The delightful aroma of warm cinnamon and sugar wafted through my kitchen one chilly morning, transporting me back to childhood memories of the mall’s food court—the irresistible Cinnabon. Inspired by those nostalgic tastes, I embarked on a mission to recreate those soft, gooey rolls from scratch. What I discovered was beyond my expectations: a homemade version that is not only just as decadent but even more satisfying than the store-bought treats.
This Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls recipe combines simple ingredients, time, and a sprinkle of love to create a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion—from cozy family breakfasts to holiday gatherings. With a generous layer of luscious cream cheese icing melting on top, each bite offers a warm embrace of comfort and sweetness. Join me as we whip up these irresistible rolls that are destined to become a cherished staple in your home!
Why are Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls a must-try?
Irresistible aroma: As they bake, your kitchen fills with a heavenly scent that’s simply unforgettable.
Decadent creaminess: The cream cheese icing adds a rich tanginess, elevating every roll to cloud nine.
Simple ingredients: No fancy techniques here! Anyone can whip these up with pantry staples.
Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy Sunday, these rolls will wow family and friends.
Ultimate comfort food: They provide a warm, sweet hug that makes any day feel like a celebration!
Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
For the Dough
• Active Dry Yeast – 2¼ teaspoons; crucial for leavening your rolls, ensure it’s fresh for best results.
• Milk – 1 cup, lukewarm; provides moisture and activates the yeast, ideally between 98–105°F.
• Granulated Sugar – ½ cup; adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Unsalted Butter – ⅓ cup, softened; essential for a rich and tender texture in the dough.
• Salt – 1 teaspoon; enhances flavor and helps control yeast activity.
• Eggs – 2; they bring structure and moisture to the rolls, so make sure they’re at room temperature.
• All-Purpose Flour – 4 cups; forms the foundation of the rolls; adjust according to humidity.
For the Filling
• Brown Sugar – 1 cup, packed; offers rich sweetness and depth to the filling.
• Ground Cinnamon – 3 tablespoons; the star spice that gives these Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls their signature flavor.
For the Cream Cheese Icing
• Cream Cheese – 8 ounces, room temperature; provides the creamy, tangy base for the icing.
• Powdered Sugar – 1½ cups; sweetens the icing, essential for a perfect creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract – ½ teaspoon; enhances the overall flavor profile of the icing.
• Salt – ⅛ teaspoon; balances the sweetness of the icing for a perfectly delicious finish.
How to Make Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
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Prepare Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in lukewarm milk with a teaspoon of granulated sugar. Wait for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and alive—this means your yeast is healthy!
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Make Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, salt, eggs, and 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Pour in the foamy yeast mixture and blend. Gradually mix in the remaining flour until a soft, tacky dough forms.
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First Rise: Place your dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and set it in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size and look puffy!
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Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This will create an irresistible filling for your rolls!
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Shape Rolls: Once the dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches. Spread a layer of softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously. Roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edges as you go.
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Cut Rolls: Using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal rolls. This helps achieve nice, clean cuts without squishing your rolls!
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Second Rise: Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them, and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes. They should look puffier, ready to bake!
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and aroma fills your kitchen—trust me, you’ll know when they’re ready!
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Make Icing: While your rolls cool slightly, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. This sumptuous icing will top off your rolls beautifully!
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Frost Rolls: Generously slather the icing over your warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately for a delightful treat that everyone’s sure to love!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of crushed pecans or walnuts on top for added texture!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls?
Indulging in warm cinnamon rolls is just the beginning—let’s create a complete experience that tantalizes your taste buds!
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant medley of seasonal fruits adds brightness and a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the rolls. It’s the perfect brunch accompaniment!
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Coffee or Tea: A steaming cup of coffee or a fragrant herbal tea enhances the comforting experience of cinnamon rolls, making each bite even more enjoyable.
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Creamy Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy, buttery eggs provide a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of Cinnabon cinnamon rolls, grounding the breakfast table beautifully.
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Savory Bacon or Sausage: The richness and saltiness of crispy bacon or savory sausage links create a delightful contrast, making your meal heartier. One bite of sweet and savory is pure bliss!
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup adds even more sweetness and pairs perfectly with the warm flavors of cinnamon.
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Cinnamon Flavored Whipped Cream: Use it as an indulgent topping for your rolls or serve it on the side for dipping—adding an extra punch of warmth and richness!
