Oh, the smell of warm cinnamon and sweet dough wafting through the house… it just doesn’t get any better, does it? If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating that magical, gooey, ridiculously delicious experience of Cinnabon cinnamon rolls right in your own kitchen, you’ve come to the *perfect* place. Trust me, after years of tweaking and testing, I’ve finally cracked the code! These homemade Cinnabon cinnamon rolls are unbelievably soft, perfectly swirled, and topped with the dreamiest cream cheese frosting. Get ready to impress yourself (and everyone lucky enough to snag one!).
Why You'll Love These Homemade Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
- They are unbelievably soft and gooey, just like the ones you crave!
- The recipe is super easy to follow, even for beginners.
- They’re perfect for making any weekend feel like a special occasion.
- That classic cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch.
- Seriously, the smell while they bake is pure bliss.
Gather Your Ingredients for Homemade Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
Alright, let’s get down to business! Having all your ingredients prepped and ready makes the whole process so much smoother. You’ll want to gather everything before you even think about starting the dough. Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing homemade Cinnabon cinnamon rolls:
Essential Dough Ingredients
For the dough itself, you’ll need 1 cup of warm milk, ideally between 105-115°F (that’s where the yeast really wakes up!), 1/4 cup of white sugar to feed that yeast, and one packet (which is about 2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast. Then, we’ll stir in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, two large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Finally, grab about 4 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour – it’s always good to have a little extra on hand just in case!
Irresistible Filling Ingredients
This is where the magic happens! For that gooey, cinnamony center, you’ll need 1 cup of packed light brown sugar and about 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Make sure that brown sugar is nice and packed into the cup so you get the right amount!
Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
And for the crown jewel – the frosting! You’ll need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese (let it sit out for a bit!), 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of powdered sugar (also called confectioners’ sugar), and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Simple, but oh-so-good!
How to Prepare Homemade Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls: Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, mamas and papas, let’s get these gorgeous homemade Cinnabon cinnamon rolls into your oven! It’s not as scary as it looks, I promise. Just follow along, and you’ll be smelling that amazing aroma in no time.
Activating the Yeast and Mixing the Dough
First things first, in a big ol’ bowl, we’re going to get that yeast party started. Pour in your warm milk, sprinkle in the white sugar, and then add the yeast. Give it a little stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it gets all foamy and bubbly – that’s the yeast waking up! Then, just stir in that melted butter and those eggs. Easy peasy!
Kneading and First Rise for the Perfect Dough
Now, we’ll add the salt and gradually mix in the flour. Keep mixing until you get a soft dough. This is where the magic happens: turn that dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic, like a baby’s cheek! Pop that dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it hang out in a warm spot for about an hour. It should get nice and puffy, basically doubled in size.
Creating the Swirl: Filling and Rolling the Dough
Once your dough has had its first rise, give it a gentle punch down. Now, roll it out on your counter into a big rectangle, about 12 inches by 18 inches. Get that softened butter all spread out over the dough, leaving a little border around the edges. Then, sprinkle that yummy brown sugar and cinnamon mixture all over the butter. Now for the fun part: roll it up super tight, starting from one of the long sides. This is what gives you those beautiful swirls!
Cutting and Second Rise for Fluffy Rolls
Once you’ve got your log rolled up, it’s time to slice it. Use a sharp knife or even some unflavored dental floss to cut the roll into 12 nice, even pieces. Arrange them cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover them again and let them have another little rest for about 30 minutes. They’ll get puffy again, ready for their hot bath!
Baking Your Homemade Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while those rolls are having their second rise. Once the oven is ready, pop the pan in and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for them to be beautifully golden brown on top. Oh, the smell! It’s going to be incredible.
Crafting the Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting
While those rolls are baking and making your whole house smell like heaven, let’s whip up that frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until they’re super smooth and creamy. Then, just gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating away until it’s all combined and looks perfectly smooth and luscious. Easy enough, right?
