Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Get ready to swoon, because these Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Cinnabon Copycat Recipe) are everything you crave in a bakery treat—right from your own oven! Soft, buttery spirals, a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and swoops of tangy cream cheese frosting create the ultimate comfort bake that tastes just like the mall favorite. If you love pillowy centers and gooey frosting, you’ll be head over heels for this recipe.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of humble pantry staples create such show-stopping cinnamon rolls! Each ingredient plays an essential role—from fluffy dough to decadent frosting—and with a few simple extras, you’ll achieve bakery-worthy results every time.

• Warm Milk: Brings richness and warmth to activate the yeast and create extra-tender rolls.
• Instant Dry Yeast: Helps your dough rise confidently, giving you that signature fluffy texture.
• Eggs (room temp): Make the dough rich, golden, and impossibly soft.
• Salted Butter: Adds flavor and moisture—use for both the dough and the delicious filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and layers gentle sweetness into the dough.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
• Bread Flour: Optional, but highly recommended for that classic chewier bite (all-purpose also works for a tender roll).
• Brown Sugar: Deep molasses notes make the filling extra gooey and caramelized.
• Cinnamon: The heart of the filling—don’t be shy; use a fresh, fragrant cinnamon for best results.
• Heavy Cream: A secret touch for ultimate softness and an ooey-gooey middle that stays moist even after baking.
• Cream Cheese: Softened for a smooth, tangy frosting—don’t skip it!
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting until it’s cloud-like.
• Maple Extract (or Vanilla): Either will give your frosting that extra-special, aromatic finish.

Variations

The beauty of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Cinnabon Copycat Recipe) is how easy it is to customize to suit your cravings or dietary needs. Whether you’re swapping flavors, reducing sugar, or making them dairy-free, these rolls can evolve with your kitchen mood!

• Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips into the cinnamon filling before rolling for a fudgy twist.
• Pecan or Walnut Crunch: Add chopped nuts with the brown sugar filling for a delightful crunch and nutty depth.
• Dairy-Free Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute plant-based butters, non-dairy milk, and vegan cream cheese—so everyone can enjoy!
• Fruit-Studded Rolls: Scatter raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped apples inside the rolls for a fruity surprise in every bite.

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Cinnabon Copycat Recipe)

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough

Pour the warm milk into your stand mixer bowl and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for a few minutes, giving the yeast time to get foamy and alive (that’s how you know your rolls will rise beautifully!). Add the eggs, melted butter, and sugar—mix until they’re happily combined. Next, introduce the salt and most of the flour, letting the mixture rest for a quick pause so the flour can soak up the liquids. This little break is a magic trick for extra tender cinnamon rolls.

Step 2: Knead and First Rise

Scrape down your mixer and swap to the dough hook. Knead on medium speed, adding a bit more flour as needed, until the dough is elastic and pulls away from the side (sticky bottoms are totally okay here!). Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled—about 30 minutes if you find a cozy nook in your kitchen.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the dough puffs up, stir together your softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the signature swirl. This mixture should be thick, fragrant, and spreadable—it’ll become the gooey core of each roll!

Step 4: Roll Out and Shape

Turn out the risen dough onto a generously floured surface. Sprinkle extra flour on top, then roll the dough into a large, even rectangle (about 24×15 inches, but don’t stress perfect measurements). Spread the filling evenly to every edge. Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly, then slice into 12 even pieces. Arrange the rounds in a greased baking pan, and let them rest again while your oven preheats.

Step 5: Second Rise and The Cream Secret

Let the rolls rise for 20 minutes more—just enough for them to puff a little more. Before baking, gently warm the heavy cream and pour it all over the rolls. This is the secret that keeps your Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Cinnabon Copycat Recipe) ultra-moist and tender, creating that legendary gooey center.

Step 6: Bake and Frost

Bake your rolls until they’re lightly golden—usually 25 minutes, but peek a few minutes early just in case. If they seem to brown too quickly, just tent them with foil. While they bake, whip up the cream cheese frosting: blend softened cream cheese and butter, beat in maple or vanilla extract, and sift in the powdered sugar for a creamy, dreamy finish. Frost the rolls while just barely warm for melt-in-the-mouth perfection!

How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Cinnabon Copycat Recipe)

Garnishes

For that extra bakery sparkle, try a light dusting of powdered sugar over your frosted Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Cinnabon Copycat Recipe). If you’re feeling festive, add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts, or drizzle a bit of caramel sauce for a decadent finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon rolls with a big mug of fresh coffee or hot cocoa for the coziest breakfast ever. They also play well with a simple fruit salad, creamy scrambled eggs, or breakfast sausage if you want to round out your brunch spread and balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your cinnamon rolls on a pretty wooden board for that bakery-at-home feel, or pile them high on a cake stand and top with extra swirls of frosting. For special occasions, wrap individual rolls in parchment and tie with twine for adorable edible gifts everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Cinnabon Copycat Recipe) irresistibly soft, store them tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, they’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week—just bring to room temp or reheat before enjoying!

Freezing

Freeze unfrosted cinnamon rolls (either baked or unbaked) tightly wrapped for up to two months. If frozen after baking, let them cool completely before wrapping. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm and frost just before serving for bakery freshness any time.

Reheating

The best way to reheat cinnamon rolls is gently! Pop one or two in the microwave for 15–30 seconds until warm and gooey. For a whole pan, cover with foil and warm in a 300ºF oven for about 10 minutes—add a spoonful of cream overtop for extra softness if you like.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Baking these Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Cinnabon Copycat Recipe) is truly a treat—not just for your taste buds, but for your whole kitchen. The smell alone is enough to make anyone smile! I hope you’ll give them a try soon, share them with loved ones, and create new traditions full of sweet, sticky-fingered happiness.

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