Cinnabon Bites from Cinnabon feature warm, bite-sized dough pieces infused with cinnamon and brown sugar, coated in a sweet cream cheese glaze, delivering a soft, gooey texture with a rich, spiced flavor.
Equipments
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Dough cutter or bench scraper
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Pastry brush
- Wire cooling rack
- Spoon or small offset spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm whole milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for glaze)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons whole milk (for glaze)
Active dry yeast is essential for the dough to rise properly, so ensure it is fresh and proof it in warm milk to activate. The combination of brown sugar and ground cinnamon in the filling creates the signature warm, spiced flavor that defines Cinnabon Bites. Softened unsalted butter is used both in the filling and the glaze, contributing to the rich, smooth texture. Cream cheese must be fully softened before mixing to achieve a creamy and consistent glaze without lumps. When replicating Cinnabon Bites from Cinnabon with this copycat recipe, your final product will capture the same gooey texture and sweet cream cheese glaze that makes the original so popular.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In the stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, let sit until frothy (5–10 minutes).
- Add granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, flour, and salt to yeast mixture.
- Mix with dough hook on medium speed until dough forms and pulls away from the bowl.
- Knead dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (1–1.5 hours).
- Prepare filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 1/4-inch thick).
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Cut dough into bite-sized squares using a dough cutter or bench scraper.
- Place dough bites onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Cover and let rise again for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake bites for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown.
- While baking, make glaze: Beat cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons milk. Add extra milk for desired consistency.
- Remove bites from oven and cool on wire rack for 5 minutes.
- Drizzle or spread cream cheese glaze over warm bites using a spoon or small offset spatula.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
Cinnabon Bites from Cinnabon copycat menu recreate the warm, spiced dough squares layered with cinnamon and brown sugar, all topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. If you don't have active dry yeast, instant yeast works well and eliminates the need for proofing in warm milk, streamlining your prep time. Whole milk can be swapped with 2% or even unsweetened almond milk in a pinch, though this may slightly alter the dough's richness and texture. When rolling out your dough, lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking without overloading, which keeps the bites tender and soft. Your glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more milk for a thinner drizzle or more powdered sugar for a thicker finish.
Tips
Ensure your milk is warm but not hot, ideally between 100degF and 110degF, to activate the yeast properly without killing it. When kneading, aim for a smooth and elastic dough texture, which may vary depending on humidity and flour type, so adjust flour amount if needed. After rolling and spreading the cinnamon filling, use a sharp dough cutter for clean, even squares to help them bake uniformly. You benefit from applying the cream cheese glaze while the bites are still warm so it melts slightly, enhancing the flavor and achieving that signature gooey texture.
Nutritions
Cinnabon Bites are a rich source of carbohydrates, primarily from all-purpose flour and sugars including granulated and brown sugar, providing quick energy. The use of whole milk, eggs, and butter contributes essential fats and proteins, which support muscle maintenance and satiety. The cream cheese glaze adds additional fat and calcium, enhancing the nutritional profile but also increasing calorie content. You should enjoy these bites in moderation as a flavorful treat due to their high sugar and fat levels.
Storage
Store your Cinnabon Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their soft, gooey texture. For longer storage, refrigerate the bites for up to 1 week, but bring them to room temperature and reheat briefly to restore freshness. Freezing the bites individually wrapped for up to 3 months allows you to enjoy them later, just thaw and warm before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, maintaining the dough's moisture and softness. For a twist on the filling, try adding finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture, enhancing texture and flavor complexity. Instead of cutting the dough into squares, roll it into spirals and slice to create mini cinnamon rolls for a different presentation. Use Greek yogurt instead of butter in the glaze to add tanginess and lighten the sweetness while keeping it creamy.
Allergies
Cinnabon Bites contain common allergens such as milk, eggs, and wheat, which may trigger reactions in individuals with dairy or gluten allergies. The cream cheese glaze and butter used in both the dough and filling contribute to dairy content, while all-purpose flour provides gluten. It's important to check if your specific allergy requires avoiding any of these ingredients to keep your intake safe.
Why this recipe?
Cinnabon Bites are beloved for their perfect balance of soft, warm dough infused with the signature sweet cinnamon and cream cheese glaze that defines Cinnabon's iconic flavor. Your taste buds experience a delightful burst of rich cinnamon and buttery goodness in every bite-sized piece, making it a convenient and irresistible treat. The mini portions make it easy to indulge without overcommitting, perfect for sharing or enjoying on the go. Trying to make a copycat recipe lets you recreate that distinctive experience at home, saving money and customizing the sweetness to your preference.