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Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls Copycat
Some days feel like a marathon I didn’t sign up for — and dinner still has to happen. Once, I started this Cinnabon cinnamon rolls copycat recipe late in the afternoon, thinking it’ll be a relaxing treat, but between the kids’ chaos and running errands, it turned into a delightful rescue when the house filled with that irresistible cinnamon aroma. If you like the recipe, please share it!
Courtney here, your food-loving friend who’s all about keeping things practical and delicious for busy families. This recipe is inspired by the classic Cinnabon rolls we all swoon over—but homemade with simple, real ingredients that are easy to find. These gooey, fluffy cinnamon rolls, made with a touch of heavy cream, are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet snack that feels better than takeout.
Let’s get baking — these better-than-Cinnabon cinnamon rolls will be your new family favorite faster than you can say ‘pass me another’!
What is Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls Copycat?
This Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls Copycat is a homemade version inspired by the famous cinnamon rolls you love from the mall bakery. These rolls are known for their fluffy, soft dough and super gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Unlike store-bought ones, these homemade rolls use heavy cream in the dough to create that signature softness and richness you expect.
If you’ve ever craved fluffy cinnamon rolls homemade overnight or wanted a Cinnabon copycat recipe perfect for weekend baking, this recipe has you covered. It’s a delicious way to enjoy warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with the satisfaction of making them yourself.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional but helpful)
- Rolling pin
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Small bowl for frosting
- Rubber spatula
- Oven
How to Make Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls Copycat
Step 1:
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Step 2:
Add sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and heavy cream to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
Step 3:
Gradually mix in the flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Step 4:
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Step 5:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 6:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
Step 7:
Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
Step 8:
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Step 9:
Starting from the long edge, roll up the dough tightly into a log.
Step 10:
Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 11:
Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 12:
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 13:
Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese frosting: beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until creamy.
Step 14:
Remove rolls from the oven, slightly cool for 5-10 minutes, then spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
Step 15:
Serve warm and enjoy your better-than-Cinnabon cinnamon rolls!
Some Tips!
- Use heavy cream in the dough for extra fluffy and soft rolls.
- For overnight cinnamon rolls, prepare the dough and rolls, then refrigerate overnight before baking in the morning.
- Don’t overfill with cinnamon sugar to avoid leaking during baking.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut your rolls cleanly without squishing.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before frosting so the icing doesn’t melt completely off.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven for that fresh-baked feel.
What to Eat With
These gooey cinnamon rolls homemade are perfect served alongside a steaming cup of homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte or Hot Cocoa for that ultimate cozy vibe. If you want something savory, pair them with a simple scrambled eggs recipe or a fresh fruit salad for balance. For a sweet treat, try them with classic sugar cookies or your favorite slice of purple velvet cake.
FAQ
Can I make these cinnamon rolls flavored, like adding nuts or fruit?
Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for a tasty twist on these flavored cinnamon rolls.
What’s the secret to really fluffy cinnamon rolls homemade?
Using heavy cream in the dough and allowing enough rising time helps achieve that soft, fluffy texture.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! This recipe works great for cinnamon rolls homemade overnight. Just keep the formed rolls covered in the fridge and bake fresh the next morning.
Is this recipe better than the original Cinnabon?
In my opinion, yes! You can control the sweetness, use real butter, and the cream cheese frosting tastes amazing homemade.
Do I need a stand mixer?
Not at all! Kneading by hand works fine, although a stand mixer with a dough hook makes it easier.
Conclusion
There’s something so comforting about homemade cinnamon rolls that even busy days can pause for a moment of sweet indulgence. This Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls Copycat recipe gives you that signature fluff, gooeyness, and rich cream cheese frosting all made from scratch with simple ingredients. Perfect for mornings when you need a little extra love or weekends when the whole family gathers around the table. Give these rolls a try, and I bet they’ll become your new go-to treat for homemade cinnamon rolls Cinnabon copycat style.
Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls Copycat
Course: RecipesServings
12
servingsPrep time
25
minutesCooking time
25
minutesCalories
410
kcalTotal time
1
hour10
minutesSoft, fluffy, gooey cinnamon rolls with rich cinnamon-sugar filling and creamy cream cheese frosting—better than Cinnabon and made completely at home.
Ingredients
1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
½ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Frosting
4 oz cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. Stir in sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and heavy cream. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth, cover, and let rise until doubled.
- Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the dough. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise 30 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes. Mix frosting ingredients until smooth and spread over warm rolls before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
- Heavy cream is key for extra soft, fluffy rolls
Perfect for overnight cinnamon rolls—refrigerate before the second rise
Use dental floss or a sharp knife for clean slices
Best served warm for maximum gooey texture
