The Classic Roll from Cinnabon features soft, warm, and fluffy cinnamon-spiced dough swirled with a generous layer of sweet brown sugar cinnamon filling, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that melts into every bite, delivering a cozy and indulgent treat.
Equipments
- Stand mixer (with dough hook)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rolling pin
- Bench scraper or sharp knife
- Baking dish or sheet pan
- Pastry brush
- Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
- Oven
- Microwave (optional, for softening ingredients)
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 6 ounces (170g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are softened to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, creamy texture in both the dough and frosting. Use warm milk around 110degF (43degC) to activate the yeast properly, promoting good dough rise and fluffiness in your Classic Roll. Measure your flour accurately by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to prevent a dense roll. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon filling thoroughly with softened butter to create the signature sweet swirl that makes this treat irresistible. Your Classic Roll from Cinnabon copycat will deliver the soft, cinnamon-spiced indulgence you expect when these ingredient tips are followed precisely.
Instructions
- Warm milk to around 110°F (43°C).
- In stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy (5-10 minutes).
- Add softened butter, eggs, and salt; mix until combined.
- Add flour gradually; mix with dough hook until a slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead in mixer until smooth and elastic (5-8 minutes).
- Place dough in greased bowl; cover with plastic wrap or towel, and let rise until doubled (about 1-1.5 hours).
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in small bowl (for filling).
- Punch down risen dough; turn onto floured surface.
- Roll dough into large rectangle (~16x20 inches).
- Spread softened butter (for filling) over dough evenly.
- Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over buttered dough.
- Roll up dough tightly from long side; pinch seam to seal.
- Cut roll into 12 even pieces using bench scraper or sharp knife.
- Arrange rolls in greased baking dish or on a sheet pan.
- Cover with plastic wrap or towel; let rise until puffy (30-45 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake rolls 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
- While baking, beat together cream cheese, butter (for frosting), powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt until smooth.
- Remove rolls from oven; cool for 10 minutes.
- Spread cream cheese frosting over warm rolls with spatula.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
The Classic Roll from Cinnabon copycat menu is known for its soft cinnamon-spiced dough and rich cream cheese frosting that combine to create a warm, indulgent dessert. You can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option without compromising texture. If active dry yeast is unavailable, instant yeast can be used but reduce the rising time slightly. When rolling out the dough, dust your surface lightly with flour to prevent sticking and use a bench scraper to lift and shape rolls cleanly. To soften butter or cream cheese quickly, use a microwave in short bursts, monitoring carefully to avoid melting.
Tips
Your yeast mixture must be foamy before adding other ingredients, indicating active yeast for proper rise. Use warm milk at around 110degF (43degC) to avoid killing the yeast and ensure good dough consistency. When rolling the dough, maintain an even thickness to prevent uneven baking or dense spots inside the rolls. After cutting, allow the rolls to proof until puffy but not over-proofed; this keeps the texture light and fluffy.
Nutritions
The Classic Roll from Cinnabon contains approximately 350-400 calories per serving, with a high content of carbohydrates mainly from all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. It provides moderate fats from unsalted butter and cream cheese, contributing to its rich texture and flavor, while eggs add a small amount of protein. Your indulgence will also include sugars that can impact blood glucose levels, so moderation is key if you monitor carbohydrate intake. This treat offers a comforting combination of energy-dense ingredients that satisfy sweet cravings but should be enjoyed as an occasional dessert.
Storage
Store your Classic Roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the rolls in an airtight container, which will keep them fresh for up to a week while slightly firming the texture. To enjoy warm, reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) for 5-10 minutes before adding cream cheese frosting.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add a nutty flavor and boost fiber content while maintaining a tender texture. For a fruit twist, incorporate finely chopped apples or raisins into the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling the dough. Use maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar in the dough for a natural sweetness and subtle depth in flavor. To achieve a fluffier crumb, try letting the rolls rise overnight in the refrigerator, which allows for slow fermentation and enhanced taste.
Allergies
The Classic Roll contains common allergens such as wheat (all-purpose flour), dairy (butter, cream cheese, milk), and eggs, which may trigger reactions in individuals sensitive to these ingredients. If you have lactose intolerance or a milk allergy, the rich cream cheese frosting and butter used in both the dough and filling can cause discomfort or allergic symptoms. Be cautious if you have gluten sensitivity or egg allergies, as these components are integral to the roll's structure and flavor.
Why this recipe?
The Classic Roll menu from Cinnabon is loved for its warm, gooey cinnamon filling and signature cream cheese frosting that creates an irresistible flavor combination. The soft, freshly baked dough paired with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice keeps customers coming back for more. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this iconic treat anytime while customizing ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences. This homemade approach not only saves money but also gives you the satisfaction of replicating a beloved bakery favorite in your own kitchen.