Name: Morning Sweet Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2¼ tsp active dry yeast; ¾ cup warm milk; ¼ cup sugar; ¼ cup melted butter; 1 egg; 3 cups flour; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk; ½ tsp vanilla extract

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If you have been on the lookout for a scrumptious start to your day, the Morning Sweet Rolls Recipe is absolutely the treat you did not know you needed. These soft, fluffy sweet rolls, lightly glazed and lovingly baked, deliver a perfect harmony of tender crumb and gentle sweetness that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds at your breakfast or brunch table. The ease of making them and the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen will quickly make these rolls a cherished staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two close-up views of unbaked cinnamon rolls inside a black non-stick muffin tray, each held in one of the tray's circular compartments. Each cinnamon roll has two visible layers: a creamy light beige dough rolled around a spiral of brown cinnamon sugar filling. The dough looks soft and slightly shiny, with a smooth texture and swirled pattern going inward toward the center. The black tray has a light dusting of flour lightly coating the edges of the compartments, adding a white powdery texture. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of these Morning Sweet Rolls lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role to create that perfect balance of rich flavor and delightful texture, proving that great things often come from the simplest pantry staples.

Active dry yeast (2¼ tsp): This is the key to that fluffy, airy texture that makes your rolls so irresistible.
Warm milk (¾ cup): Helps activate the yeast while adding moisture and tenderness to the dough.
Sugar (¼ cup): Provides sweetness and helps the yeast to bloom properly.
Melted butter (¼ cup): Adds richness and a soft crumb to the rolls.
Egg (1): Binds everything together and lends a slight richness and structure to the dough.
Flour (3 cups): The backbone of the dough, creating structure and chewiness.
Salt (½ tsp): Essential for balancing sweetness and boosting the overall flavor.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): For the smooth, sweet glaze that crowns your rolls elegantly.
Milk for glaze (2 tbsp): Helps thin out the powdered sugar and adds a creamy finish.
Vanilla extract (½ tsp): Imparts a warm, fragrant note to the glaze making it extra special.

How to Make Morning Sweet Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by dissolving your active dry yeast in warm milk, which should be just about 110°F to wake up those little yeast cells. Let this sit for 5 minutes until it turns foamy — this is your signal that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in your dough.

Step 2: Mix the Dough Ingredients

Into a large bowl, combine the sugar, melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, then stir everything together until a sticky dough begins to form. It’s a bit of a rough and ready stage, but you’re on the right track!

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for about 8 to 10 minutes. Kneading develops the gluten that gives these rolls their tender chew and bounce — you want the dough to become smooth, elastic, and only a little tacky to the touch.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your dough ball into a greased bowl, turning it once to coat the surface lightly with oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until doubled in size. Watching it puff up is one of life’s simple joys.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles, then divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them evenly spaced in a greased baking pan. These little dough clouds are about to become breakfast glory!

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover your pan and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes. This second rest is critical for that tender, airy inside we all crave in a perfect sweet roll.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when their tops turn a lovely golden brown and the kitchen fills with that irresistible freshly-baked smell.

Step 8: Glaze Your Rolls

While the rolls are still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle it generously over the rolls, letting the glaze soak in slightly to add a sweet, shiny finish with every bite.

How to Serve Morning Sweet Rolls Recipe

A close-up of six cinnamon rolls arranged in two rows inside a white square baking dish; each roll has soft, light golden-brown dough spiraled tightly, with a dark brown cinnamon layer visible in the swirls, all topped with a glossy, white icing that drips slightly between the rolls, giving a shiny, smooth texture. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and in the background, a white bowl and metal whisk slightly out of focus add a subtle kitchen setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your sweet rolls even further, try sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on the glaze for a gentle spice hug, or scatter some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for delightful crunch. Fresh berries on the side also add a burst of color and freshness that pairs wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Complement these rolls with classic breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a fresh fruit salad. Their subtle sweetness makes them versatile buddies to both savory and sweet sides, making your morning spread feel truly special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun brunch twist, arrange the rolls in a circular pattern, drizzle the glaze in spirals, and garnish with edible flowers or citrus zest. Alternatively, slice rolls horizontally and serve them as mini sandwiches filled with cream cheese and jam for an irresistible handheld delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, keep your leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They remain soft and fresh, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack without losing their tender bite.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen morning sweet rolls maintain their flavor and texture beautifully for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your sweet rolls back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until soft and heated through. You can also microwave them for a few seconds, but an oven reheating gives a better texture and preserves the glaze’s lovely shine.

FAQs

Can I add a filling to this Morning Sweet Rolls Recipe?

Absolutely! A classic cinnamon sugar filling or even a fruit preserve can be rolled into the dough before shaping the rolls for an extra layer of flavor that’s simply heavenly.

What type of flour is best for these sweet rolls?

All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe, lending the right balance of structure and tenderness. If you want a slightly lighter roll, you can try bread flour, but keep in mind it might change the texture slightly.

Is it okay to use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be used, but since it doesn’t require activation in warm milk, you should add it directly to the dry ingredients and adjust the liquid accordingly. Follow package instructions for best results.

How can I make my rolls more fluffy?

Kneading the dough well and allowing sufficient rising time are crucial to fluffiness. Also, make sure your yeast is fresh, and avoid adding too much flour, which can result in denser rolls.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

Yes! Replace the milk with a plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and substitute the butter with a vegan alternative. For the egg, a flaxseed or chia seed egg can also work to achieve similar binding.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly comforting about the aroma and taste of freshly baked Morning Sweet Rolls Recipe right out of your oven. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or just treating yourself to a cozy morning, these rolls provide a little moment of joy in every bite. Don’t hesitate to try them soon and watch how they become your new favorite start to the day!