Tips for Success with Homemade Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
Okay, so you want those bakery-perfect homemade Cinnabon cinnamon rolls? I get it! A couple of little tricks can make all the difference. First off, for the flour, if you have a kitchen scale, use it! Measuring flour by weight is way more accurate than by cups, and it’ll help ensure your dough isn’t too dry or too sticky. Also, make sure your milk is just warm, not hot, when you activate the yeast – too hot and you’ll kill those little guys! For that signature gooeyness, don’t skimp on the butter and brown sugar filling, and try adding a tiny splash of heavy cream over the rolls right before baking; it really amps up the moist factor. And remember, patience with the rising times is key – let that dough do its thing!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Homemade Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
Let’s talk ingredients for these glorious homemade Cinnabon cinnamon rolls! For the milk, warm is key, but if you don’t have a thermometer, just make sure it feels lukewarm to the touch, not hot. You can use whole milk, 2%, or even almond milk if you need a dairy-free option, though whole milk gives the best richness. When it comes to brown sugar, “packed” means you really press it down into the measuring cup. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. And for the softened butter and cream cheese? Just leave them on the counter for about an hour before you start. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Homemade Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
Got questions about making these amazing homemade Cinnabon cinnamon rolls? I’ve got answers!
Q1. Can I make the dough for these homemade Cinnabon cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! That’s one of my favorite tricks. Once the dough has finished its first rise, you can punch it down, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge overnight. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you roll it out and proceed with the recipe. It makes weekend mornings so much easier!
Q2. What makes homemade cinnamon rolls extra gooey?
A few things contribute to that irresistible gooeyness in homemade Cinnabon cinnamon rolls! First, don’t be shy with the softened butter and brown sugar mixture when you’re filling the dough. Second, rolling the dough up tightly helps create those lovely, dense swirls. And my secret little weapon? A little splash of heavy cream poured over the unbaked rolls before they go into the oven. It really makes them extra moist and gooey!
Q3. How should I store leftover homemade Cinnabon cinnamon rolls?
If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, store the frosted rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, they’ll be good in the refrigerator for about a week. Just be sure to let them come back to room temperature before you dig in!
Q4. My dough didn’t double in size, what went wrong?
Don’t worry, it happens! The most common culprits are the milk temperature or the yeast itself. Make sure your milk was warm (around 105-115°F) and not too hot, as that can kill the yeast. Also, check the expiration date on your yeast packet; old yeast might not be as active. If you’re unsure, you can always proof your yeast first: combine it with the warm milk and sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. If it gets foamy, your yeast is good to go!
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
These amazing homemade Cinnabon cinnamon rolls are practically a meal in themselves, but if you want to make it a full experience, they’re fantastic with a hot cup of coffee – that rich, dark brew just cuts through the sweetness perfectly. A nice cup of tea works wonders too! And of course, you can never go wrong with a tall, cold glass of milk. They’re also pretty darn good alongside some scrambled eggs or a simple fruit salad if you’re making them for a weekend brunch!
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Homemade Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
Got leftover homemade Cinnabon cinnamon rolls? Lucky you! To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for about a week. When you’re ready for a warm treat, you can gently reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until they’re just warmed through. Don’t overheat, or they can get tough!
Share Your Homemade Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls Creation!
I would absolutely LOVE to see your beautiful homemade Cinnabon cinnamon rolls! Did you try any fun variations? How did they turn out? Snap a pic and share your masterpiece with me – it makes my day to see you all baking up a storm!
Irresistible Homemade Cinnabon Rolls: 12 Heavenly Bites
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and gooey cinnamon rolls, perfect for a weekend treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in melted butter and eggs.
- Add salt and flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the butter.
- Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side.
- Cut the roll into 12 equal slices.
- Place slices in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While rolls are baking, prepare the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Spread frosting over warm cinnamon rolls.
Notes
- For extra gooeyness, add a splash of heavy cream over the rolls before baking.
- You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight.
- Adjust cinnamon and sugar amounts to your preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, homemade, baking, dessert, sweet, breakfast, brunch, sticky buns, frosting