Ingredients
For the dough
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
For the cinnamon filling
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/4 cup white sugar
For the glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese
## Why This Recipe Is So Popular
Traditional cinnamon rolls require:
- rolling dough
- spreading filling
- cutting perfect rolls
- spacing carefully
But this version?
Just cut → toss → bake → glaze.
Way easier.
Plus, you get:
- more caramelized edges
- extra gooey centers
- pull-apart texture
- less work
- same amazing flavor
Win-win.
## Making the Soft Yeast Dough
In a large bowl mix:
- flour
- sugar
- salt
- yeast
Add:
- warm milk
- egg
- melted butter
- vanilla
Mix until dough forms.
At first it may feel sticky. That’s good. Soft dough = soft bake.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
If you press with your finger, it should slowly bounce back.
This elasticity traps air and makes the dough fluffy.
## First Rise for Fluffiness
Place dough in greased bowl.
Cover and let rise 1–1.5 hours.
It should double in size.
This rise creates:
- air bubbles
- softness
- light texture
Skipping or rushing this step gives dense rolls.
So be patient — it’s worth it.
## Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
In a bowl mix:
- melted butter
- brown sugar
- cinnamon
- white sugar
This mixture becomes sticky, sweet, and caramelized while baking.
It’s what creates that gooey center everyone loves.
The smell alone is incredible.
Your kitchen will feel like a bakery 😍
## Cutting and Coating the Dough
After rising:
Punch dough gently.
Roll into thick rectangle (about 1.5–2 cm thick).
Instead of rolling into a log…
Cut into small squares or chunks.
Now toss pieces in the cinnamon butter mixture.
Make sure every piece is coated.
This step ensures flavor in every bite.
No plain dough anywhere.
## Layering in the Baking Dish
Grease a glass baking dish.
Place coated dough pieces randomly.
Don’t pack too tight — leave a little space for rising.
Drizzle any leftover cinnamon butter on top.
That extra goo melts into the bottom and creates sticky caramel goodness.
Let rest 15–20 minutes for second rise.
This makes them extra puffy.
## Baking to Golden Perfection
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake 30–35 minutes.
Top should be:
- golden brown
- slightly crisp edges
- soft inside
If browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.
You’ll see bubbling caramel at the bottom — that’s perfect.
That’s the sticky magic.
## Making the Creamy Glaze
While baking, mix:
- powdered sugar
- milk or cream
- vanilla
- cream cheese (optional)
Whisk until smooth.
Adjust thickness:
Thicker → frosting style
Thinner → drippy glaze
Both taste amazing.
## Glazing While Warm
As soon as the bake comes out, drizzle glaze generously.
The warmth melts it into every crack and corner.
It seeps between pieces and creates creamy rivers.
This step transforms it from “good” to “WOW.”
Don’t be shy — add lots.
Trust me.
## Texture You Should Get
Perfect cinnamon roll bake should be:
Top:
- lightly crisp
- glazed
Inside:
- super soft
- fluffy
- gooey
- sticky caramel pockets
Flavor:
- buttery
- cinnamon sweet
- vanilla creamy
- warm and cozy
Basically melts in your mouth.
## Serving Ideas
Serve:
- warm
- fresh
- slightly gooey
Pairs perfectly with:
- coffee
- milk
- tea
- hot chocolate
Add:
- extra glaze
- caramel sauce
- ice cream
- whipped cream
Great for sharing straight from the dish.
Everyone pulls pieces apart — super fun.
## Flavor Variations
Want to upgrade?
Try:
Chocolate chips
Chopped nuts
Raisins
Apple cubes
Caramel drizzle
Orange zest
Maple glaze
Nutella swirl
You can customize endlessly.
## Storage and Reheating
Fridge:
- airtight container
- up to 4 days
Reheat:
- microwave 20–30 seconds
or - oven 160°C for 8 minutes
Freezer:
- freeze slices
- reheat later
Still soft and delicious.
## Pro Tips for Success
✔ Don’t add too much flour
✔ Let dough rise fully
✔ Coat every piece well
✔ Don’t overbake
✔ Glaze while warm
✔ Use glass dish for even baking
Bonus tip:
Add pinch of salt to glaze to balance sweetness.
## Why You’ll Make This Again and Again
This recipe is:
- easy
- beginner-friendly
- cheaper than bakery
- super soft
- feeds many people
- perfect for sharing
Plus the smell alone makes everyone gather in the kitchen 😄
It’s the ultimate comfort dessert.
## Final Thoughts
This pull-apart cinnamon roll bake is everything you love about cinnamon rolls but easier, gooier, and even more fun to eat. Soft dough, warm cinnamon, sweet glaze… pure happiness in every bite.