CinnaPack from Cinnabon features warm, soft cinnamon rolls packed with sweet cream cheese frosting and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, delivering a gooey and aromatic treat that's both comforting and indulgent.
Equipments
- Oven
- Baking tray/pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Rolling pin
- Dough scraper
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
- Knife or dough cutter
- Spatula
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Use active dry yeast that is fresh and properly proofed in warm milk and water to ensure your dough rises perfectly. Measure your all-purpose flour accurately, as too much can make the rolls dense instead of soft and fluffy. The brown sugar and ground cinnamon blend is essential for that signature sweet and spicy filling; opt for fresh cinnamon for a more aromatic flavor. Cream cheese should be softened before mixing into the frosting to achieve a smooth, creamy texture. Your homemade CinnaPack from Cinnabon copycat menu will capture the authentic gooey, aromatic indulgence of the original cinnamon rolls when these ingredient tips are followed precisely.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, and active dry yeast. Let sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
- Add granulated sugar, softened butter, egg, and salt; whisk to combine.
- Gradually mix in all-purpose flour until dough forms.
- Knead dough on floured surface for 5–10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with dough hook) until smooth.
- Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1–1.5 hours).
- Punch down dough; roll out to a rectangle (about 16x12 inches).
- Brush melted butter over dough rectangle.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over buttered dough.
- Roll up dough tightly from the longer side; pinch edges to seal.
- Cut into 12 equal rolls using a knife or dough cutter.
- Arrange rolls in a greased baking tray or pan.
- Cover and let rise until puffy (about 30–45 minutes).
- Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool rolls on a cooling rack.
- For frosting: beat cream cheese and softened butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk; whisk until smooth and spreadable.
- Spread cream cheese frosting over warm rolls with spatula or spoon.
- Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Substitution
CinnaPack from Cinnabon is a beloved copycat menu item that replicates the iconic warm cinnamon rolls with sweet cream cheese frosting and cinnamon sugar topping. If you don't have active dry yeast available, instant yeast can be used as a substitute, though dough rising times may vary slightly. When cream cheese is unavailable, mascarpone or ricotta cheese mixed with a bit of powdered sugar can provide a similar creamy frosting consistency. Your oven temperature and baking time might need adjustment depending on your specific equipment to ensure the rolls bake evenly and achieve a golden-brown crust. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook can simplify the mixing and kneading process, but hand mixing and kneading remain effective alternatives.
Tips
Ensure the active dry yeast is fresh and your liquids are warm but not hot (about 110degF) to properly activate the yeast and achieve a good rise. When kneading the dough, use a well-floured surface to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much flour to keep your rolls soft. Allow both rises (initial dough and rolled rolls) enough time to double and become puffy for that signature fluffy texture. When spreading the cream cheese frosting, wait until the rolls are warm, not hot, so the frosting melts slightly but doesn't become too runny, ensuring your CinnaPack stays delightfully gooey.
Nutritions
CinnaPack cinnamon rolls are calorie-dense, primarily providing carbohydrates from the all-purpose flour and sugars like granulated and brown sugar, which supply quick energy. The cream cheese frosting adds a significant amount of fat and protein, coming from cream cheese and butter, contributing to your daily intake of dairy fats and some calcium. Cinnamon offers antioxidants and potential anti-inflammatory properties, though in small amounts relative to the overall treat. You should enjoy these rolls as an occasional indulgence, considering their rich calorie and sugar content relative to nutritional needs.
Storage
Store your CinnaPack rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain softness and freshness. For longer storage, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 1 month; reheat in the oven at 350degF (175degC) until warm before serving. Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry out the rolls and affect the texture of the cream cheese frosting.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Incorporate finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar filling for extra crunch and texture. Instead of traditional cream cheese frosting, try a maple-flavored glaze by mixing powdered sugar with pure maple syrup and a splash of milk for a dairy-free alternative. For a slower rise and deeper flavor development, refrigerate the dough overnight before baking, adjusting the rise time accordingly.
Allergies
CinnaPack from Cinnabon contains common allergens such as wheat (gluten) from all-purpose flour, dairy from butter, milk, and cream cheese, and eggs. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, especially gluten or dairy, consuming this product could trigger allergic reactions. Always check ingredient labels carefully to ensure your safety and avoid potential allergens.
Why this recipe?
CinnaPack from Cinnabon is loved for its irresistible combination of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls paired with rich cream cheese frosting, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Its convenient packaging allows customers to enjoy freshly baked goodness anytime, making it a popular choice for on-the-go indulgence. Many appreciate the unique blend of soft texture and aromatic cinnamon flavors that set CinnaPack apart from other bakery treats. Trying to make a copycat version lets you recreate this iconic taste in Your own kitchen, saving money while satisfying cravings with freshly baked rolls made to your preference.