Cinnabon Copycat Rolls Recipe – Giant Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls at Home

A Quick, Catchy Intro with a Viral Hook

Ever smelled that heavenly scent of a Cinnabon shop way down the mall and thought, “Yeah, I’m going in”? But then? The line totally kills the vibe. Well, guess what: you can make those giant swirls of gooey, cinnamon-jam-packed bliss right in your kitchen—without elbowing anyone or paying mall prices. This is your Cinnabon Copycat Rolls moment—prepare to stop drooling in public.

Why This Recipe Is Awesome

Look, life’s too short for premade cinnamon rolls that taste like cardboard. These are truly soft, sweet, ooey, and topped with rich cream cheese frosting that’s basically dessert for breakfast. They’re perfect for brunch guests, birthday mornings, or anytime you want to show off—but don’t feel like calling in reinforcements. FYI, these are shockingly easy with basic ingredients and just a little patience.

Ingredients

• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sub: half whole wheat)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110 °F)
• ½ cup warm water (110 °F)
• ⅓ cup melted butter + ¼ cup softened
• 2 large eggs
• For the filling:
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• For the frosting:
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Tools & Kitchen Gadgets Used

(Affiliate-ready!)

• Large mixing bowl or stand mixer with dough hook
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Rolling pin
• 9×13 baking pan
• Pastry brush
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Activate yeast: Mix warm milk/water, sugar, and yeast in mixer bowl. Let bubble 5 mins.
2. Make dough: Add flour, salt, melted butter, and eggs. Knead 6–8 mins until smooth.
3. First rise: Cover and let rise 1 hr until doubled.
4. Prepare filling: Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
5. Shape rolls: Roll dough into a 16×12″ rectangle, brush with softened butter, sprinkle filling evenly.
6. Roll & cut: Roll tightly, slice into 12 rolls with flour-dusted string or knife.
7. Second rise: Place in greased pan, cover, let rise 30–45 mins until puffy.
8. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake 25–30 mins until lightly golden.
9. Make frosting: Mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until creamy.
10. Finish: Spread frosting over warm rolls, cool slightly, and dig in.

Calories & Nutritional Info

Per roll (1 of 12):

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Carbs: 44g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 21g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Milk too hot: Kills yeast—aim for 110°F.
• Under-kneading: Leads to dense rolls—knead until elastic.
• Skipping the second rise: Rolls will be tight and sad.
• Overbaking: Bake until just golden to avoid dryness.

Variations & Customizations

1. Keto version: Use almond flour, erythritol sweetener, and cream cheese frosting only.
2. Fruit twist: Add raisins or diced apples to the filling.
3. Spicy chai: Mix chai spices (cardamom, ginger) into sugar-cinnamon blend.

FAQ Section

1. What makes Cinnabon rolls so big?
They use high-hydration dough and big rolls—this recipe mimics that with generous dough and rise time.

2. Can I use active dry yeast?
Yes—use the same amount but proof in warm water for 10 mins first.

3. How do I store leftover rolls?
Cover with foil or plastic, store at room temp up to 3 days. Reheat for best taste.

4. Can I freeze unbaked rolls?
Freeze after shaping; bake directly from frozen with 10 extra minutes.

5. Sugar swap possible?
Brown sugar substitutes work, but dark brown gives deeper flavor.

6. Dairy-free option?
Use plant-based milk, butter, and cream cheese alternatives.

7. Can I make mini rolls?
Absolutely—slice into 24 for bite-size versions. Bake just 5 mins less.

8. Cinnamon alternatives?
Try pumpkin pie spice or cardamom for fun flavor spins.

Final Thoughts

There you go—warm, gooey, cream cheese–frosted Cinnabon Copycat Rolls that’ll one-up any mall bakery. Pull them out at brunch or surprise someone with the gift of carb-loaded joy. And hey—once your kitchen smells like this, store-bought just seems… sad. Ready to post your masterpiece and watch the likes roll in? 😏