If you’re searching for a delightful morning treat or a dessert that feels like a warm hug, the Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread with Glaze Recipe is just the thing to make your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds dance. This recipe takes simple frozen dinner rolls and transforms them into a sweet, buttery, cinnamon-infused masterpiece topped with an irresistible vanilla glaze. It’s easy to assemble yet impressive enough to wow family and friends, creating a pull-apart bread experience that’s both comforting and fun to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread with Glaze Recipe plays a crucial role. From the soft dinner rolls that create the perfect base to the cinnamon sugar mixture that adds that classic warm spice, these simple components come together to deliver incredible flavor and texture.
- 12 frozen dinner rolls: The foundation of this bread, providing a soft and fluffy texture after baking.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar mixture stick to the dough for that irresistible coating.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and caramelizes slightly when baked for a delightful crunch.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses warmth and flavor into every bite.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Used for the glaze, creating a smooth, sweet finish that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- 1-2 tablespoons whole milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency to be drizzled just right over the bread.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the glaze with a subtle, aromatic depth.
How to Make Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread with Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Thaw the Rolls
Start by thawing 12 frozen dinner rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them well and let them sit at room temperature until they’re soft enough to be rolled out, which usually takes a bit of patience but guarantees perfect texture later on.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Once the rolls are thawed, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray to ensure your pull-apart bread slips out easily after baking.
Step 3: Flatten the Rolls
Take each thawed roll and flatten it gently to about ¼ inch thickness. This helps the cinnamon sugar mixture nestle into every fold and crease, creating layers you’ll want to pull apart.
Step 4: Coat the Rolls in Butter Mixture
Mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Dip each flattened roll into this mixture, making sure every bit is coated. Then stack the rolls carefully on top of one another to build that luscious pull-apart effect.
Step 5: Place Rolls in Loaf Pan and Brush with Remaining Butter
Position the stacked cinnamon rolls sideways in the prepared loaf pan so they fill it completely. Don’t forget to brush any leftover butter mixture over the top of the dough stack — this will add extra flavor and help develop a gorgeous crust.
Step 6: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the loaf and let it rise for about an hour until the dough almost reaches the top of the pan. This rest period is essential for a fluffy, airy interior packed with cinnamon sweetness.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pop the risen loaf into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top with nicely browned edges. Using a thermometer to check for 190°F (88°C) inside ensures it’s baked just right. Let it cool completely before moving on to glazing.
Step 8: Make the Glaze
While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Adjust with more milk if needed to create a smooth, pourable glaze that’ll drizzle beautifully over your bread’s surface.
Step 9: Glaze and Serve!
Drizzle the luscious glaze generously atop your cooled loaf. The sweetness melts into the warm bread as you pull apart each piece. Now you’re ready to enjoy this fun, comforting Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread with Glaze Recipe.
How to Serve Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread with Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to jazz up this pull-apart bread, try sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top just after glazing to add a delightful crunch. Fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also make it visually stunning.
Side Dishes
This sweet bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a breakfast that feels indulgent without being complicated. It also makes a lovely companion to fresh fruit salad, balancing sweetness with a burst of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread with Glaze Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra glaze, cream cheese, or honey for an interactive and visually inviting spread. For a festive touch, you could even weave in some edible flowers or cinnamon sticks for a charming presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it soft. Stored properly, it will last up to 3 days at room temperature without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this pull-apart bread either before baking (after stacking the rolls in the pan) or after baking and glazing. For unbaked dough, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze up to a month. To freeze baked bread, wrap well and place in a freezer bag.
Reheating
To refresh leftovers, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave just until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm as desired to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rolls instead of frozen dinner rolls?
Absolutely! Fresh rolls will work great, just ensure they’re similar in size and texture to frozen dinner rolls. Adjust the rising time accordingly if the dough is fresher and fluffier.
What if I don’t have whole milk for the glaze?
You can substitute with any milk you have on hand, including skim, almond, or oat milk. Just make sure to adjust the amount slightly to get the consistency right for drizzling.
Is it possible to add nuts or fruit inside the bread?
Definitely! Before stacking, sprinkle chopped nuts or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries on each layer for added texture and flavor twists tailored to your preference.
How can I make this bread vegan?
Use vegan butter or margarine in place of unsalted butter, and swap whole milk for a plant-based milk alternative. Most frozen dinner rolls are not vegan, so opt for a vegan bread dough if possible.
Can I make this gluten-free?
To adapt this recipe to gluten-free diets, choose gluten-free rolls or dough that behave similarly in baking. The process remains the same but baking times may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about pulling apart soft, warm bread layered with cinnamon and draped in luscious glaze — it’s pure comfort and happiness wrapped into one. The Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread with Glaze Recipe is a fantastic choice whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a special treat at home. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that wonderful moment when sweetness and spice meet in every pull. Enjoy baking and sharing this cozy delight!
Print
Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread with Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (12 servings)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread recipe transforms simple frozen dinner rolls into a deliciously sweet, soft, and gooey treat layered with cinnamon sugar and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, it’s easy to prepare and bakes to a golden brown loaf that pulls apart effortlessly.
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 12 frozen dinner rolls
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Thaw Rolls: Thaw 12 frozen dinner rolls by placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and covering them. Allow them to thaw at room temperature until soft enough to be rolled out.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Once the rolls have thawed, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Flatten Rolls: Using your hands or a rolling pin, flatten each roll to about ¼ inch thickness, preparing them for the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Coat in Butter Mixture: In a bowl, combine ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Dip each flattened roll into this mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, then stack the rolls on top of each other.
- Place in Loaf Pan: Transfer the stacked rolls sideways into the prepared loaf pan, fitting them snugly to fill the pan completely.
- Brush with Remaining Butter: Brush any leftover butter and cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the stacked rolls to enhance flavor and browning.
- Rise: Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise for approximately one hour, or until the dough has nearly reached the top of the pan, creating a fluffy texture.
- Bake: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The exposed dough should turn golden brown, and using a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C). Remove from the oven and allow the loaf to cool completely before glazing.
- Make the Glaze: While the bread cools, prepare the glaze by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon whole milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the loaf is fully cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over the top. Serve the cinnamon pull-apart bread by pulling apart the soft, sweet layers and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure rolls are fully thawed before flattening to avoid tearing the dough.
- You can adjust the amount of cinnamon to suit your taste preferences.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk for the glaze.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain softness.
- Reheat slices gently in the microwave for a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
