Prepare Rice: Rinse the Arborio rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice thoroughly.
Cook Rice: In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed rice, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine.
Simmer: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Reduce Heat: Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer. Continue cooking the rice uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened to a pudding-like consistency.
Add Vanilla: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Taste the pudding and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more sugar.
Serve: Transfer the rice pudding to serving bowls or individual cups. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Garnish: Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top of each serving for garnish.
Enjoy: Serve the rice pudding warm or chilled, according to your preference. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving if desired.