.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons, for frosting): Adjust for the perfect creamy-smooth frosting texture.
How to Make Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Make the Vanilla Pudding Dough
Begin by whisking together the instant vanilla pudding mix and whole milk in a large bowl until combined and barely thickened—about two minutes. This simple mixture infuses your dough with a gentle sweetness and unparalleled softness. Next, mix in the granulated sugar and yeast, then let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and foamy. That’s how you know your yeast is ready to work its magic! Stir in the melted butter, salt, and eggs before you gradually mix in the flour, forming a soft, slightly sticky dough. Turn it out onto a floured surface, then knead by hand for six to eight minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm, cozy spot for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Roll and Fill
Once your dough is beautifully puffed, it’s time to gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out into a generous 18×12-inch rectangle—the bigger the canvas, the more swirls you’ll get later! Slather the softened butter evenly over the whole surface, getting right to the edges. Sprinkle on the brown sugar, then blanket it with cinnamon for that classic roll flavor. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, creating a swirl with each turn.
Step 3: Slice and Rise Again
With your masterpiece rolled up, use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the log into twelve even portions. Tuck them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them just enough so they have room to puff and merge as they bake. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until the rolls look soft and puffy.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while your rolls have their final rise. Slide the rolls into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until fluffy and gloriously golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly! Let the rolls cool just slightly so the frosting doesn’t melt right off—but don’t wait too long, they’re best frosted while warm.
Step 5: Whip Up and Spread the Frosting
For the crowning touch, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and lush. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and just enough milk to get your frosting lusciously spreadable. Swirl it generously over the tops of the warm rolls. The frosting will melt slightly and drip into every glorious nook and cranny!
How to Serve Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
A generous swipe of cream cheese frosting is always classic, but you can get playful with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few toasted chopped pecans for crunch. For a festive touch, a little orange zest is vibrant and pretty!
Side Dishes
Balance the sweetness with sides like tart, fresh fruit: think juicy berries or a citrus salad. For heartier fare, a simple scrambled eggs or a savory breakfast casserole goes beautifully with these tender Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls. And of course, a hot mug of coffee or spiced chai is the perfect sip alongside every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting brunch, fan out the rolls on a rustic wooden board and add bowls of extra frosting alongside for dipping. For holiday mornings, stack the rolls tower-style on a cake stand and scatter colorful fruit or edible flowers around the base, making your Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls the star centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls extra soft by covering them tightly with plastic wrap or transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay delightful at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to five days—just be sure to bring to room temp or warm slightly before serving for best results.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual rolls (unfrosted) tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months and make for the ultimate emergency breakfast treat! When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before frosting.
Reheating
For ooey-gooey results, reheat rolls gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or warm several in a covered baking dish at 300°F until just heated through. Add a fresh layer of frosting if needed, and it’s like they’re straight from the oven all over again!
FAQs
Can I use regular pudding mix instead of instant?
To get the signature fluffy texture, you want to use instant pudding mix—regular cook-and-serve just won’t thicken the dough quite right. Instant is key for the best Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls!
Why did my rolls turn out dense instead of fluffy?
If your rolls aren’t as airy as you hoped, check if the yeast was active and that the dough rose in a warm space. Adding flour gradually and not overworking the dough gives it that ideal, soft bite.
Can I make Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls vegan?
Absolutely! Swap in non-dairy milk, plant-based butter and cream cheese, vegan instant pudding, and an egg alternative like flax eggs. The results are just as pillowy and delicious.
What additions can I make to the filling?
The base recipe is a dreamy canvas: toss in some chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of raisins for a delightful burst of flavor and texture inside every roll.
Can I prep these rolls the night before?
Yes! Assemble up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature in the morning and finish rising before baking for effortless, fresh-from-the-oven Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls.
Final Thoughts
Baking a pan of Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls fills your kitchen with warmth, sweetness, and excitement—they’re that kind of recipe you’ll want to pass along and make again and again. Don’t be surprised if these rolls disappear in minutes and become the most requested treat in your rotation. Take a little time to try them, share them, and savor every single swirl!
Print
Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the heavenly combination of vanilla pudding-infused dough, gooey cinnamon filling, and luscious cream cheese frosting with these delectable Vanilla Pudding Cinnamon Rolls. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day!
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
For the filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
For the frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a bowl, mix vanilla pudding with milk, add sugar and yeast, let sit, then add butter, salt, eggs, and flour. Knead, rise, and set aside.
- Make the filling: Roll out dough, spread butter, sprinkle sugar and cinnamon, roll up, slice, and place in a baking dish.
- Bake: Preheat oven, bake the rolls until golden brown, and cool slightly.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, add sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Frost the rolls and serve.
Notes
- These rolls can be prepped the night before and refrigerated—just bring to room temperature before baking.
- Add chopped pecans or raisins to the filling if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
