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This classic cinnamon roll recipe recreates those irresistible mall-style Cinnabons right in your own kitchen, complete with gooey cinnamon filling and rich cream cheese frosting that melts perfectly into every warm, fluffy bite.
I first made these for a Christmas morning breakfast tradition, and now my family refuses to celebrate any special occasion without them on the table. The smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the house has become our signal that something wonderful is happening.
Ingredients
- Frozen bread dough: Three loaves provide the perfect base for fluffy cinnamon rolls without the fuss of making dough from scratch
- Dark brown sugar: Creates that rich, caramel like flavor that makes Cinnabons so distinctive
- Melted butter: Ensures a moist texture and helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere to the dough
- Cinnamon: The star ingredient that gives these rolls their signature flavor and aroma
- Cream cheese: Essential for authentic Cinnabon style frosting with the perfect tangy balance
- Powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and the smooth texture in the frosting
- Vanilla: Adds depth and warmth to the cream cheese frosting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:
- Combine dark brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl until thoroughly mixed. This simple mixture creates that iconic Cinnabon flavor profile, with the dark brown sugar adding caramel notes that regular sugar simply cannot achieve.
- Roll the Dough:
- Take one thawed bread loaf and roll it on a floured surface into a 15 x 7 inch rectangle. The thickness should be even throughout to ensure consistent rolls. Work gently to avoid tearing the dough while stretching it to the proper dimensions.
- Apply Butter and Filling:
- Brush the rolled dough generously with melted butter, ensuring it reaches all the way to the edges. Sprinkle one third of your cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the buttered surface. The butter not only adds richness but also acts as the glue that holds your filling in place during baking.
- Roll and Cut:
- Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, applying gentle pressure to keep it firm but not so tight that the filling squeezes out. Cut the log in half, then continue dividing each piece in half until you have 8 equal rolls with visible spiral patterns of cinnamon sugar.
- Arrange and Rise:
- Place the 8 cut rolls in a circular pattern inside a greased 8 or 9 inch cake pan. Repeat the entire process with the remaining two loaves of dough, using separate pans. Cover and allow to rise in a warm place for about an hour, or refrigerate overnight for morning baking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Brush the risen rolls with any remaining melted butter for an extra golden finish. Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 15 minutes until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown color and have puffed up to fill the pan.
- Frost While Warm:
- Combine the frosting ingredients until light and fluffy, then generously spread over the rolls while they are still warm from the oven. This allows some of the frosting to melt into the crevices while leaving a creamy layer on top for that authentic Cinnabon experience.
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The secret to these rolls is using dark brown sugar rather than light brown or regular granulated sugar. I discovered this trick after visiting the actual Cinnabon headquarters years ago, where they explained that the molasses content in dark brown sugar creates that characteristic deep caramel flavor that makes their rolls so addictive.
Storage Recommendations
These cinnamon rolls maintain their freshness for up to 3 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, the fully baked and frosted rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to enjoy, unwrap and microwave for 20-30 seconds until just warm for that fresh-baked taste.
Customization Options
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While the classic cinnamon sugar filling is traditional, you can create endless variations. Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for texture, or incorporate dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for tartness. Chocolate lovers can sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the filling, while those wanting a fall twist might spread a thin layer of pumpkin butter beneath the cinnamon sugar mixture.
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Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon rolls create a spectacular centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch gathering. Serve them alongside a savory egg casserole to balance the sweetness, or pair with fresh fruit for a lighter contrast. For an indulgent dessert presentation, warm a roll slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And despite what fancy restaurants might say, these rolls pair surprisingly well with coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk.
The History Behind Cinnabon
The original Cinnabon opened in 1985 at SeaTac Mall in Seattle, created by father and son team Rich and Greg Komen. They developed over 200 different recipes before landing on their signature cinnamon roll. What made Cinnabon instantly successful was their strategic placement of bakeries in malls, where the irresistible aroma could waft through common areas. This copycat recipe captures the essence of what made those original mall treats so special, bringing that nostalgic experience home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and allow it to rise in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before baking.
- → What other fillings can I use?
You can customize the filling by adding raisins, nuts, chocolate chips, or even pumpkin pie filling for unique flavors.
- → How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Warm them in the microwave before serving.
- → Can these be frozen after baking?
Yes, you can freeze the baked and frosted rolls. Just thaw and gently warm them before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- → Can I make these without cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.