Ingredients
For this recipe, we will prepare three components: the dough, the vanilla cream filling, and the glaze. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Vanilla Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 packet (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by preparing the dough, the foundation of your vanilla cream rolls. Mix together 1 cup of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Mix these dry ingredients together until well blended. Warm your milk to about 110°F (43°C) — this is important because if the milk is too hot, it will kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, it won’t activate properly.
Next, add the warm milk, melted butter, and the egg to the dry mixture. Stir well until everything is combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
2. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it by hand for about 5-7 minutes. During this process, the dough will become smoother and more elastic. Kneading helps develop gluten, which gives the rolls their soft and chewy texture. Once the dough is ready, it should spring back when poked.
Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This rising process is crucial because it allows the yeast to work, making the dough light and airy.
3. Prepare the Vanilla Cream Filling
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the decadent vanilla cream filling.Whisk the cold milk and instant vanilla pudding mix in a bowl until combined. Set this aside to thicken.
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until firm peaks develop. You can use an electric mixer for this step to make it easier. Once the whipped cream is ready, gently fold it into the vanilla pudding mixture. This combination will create a light, fluffy, and flavorful filling that will ooze out of the rolls as you bite into them.
Cover the filling and place it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
4. Shape the Rolls
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Place the dough on a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, roughly 1/4 inch in thickness. This is the fun part where the vanilla cream filling comes into play.
Spread about half of the vanilla cream filling evenly over the dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, beginning from one of the longer edges. Be sure to roll it tightly, so the filling is well-contained inside.
Once rolled, use a sharp knife or a piece of unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls. Place the rolls into a greased baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes. This second rise will ensure that your rolls are light, fluffy, and perfectly shaped.
5. Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are going through their second rise. Once they have risen, place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
As the rolls bake, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of vanilla and freshly baked dough, signaling that they are almost ready to be enjoyed.
6. Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
While the rolls are cooling slightly, you can prepare the simple yet delicious vanilla glaze. Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together in a small bowl until smooth and well-blended. The glaze should have a pourable consistency, perfect for drizzling over the warm rolls.
Once the rolls have cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the top. This glaze adds a sweet, glossy finish and enhances the vanilla flavor in every bite.
7. Serve and Enjoy
For the ultimate indulgence, serve the vanilla cream rolls while they’re still warm. The soft, pillowy dough combined with the rich vanilla cream filling creates a delightful experience that’s hard to resist. You can even serve the rolls with the remaining vanilla cream filling on the side for dipping — perfect for those who can’t get enough of the creamy goodness!
These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They also make a delightful treat to serve at gatherings, as their irresistible flavor is sure to please any crowd.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Proofing the Dough: Make sure your yeast is fresh and your milk is the right temperature. Too hot or too cold, and the dough may not rise properly.
- Rolling the Dough: Roll the dough tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Using dental floss to cut the dough into rolls ensures clean, precise cuts.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage and reheat them in the microwave before serving.