CinnaSweeties from Cinnabon feature bite-sized, fluffy cinnamon rolls swirled with rich cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a smooth, creamy vanilla glaze that delivers a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors in every soft, melt-in-your-mouth piece.
Equipments
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Knife or dough cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven
- Small saucepan (for glaze)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ensure your whole milk is at room temperature before mixing to activate the instant yeast effectively and create a tender dough. When measuring flour, spoon it lightly into the cup and level off to avoid adding too much, which can result in dense rolls. Use unsalted butter in both the dough and filling to control the overall salt content and achieve the desired sweetness balance. The cinnamon and brown sugar filling must be well combined and spread evenly to ensure each bite of your CinnaSweeties delivers that rich, spicy flavor. This CinnaSweeties from Cinnabon copycat recipe promises soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls topped with a smooth vanilla glaze that perfectly mimics the classic treat.
Instructions
- Warm milk and water until lukewarm.
- In stand mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
- Add warm milk, water, softened butter, and egg to dry ingredients.
- Mix with dough hook on low speed until dough forms.
- Increase speed and knead for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Cover bowl; let dough rise in warm place until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon for filling in a bowl.
- Punch down dough; transfer to floured surface.
- Roll dough into a rectangle (~1/4-inch thick) using rolling pin.
- Spread softened butter over dough with pastry brush.
- Evenly sprinkle cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over buttered dough.
- Gently press filling into dough with spatula.
- Cut dough into small bite-sized pieces using knife or dough cutter.
- Place pieces on parchment-lined baking sheet, slightly spaced apart.
- Cover; let rise until puffy (20–30 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake 13–16 minutes, until golden brown.
- Remove from oven; cool on rack for 5–10 minutes.
- For glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla in saucepan over low heat until smooth.
- Drizzle warm glaze over slightly cooled CinnaSweeties.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
CinnaSweeties from Cinnabon copycat menu recreate the iconic cinnamon rolls with a tender dough swirled in cinnamon and brown sugar, finished with a luscious vanilla glaze. You can substitute whole milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk to accommodate lactose intolerance without compromising the soft texture. If instant yeast is unavailable, active dry yeast can be used, but remember to proof it in warm water before mixing. For the glaze, feel free to adjust the thickness by adding more powdered sugar or milk to achieve your desired consistency. Using parchment paper on the baking sheet prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup during your baking process.
Tips
Ensure your milk and water are lukewarm, around 100degF (38degC), to activate the yeast without killing it, which is crucial for dough rising. Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic to develop gluten for soft, fluffy rolls. When rolling out the dough, aim for an even 1/4-inch thickness to guarantee uniform baking and consistent texture. After cutting the rolls, allow them to rise until puffy before baking to achieve the signature light and airy crumb your CinnaSweeties deserve.
Nutritions
CinnaSweeties offer a rich source of carbohydrates from all-purpose flour and sugars, providing quick energy in each bite-sized cinnamon roll. The cinnamon in the filling adds antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, while the butter and egg contribute moderate amounts of fat and protein. Your portion will also contain calcium and vitamin D from whole milk used in both the dough and the vanilla glaze. Keep in mind that these treats are calorie-dense, making them best enjoyed occasionally within a balanced diet.
Storage
Store your CinnaSweeties in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and freeze them, allowing up to 1 month of freshness. Reheat frozen rolls in the oven at 350degF for 10 minutes to restore their melt-in-your-mouth texture and enhance the vanilla glaze flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the dough's softness. Instead of brown sugar in the filling, try maple sugar or coconut sugar to add a unique caramel flavor and lower glycemic index. Brush melted cream cheese mixed with a touch of honey on top before baking to create a richer, tangy glaze base for the vanilla drizzle. Rolling the dough slightly thicker will yield fluffier bite-sized rolls with a more pronounced cinnamon swirl.
Allergies
CinnaSweeties contain common allergens such as wheat in the all-purpose flour and dairy in the whole milk, unsalted butter, and egg, which may trigger reactions in individuals with gluten, milk, or egg allergies. The vanilla glaze and filling also include milk-based ingredients that could affect those with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivity. You should carefully review ingredient labels or consult with your healthcare provider if you have specific food allergy concerns before enjoying these cinnamon rolls.
Why this recipe?
CinnaSweeties menu from Cinnabon offers a unique blend of soft, chewy cinnamon bites coated in a rich, sweet glaze that delivers an indulgent flavor explosion with every bite. The perfect balance of warmth, sweetness, and cinnamon spice makes these treats highly addictive and a favorite among dessert lovers. Your desire to recreate the copycat version stems from the challenge of mastering the exact texture and flavor that make CinnaSweeties stand out. Making your own allows you to enjoy fresh, personalized sweetness anytime while saving money compared to buying from the restaurant.