Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls (Soft & Gooey)
Few smells beat fresh Cinnabon cinnamon rolls – soft, gooey, and slathered in cream cheese frosting. This copycat recipe brings that mall-bakery magic to your kitchen, with pillowy rolls and a rich, tangy frosting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, fluffy, and gooey in the center
- Signature tangy cream cheese frosting
- Bakery-quality from scratch
- Perfect for weekends and holidays
Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
A copycat of Cinnabon's famous cinnamon rolls - pillowy soft dough with a gooey brown sugar cinnamon filling and rich cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Stir the yeast into the warm milk with a pinch of the sugar and let it foam, 5 minutes.
- Mix in the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, flour, and salt, then knead until smooth. Cover and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread with the softened butter and sprinkle with the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll up tightly, slice into 12 rolls, and place in a greased 9x13 dish. Let rise 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350F for 18-20 minutes. Beat the frosting ingredients smooth and spread over the warm rolls.
Notes
The signature Cinnabon flavor comes from a generous cinnamon-brown sugar filling and a tangy cream cheese frosting spread on while warm.
Tips for the Best Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
- Use warm, not hot, milk so you do not kill the yeast
- Roll the dough tightly for defined swirls
- Frost while the rolls are still warm so it melts in
- Do not overbake – keep them soft and gooey
Storage & Reheating
Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Warm before serving. Unfrosted rolls freeze well.
Variations to Try
- Add chopped pecans to the filling for Caramel Pecanbon style
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for the second rise
- Add a pinch of cardamom to the filling
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cinnamon rolls the night before?
Yes. Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and finish rising before baking.
Why are my rolls dense?
Dense rolls usually mean the yeast was not active or the dough did not rise enough. Use fresh yeast and give it time to double.
What makes Cinnabon frosting special?
It is a cream cheese frosting, which adds a tangy richness that balances the sweet cinnamon filling.
