Center of the Roll from Cinnabon features a soft, warm cinnamon roll core packed with gooey cinnamon sugar swirls and topped with creamy, sweet cream cheese icing, delivering a rich and indulgent treat with a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors.
Equipments
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Saucepan
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or dough cutter
- Baking dish or pan
- Spatula
- Pastry brush
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Spoon (for spreading icing)
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for icing)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
Using active dry yeast requires proofing in warm water to activate its rising properties, which is essential for the dough's soft texture. The combination of brown sugar and ground cinnamon creates the signature gooey filling that provides a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Softened unsalted butter in both the dough and filling adds richness, while cream cheese in the icing ensures a creamy, tangy finish. Measuring ingredients accurately with proper tools like measuring cups and spoons will help you replicate the ideal consistency and flavor. Your homemade Center of the Roll from Cinnabon copycat will deliver an indulgent cinnamon roll experience that rivals the original.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast; let sit until foamy.
- Add eggs, softened butter, and salt; mix with a stand mixer.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour; knead until a smooth dough forms.
- Place dough in a greased bowl; cover and let rise until doubled in size.
- Roll dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread softened butter (for filling) evenly over the dough.
- Mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over buttered dough.
- Roll dough tightly into a log, starting from the longer side.
- Slice the rolled dough into thick pieces using a sharp knife or dough cutter.
- Arrange pieces closely in a greased baking dish or pan.
- Cover and let rolls rise until nearly doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
- While baking, beat cream cheese, butter (for icing), powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and whole milk until smooth.
- Remove rolls from oven; let cool for a few minutes on a cooling rack.
- Spread cream cheese icing generously over warm rolls with a spoon or spatula.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
Center of the Roll from Cinnabon copycat menu replicates the signature soft, warm core filled with gooey cinnamon sugar swirls and topped with rich cream cheese icing. If you don't have active dry yeast, instant yeast can be used but reduce the warm water slightly to maintain dough consistency. Whole milk can be substituted with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk to accommodate dietary preferences without compromising texture. When rolling out the dough, dust your surface lightly with flour to prevent sticking and ensure even thickness. Your cream cheese icing can be thinned easily by adding a tablespoon of milk at a time for smoother spreading.
Tips
Make sure your milk and water are warm but not hot, ideally around 110degF, to activate the yeast properly without killing it. Use a sharp knife or dough cutter to slice the roll log cleanly for even-sized cinnamon rolls that bake uniformly. Letting the dough rise twice--first before shaping and again after slicing--ensures your rolls become soft and fluffy. When spreading the cream cheese icing, apply it while the rolls are still warm so it melts slightly, giving your treat a luscious texture you'll love.
Nutritions
Cinnabon's Center of the Roll is a calorie-dense treat, primarily composed of refined flour, sugars, and butter, contributing to a high carbohydrate and fat content. Each serving contains significant amounts of added sugars from brown sugar, powdered sugar, and cream cheese icing, impacting blood sugar levels and overall energy intake. The cream cheese adds a source of calcium and protein, although the overall nutritional profile leans heavily towards indulgence rather than balanced nutrition. If you're mindful of your dietary intake, consider enjoying these cinnamon rolls occasionally as a deliciously rich dessert rather than a daily staple.
Storage
Store your Cinnabon Center of the Roll in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its softness and flavor. For longer storage, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen rolls overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the oven to preserve the gooey cinnamon sugar swirls and creamy cream cheese icing.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute light brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly caramel-like flavor and lower glycemic index. Instead of active dry yeast, try using instant yeast to speed up the rising process without dissolving it in warm liquid first. For a vegan variation, replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with flaxseed meal, and cream cheese with a plant-based alternative. To enhance the aroma, add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix before rolling the dough.
Allergies
The Center of the Roll from Cinnabon contains common allergens such as wheat (all-purpose flour), dairy (unsalted butter, cream cheese, whole milk), and eggs, which could pose risks for individuals with sensitivities. Your allergy concerns should be addressed by checking for any reactions to these ingredients before consumption. Cross-contamination risks may also exist if the bakery handles other allergens.
Why this recipe?
The Center of the Roll menu from Cinnabon captures attention with its gooey, cinnamon-packed core that delivers an unmatched burst of flavor in every bite. Your taste buds enjoy the perfect balance of soft dough and rich, creamy frosting that defines this signature treat. Copycat recipes allow you to recreate the indulgent experience at home, saving money while customizing ingredients to your preference. Replicating this beloved menu item brings the cozy, warm scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls right to your kitchen.