Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something undeniably magical about the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house, especially when those rolls are the beloved Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls. I remember the first time I tried one, the gooey sweetness and the warm, spiced aroma instantly transported me to a cozy café. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that perfect experience at home. With this easy copycat recipe, you can indulge in these delightful treats without having to leave your kitchen. Imagine gathering your loved ones around the table, everyone eagerly waiting for their warm, sticky rolls topped with rich cream cheese frosting. This recipe is not just about food; it’s about creating memories. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a festive gathering, these cinnamon rolls bring warmth and joy to the table.

Ingredients to Make Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

The ingredients for Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls are simple yet essential for creating that gooey, delicious texture. From the dough to the frosting, each ingredient plays a pivotal role. The use of fresh yeast is crucial for achieving that fluffy rise, while the combination of cinnamon and brown sugar gives it that signature sweet flavor. Let’s dive into the key players:

• 1 cup milk, lukewarm (110°F)
• 2 1/2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast or 1 packet (1/4 ounce) Red Star Platinum Yeast
• 1 teaspoon + 1/2 cup sugar, divided use
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 8 tablespoons butter, melted
• 4 1/2 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 8 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (Saigon cinnamon is preferred)
• 8 ounces margarine or butter
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 pound powdered sugar (about 3 3/4 cups)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

The Process for Making Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

Making Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls is a rewarding experience that fills your home with an irresistible aroma. Follow these detailed steps to achieve the perfect cinnamon rolls that will have everyone coming back for more:

1. To make the cinnamon roll dough, start by heating the milk to a temperature that does not exceed 110°F. It’s important not to overheat it as high temperatures can kill the yeast. Once the milk is warm, add the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Wait a few minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
2. Next, place the warm milk mixture in the bowl of a stand mixer along with the eggs, butter, flour, salt, and the remaining 1/3 cup of sugar. Using the dough hook attachment, mix the ingredients until well combined. The dough will be very sticky, which is exactly what you want.
3. Grease a large bowl with nonstick cooking spray and transfer the dough into it. Make sure to spray some nonstick spray on top of the dough as well, then cover the bowl with a towel. Set it in a warm place to rise until doubled in size. This could take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your kitchen’s temperature.
4. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles, then allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the gluten relax and makes rolling easier.
5. For the filling, combine the packed brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, mix until it forms a paste. This filling is rich and will add layers of flavor to your rolls.
6. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 15×20 inches. It should be about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon roll filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, ensuring to cover the entire surface.
7. Starting from the long edge, carefully roll up the dough tightly, pinching the seam to seal it. Once rolled, cut the log into 12 segments. This is where you’ll see those beautiful layers of filling.
8. Prepare a 13×9 inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick spray. Place the cut dough slices in the pan, cover again with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rising is crucial for fluffy rolls.
9. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the rolls have risen and are puffy, they’re ready to be baked. Bake them for about 25 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden brown and the center rolls are cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary based on thickness.
10. After baking, remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This gives them a chance to set up a bit before you frost them.
11. To make the Cinnabon frosting, combine the softened margarine, cream cheese, and powdered sugar in a bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the lemon juice and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
12. Finally, spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. The heat will slightly melt the frosting, creating a gooey, irresistible topping.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls come out perfectly, here are some valuable tips that I’ve gathered over the years:

• Storage: Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last 2 to 3 days, though they’re best fresh.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked rolls before the second rise. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Pairing: These rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a warm glass of milk, making them a perfect breakfast or snack.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or cardamom, to tweak the flavor of your rolls.
• Serving Fresh: For the best experience, serve them warm out of the oven with fresh frosting.

Side Dish Ideas for Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

When serving Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls, consider these delightful ideas to complement your meal:

• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings a nice balance to the sweetness of the rolls.
• Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs can make your brunch even more satisfying.
• Beverages: Pair with coffee, tea, or even a breakfast smoothie for a complete morning experience.
• Special Occasions: These rolls are perfect for celebrations like birthdays or holidays; serve with mimosas for a festive touch.
• Picnic Treats: Wrap them up for a picnic; they’re easy to transport and taste delightful outdoors.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls are truly a treat that captures the essence of homemade goodness. Their soft, fluffy texture combined with the rich, gooey frosting makes them a delightful experience for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch as the warm aroma fills your kitchen, bringing smiles to the faces of those you love. Whether it’s a special event or just a regular day, these cinnamon rolls are sure to make it memorable!

Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these homemade Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, fluffy rolls packed with warm cinnamon and topped with rich cream cheese frosting make for a delightful treat. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or any special occasion, you won’t be able to resist making these again and again!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Milk lukewarm (110°F)
• 2.5 teaspoons Instant or active dry yeast or 1 packet (1/4 ounce) Red Star Platinum Yeast
• 1 teaspoon Sugar plus 1/2 cup divided use
• 2 large Eggs at room temperature
• 8 tablespoons Butter melted
• 4.5 cups Bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 cup Packed dark brown sugar
• 8 tablespoons Butter softened
• 2.5 tablespoons Ground cinnamon (Saigon cinnamon is preferred)
• 8 ounces Margarine or Butter
• 8 ounces Cream cheese softened
• 1 pound Powdered sugar (about 3 3/4 cups)
• 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract

Equipment

• Frying pan
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. To make the cinnamon roll dough, start by heating the milk to a temperature that does not exceed 110°F. It’s important not to overheat it as high temperatures can kill the yeast. Once the milk is warm, add the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Wait a few minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
2. Next, place the warm milk mixture in the bowl of a stand mixer along with the eggs, butter, flour, salt, and the remaining 1/3 cup of sugar. Using the dough hook attachment, mix the ingredients until well combined. The dough will be very sticky, which is exactly what you want.
3. Grease a large bowl with nonstick cooking spray and transfer the dough into it. Make sure to spray some nonstick spray on top of the dough as well, then cover the bowl with a towel. Set it in a warm place to rise until doubled in size. This could take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your kitchen’s temperature.
4. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles, then allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the gluten relax and makes rolling easier.
5. For the filling, combine the packed brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, mix until it forms a paste. This filling is rich and will add layers of flavor to your rolls.
6. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 15×20 inches. It should be about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cinnamon roll filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, ensuring to cover the entire surface.
7. Starting from the long edge, carefully roll up the dough tightly, pinching the seam to seal it. Once rolled, cut the log into 12 segments. This is where you’ll see those beautiful layers of filling.
8. Prepare a 13×9 inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick spray. Place the cut dough slices in the pan, cover again with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rising is crucial for fluffy rolls.
9. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once the rolls have risen and are puffy, they’re ready to be baked. Bake them for about 25 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden brown and the center rolls are cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary based on thickness.
10. After baking, remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This gives them a chance to set up a bit before you frost them.
11. To make the Cinnabon frosting, combine the softened margarine, cream cheese, and powdered sugar in a bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the lemon juice and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
12. Finally, spread the frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. The heat will slightly melt the frosting, creating a gooey, irresistible topping.

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Meet Hazel Miller

The Flavor Enthusiast Yes, Jenna and I are related! Growing up, our kitchen was the center of our world, and that hasn’t changed. I am a curious cook who loves exploring new ingredients and techniques. I don’t have a single specialty I just love the magic of transformation. Whether we are grilling outdoors or baking indoors, I am always right there, tasting, testing, and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.