Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls - All Recipe Secret

Cinnabon cinnamon rolls are legendary for a reason. That intoxicating aroma of cinnamon sugar, the buttery soft dough, and the rich cream cheese frosting—each bite is a perfect swirl of indulgence. With this homemade Cinnabon copycat recipe, you can recreate the iconic experience in your own kitchen.

These cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and absolutely loaded with cinnamon and brown sugar. Whether you’re baking them for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or just because, this recipe delivers that signature flavor you crave without needing to wait in line at the mall.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Soft and Pillowy Dough – Melt-in-your-mouth texture every time.
Gooey Cinnamon Swirl – Rich brown sugar-cinnamon filling stays moist and flavorful.
Thick Cream Cheese Frosting – Sweet, tangy, and indulgent.
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly – Bake now or prep ahead for later.
True Cinnabon Copycat Flavor – Authentic taste with easy-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients List

For the Dough:

1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
4½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Filling:

1 cup packed brown sugar
2½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

6 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Timing & Servings

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 90 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 2½ hours
Servings: 12 rolls

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add eggs, melted butter, and salt. Begin adding flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing with a dough hook or by hand until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon. Keep softened butter separate.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle.

Step 6: Add the Filling

Spread the softened butter over the entire surface of the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter.

Step 7: Roll and Slice

Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.

Step 8: Second Rise

Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 9: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 10: Frost the Rolls

While still warm, slather the cream cheese frosting over the tops of the rolls. Let it melt into the nooks and swirls for maximum gooeyness.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Use Warm, Not Hot Milk

Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast. Ideal temperature is between 105–110°F.

2. Soften the Butter

Cold butter tears the dough. Room temperature butter spreads easily.

3. Dental Floss for Clean Cuts

For perfect slices without squishing the dough, use unflavored dental floss instead of a knife.

4. Don’t Overbake

You want the rolls soft and tender, not dry. Begin checking at 23 minutes.

5. Frost While Warm

Frosting melts slightly, creating that signature gooey top.

Cream Cheese Frosting Variations

Classic Vanilla Frosting

Use just butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for a traditional glaze.

Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup for a cozy twist.

Orange Zest Frosting

Brighten up your rolls with a teaspoon of orange zest in the frosting.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Refrigerate Overnight:

After placing the sliced rolls in the pan, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking.

Freeze Before Baking:

Place sliced rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let rise before baking.

Freeze After Baking:

Let rolls cool, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave or oven.

Variations to Try

Pecan Cinnabon Rolls

Add chopped pecans on top of the cinnamon sugar layer before rolling.

Chocolate Chip Rolls

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling for a dessert-style twist.

Pumpkin Spice Cinnabon

Substitute cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice and add ¼ cup pumpkin puree to the dough.

Pairing Ideas

Coffee or Cappuccino – A strong brew complements the sweetness perfectly.
Hot Cocoa or Chai Latte – Cozy and indulgent for brunch or winter mornings.
Bacon or Sausage – Salty meats balance the sugary rolls.
Fresh Berries or Fruit Salad – Add freshness to your breakfast spread.

Storage and Reheating

Room Temperature:

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator:

Store in the fridge up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Freezer:

Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the microwave or let thaw overnight.

Nutritional Information (Per Roll – Approximate)

Calories: 410
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Sugar: 30g
Protein: 6g

Values vary depending on size and glaze amount.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! You can substitute 1:1. Skip the blooming step and mix it directly into the dry ingredients.

What kind of flour is best?

All-purpose flour is perfect, but bread flour can add even more chew.

Can I skip the second rise?

It’s not recommended. The second rise gives you that fluffy, bakery-style texture.

Why are my rolls dry?

Likely overbaking or too much flour. Use spoon-and-level method for accurate measuring.

Can I make mini rolls?

Absolutely. Roll the dough tighter and slice thinner. Bake for a slightly shorter time.

Conclusion

Homemade Cinnabon cinnamon rolls are the ultimate baking indulgence. With a rich cinnamon filling, buttery dough, and a generous layer of cream cheese frosting, each roll captures that beloved mall-bakery experience in your own kitchen.

Perfect for special occasions, lazy weekends, or to impress guests, this recipe is endlessly rewarding and surprisingly easy to follow. With a few simple steps and some rising time, you’ll be rewarded with gooey, aromatic, bakery-style cinnamon rolls that may just be better than the real thing.