Cinnabon Classic Rolls from Cinnabon feature soft, warm cinnamon rolls generously coated with creamy, sweet cream cheese frosting, offering a perfect blend of gooey, spiced, and indulgent flavors.
Equipments
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Dough hook attachment (if using stand mixer)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife or dental floss (for cutting rolls)
- Baking dish or baking pan
- Oven
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
- Spatula
- Small mixing bowls
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 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 packed brown sugar (for filling)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
Make sure the warm milk is around 110degF (43degC) before adding yeast to activate it properly; too hot or too cold can affect the dough rise. Use unsalted butter in the filling and frosting for better control over the dish's saltiness, ensuring a balanced flavor profile. Softened cream cheese and butter should be at room temperature to blend smoothly into the frosting, creating that classic creamy texture. Measuring flour accurately is essential; too much flour can make the rolls dense instead of light and fluffy. Your Cinnabon Classic Rolls from the copycat menu will closely replicate the soft, gooey, and indulgent experience of the original treat when these ingredient tips are followed.
Instructions
- Warm milk to about 110°F (43°C).
- Add active dry yeast to warm milk; let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Whisk in granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs until combined.
- Gradually add flour and salt; mix with dough hook or by hand until dough forms.
- Knead dough until smooth and elastic (5-7 minutes in stand mixer or 10 minutes by hand).
- Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Prepare filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Roll risen dough on a floured surface into a 16x21-inch rectangle.
- Spread filling mixture evenly over rolled dough.
- Roll dough tightly, starting from the long side, to form a log.
- Slice log into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Cover and let rolls rise for another 30 minutes, until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Prepare frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt; mix until creamy.
- Spread frosting on warm rolls.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly on a cooling rack.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Substitution
Cinnabon Classic Rolls from Cinnabon copycat menu reproduce the iconic soft, gooey cinnamon rolls topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. You can substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast by reducing the proofing time, as instant yeast activates faster. If you don't have a stand mixer, mixing and kneading the dough by hand in a large bowl works just as well, although it requires more effort. For cutting the rolls, dental floss provides cleaner cuts compared to a knife, helping maintain perfect swirls. When softened butter isn't available for filling or frosting, microwave it briefly in small increments to avoid melting it completely.
Tips
Ensure your milk is warmed precisely to about 110degF (43degC) before adding yeast to activate it properly; overheating can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising. When kneading, aim for a smooth, elastic dough with slight tackiness--over-kneading makes rolls tough, while under-kneading results in dense texture. Use dental floss or a sharp knife to slice the dough log cleanly into even rolls, preserving their shape and promoting even baking. Spread the cream cheese frosting only on warm, not hot, rolls to achieve the perfect gooey consistency without melting the frosting too much for your ideal finish.
Nutritions
Cinnabon Classic Rolls are calorie-dense, primarily due to their high sugar and butter content in both the dough and frosting. Each roll contains significant amounts of carbohydrates, largely from all-purpose flour and sugars, providing a quick source of energy. The cream cheese frosting contributes saturated fats and added sugars, making these rolls an indulgent treat rather than a nutrient-dense option. You should enjoy Cinnabon Rolls occasionally if you are monitoring your intake of added sugars and fats.
Storage
Store your Cinnabon Classic Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness and freshness. For longer storage, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in the oven at 350degF (175degC) for 10 minutes, then spread frosting while warm.
Variation or Alternatives
For a flavor twist, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add a nuttier taste and enhance nutritional value. You can swap cream cheese frosting with a maple glaze by mixing powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon for a different sweetness profile. Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for texture and bursts of flavor. If you prefer a softer dough, increase the milk by two tablespoons and extend the first rise by 15 minutes; your rolls will turn out fluffier and more tender.
Allergies
Cinnabon Classic Rolls contain common allergens including eggs, dairy (milk, butter, cream cheese), and wheat gluten from all-purpose flour, which may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, consuming these cinnamon rolls could cause adverse effects. Always review ingredient lists to ensure your safety before enjoying this treat.
Why this recipe?
Cinnabon Classic Rolls are beloved for their soft, warm dough combined with rich, gooey cinnamon filling that creates a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting melts over each roll, enhancing the indulgent flavor and texture that customers crave. Recreating this iconic treat at home lets you customize sweetness levels and enjoy fresh, aromatic rolls without the wait. Your homemade Cinnabon Classic Rolls can capture the exact comfort and delight of the original, making the effort truly worthwhile.