Cinnabon cinnamon rolls are known for their soft, fluffy texture, rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and luscious cream cheese frosting. Now, you can recreate these famous rolls right at home with this copycat recipe. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat, these homemade cinnamon rolls will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon and butter.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Fluffy:ย These rolls have the perfect pillowy texture.
- Irresistible Flavor:ย A rich cinnamon-sugar filling wrapped in tender dough.
- Homemade Goodness:ย Enjoy fresh, warm cinnamon rolls anytime.
- Better than Store-Bought:ย You can customize the sweetness and richness.
- Perfect for Any Occasion:ย Great for holidays, weekends, or special treats.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Active dry yeast
- Warm milk
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
For the Filling:
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Unsalted butter (softened)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk (optional, for consistency)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:ย In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rise:ย Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:ย Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter over it. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Roll and Cut:ย Tightly roll up the dough from the longer side and cut into equal slices. Place them in a greased baking dish.
- Second Rise:ย Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they puff up.
- Bake:ย Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make the Frosting:ย Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread over warm cinnamon rolls.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย Makes about 12 cinnamon rolls
- Prep Time:ย 20 minutes
- Rise Time:ย 1 hour 30 minutes
- Bake Time:ย 20-25 minutes
- Total Time:ย Around 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Addition:ย Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
- Maple Glaze:ย Replace vanilla extract in the frosting with maple syrup for a richer taste.
- Raisin Loverโs Version:ย Sprinkle raisins over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling.
- Extra Gooey Rolls:ย Pour warm heavy cream over the rolls before baking for an ultra-moist texture.
- Spiced Version:ย Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration:ย Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing:ย Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.
- Reheating:ย Warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 300ยฐF (150ยฐC) for 10 minutes.
FAQs
How do I make the dough softer?
Use warm milk and make sure not to add too much flour. Kneading properly also helps achieve a soft texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
Why didnโt my dough rise?
Check that your yeast is fresh and your milk is warm but not too hot (about 110ยฐF). Also, ensure the dough is in a warm place.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast and skip the proofing step, mixing it directly with the dry ingredients.
How can I make them extra gooey?
Pour warm heavy cream over the rolls before baking to make them even more tender and moist.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but it will make the rolls denser. You can use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a better texture.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to roll the dough tightly and seal the edges well when cutting the rolls.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
You can use mascarpone cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangier taste.
Can I make mini cinnamon rolls?
Yes, simply roll the dough thinner and cut smaller pieces before baking.
Can I add more cinnamon?
Absolutely! Adjust the cinnamon to your preference for a stronger flavor.
Conclusion
This copycat Cinnabon cinnamon roll recipe is perfect for recreating the famous bakery-style treat at home. With its soft dough, rich cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting, these homemade rolls will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for a warm, comforting indulgence!
Print
Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls that mimic the famous Cinnabon treats. Filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with creamy frosting, they’re perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm whole milk (110ยฐF/45ยฐC)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/2 cups bread flour
For the Filling:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the bread flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
-
Assemble the Rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 16×21-inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes, or until nearly doubled in size.
-
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Bake the rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
-
Prepare the Frosting:
- While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
-
Frost the Rolls:
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, spread half of the frosting over them while they’re still warm. This allows the frosting to melt into the rolls.
- After a few minutes, spread the remaining frosting over the rolls.
Notes
- For overnight preparation, after placing the cut rolls in the baking dish, cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Using bread flour yields a lighter, fluffier roll, but all-purpose flour can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
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