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Iced Coffee: Cool and refreshing, iced coffee gives a delightful contrast to the warmth of the rolls, making it perfect for those warmer days.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert twist, serve your cinnamon rolls warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; it’s the ultimate sweet treat!
Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls Variations
Feel free to tweak this recipe and explore exciting twists that are sure to delight your taste buds!
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Brown Sugar Twist: Substitute half the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, richer flavor in the dough. This simple change adds complexity and warmth.
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Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a delightful crunch. A texture surprise complements the soft, gooey rolls beautifully!
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Spice Things Up: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon-sugar filling. This will elevate the classic flavor profile with a warm spice kick.
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Fruity Surprise: Mix in raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity burst in every bite. This added sweetness pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and sugar.
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Icing Variations: Experiment with different flavors for the icing by adding almond extract or a hint of citrus zest. A lemony icing will give a refreshing edge to these indulgent rolls.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk and dairy-free butter to make a dairy-free version. You won’t lose any of the deliciousness and can cater to those with dietary restrictions.
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Creative Fillings: Swap the brown sugar for a mixture of cocoa powder and sugar for a decadent chocolate cinnamon roll. The chocolate infusion will turn this classic into an elegant dessert.
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Heat it Up: For a spicy twist, sprinkle cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the filling. Just a pinch can add a bold kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness!
Expert Tips for Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
- Activate Yeast Properly: Ensure yeast is fresh and dissolves in lukewarm milk for 5–10 minutes until foamy; inactive yeast will ruin your Cinnabon cinnamon rolls.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs and butter are at room temperature to achieve a soft, fluffy dough that rises well.
- Be Patient: Allow plenty of time for both rises; cooler environments may require extra time for dough to double in size.
- Slicing Technique: Use unflavored dental floss to cut the rolls cleanly, preventing squishing and preserving their beautiful shape.
- Adjust Flour as Needed: Be mindful of humidity; you might need to adjust the amount of flour for the dough to reach the right tacky consistency.
Make Ahead Options
These Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls are a fantastic choice for meal prep and can save you a great deal of time on busy days! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before rolling, cutting, and baking. If you need even more flexibility, you can slice the rolls and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 6 weeks. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply place the frozen rolls in the fridge overnight to thaw, then let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking. This allows you to serve fresh, gooey cinnamon rolls that are just as delicious as if they were made from scratch in one go!
How to Store and Freeze Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
Room Temperature: Keep unfrosted rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and softness.
Fridge: If you plan to keep them longer, refrigerate unfrosted rolls for up to a week. Frosted rolls can also be refrigerated, but it may affect their texture.
Freezer: Freeze unfrosted rolls in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 6 weeks. Thaw in the fridge overnight before warming.
Reheating: To enjoy your Cinnabon cinnamon rolls, reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs
What type of yeast is best for making Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely! I recommend using active dry yeast for the best results. Ensure it is fresh and dissolves in lukewarm milk for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be inactive, and you’ll need to replace it to avoid a failed rise.
How should I store leftovers of Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls?
Very! To keep those delectable rolls fresh, place unfrosted cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have frosted leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, though this may affect their gooey texture. Always cover them well!
Can I freeze Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls?
Certainly! Freezing these rolls is a great way to enjoy them later. Just freeze the unfrosted rolls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap for up to 6 weeks. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then warm them up in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes.
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
Don’t worry! If your dough isn’t rising, check if your yeast was active; it should be foamy after dissolving in warm milk. Additionally, make sure your rising environment is warm and draft-free—a cold kitchen might slow things down. If it’s still stubborn, give it more time; patience is key!
Can I make these Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, indeed! You can prepare the rolls and place them in the baking dish before the second rise, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This way, when you’re ready to bake, just let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking—they’ll turn out delicious!
Are Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls safe for my dog to eat?
No, it’s best to avoid sharing Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls with your furry friends. Ingredients like sugar, butter, and cinnamon can upset furry tummies. Stick to dog-friendly treats to keep your pup happy and healthy!
Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls: Soft & Gooey Homemade Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in lukewarm milk with a teaspoon of granulated sugar. Wait for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, salt, eggs, and 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Pour in the foamy yeast mixture and blend. Gradually mix in the remaining flour until a soft, tacky dough forms.
- Place your dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and set it in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Once the dough is ready, roll it out into a rectangle, approximately 16x12 inches. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously. Roll tightly into a log.
- Using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
- Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them, and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- While the rolls cool, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt until smooth.
- Generously slather the icing over your warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately.