The Best Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. The aroma wafts through the house, evoking memories of cozy mornings and sweet indulgences. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for The Best Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls—soft, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious. With a warm, gooey center and a rich cream cheese frosting, these rolls are truly a showstopper for any breakfast or brunch gathering.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

Once you try these delightful cinnamon rolls, you’ll find yourself craving them time and time again. They are perfect for special occasions like holidays, family gatherings, or simply a weekend treat. The combination of warm spices and sweet cream cheese frosting makes each bite melt in your mouth. Plus, the satisfaction of baking these rolls from scratch will have you beaming with pride. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, The Best Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredient Notes

To make The Best Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls, gather the following ingredients:

• 3/4 cup warm water – This activates the yeast for a perfect rise.
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast – Use rapid rise for quicker results.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor.
• 1/4 cup buttermilk – Adds moisture and a slight tang.
• 1 egg – Binds the ingredients and enriches the dough.
• 1/3 cup canola oil or vegetable oil – Provides moisture and softness.
• 4 1/2-5 cups all-purpose unbleached flour – The base of the dough, adjust for consistency.
• 1/2 cup butter, softened – For spreading on the dough to create layers.
• 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar – Creates the sweet filling.
• 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon – The star spice of this recipe.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch – Helps thicken the filling.
• 2 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature – For the luscious frosting.
• 1/4 cup butter, softened – Adds creaminess to the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
• 1/2 tablespoon corn syrup – Gives the frosting a beautiful sheen.
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice – Brightens the flavors of the frosting.
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting.

Equipment & Tools

Before diving into the baking process, make sure you have the following tools handy:

• Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Essential for accurate measurements.
• Stand mixer or hand mixer – For kneading the dough easily.
• Rolling pin – To roll out the dough.
• Baking dish – To bake the cinnamon rolls in.
• Spatula – For spreading the filling and frosting.
• Plastic wrap or a kitchen towel – To cover the dough while it rises.

Cooking The Best Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls: The Process

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated! Stir in the granulated sugar, salt, buttermilk, egg, and canola oil until well combined.

Step 2: Mix in the Flour

Gradually add 4 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add additional flour, a little at a time, until it comes together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in size, about 1-2 hours.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, make the filling by combining the softened butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Mix until well combined and set aside.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 16×24 inches in size.

Step 7: Spread the Filling

Spread the prepared filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 8: Roll and Cut the Dough

Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or a string for a clean cut.

Step 9: Second Rise

Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them, and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes until they puff up.

Step 10: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 11: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating together the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, corn syrup, lemon juice, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 12: Frost and Serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before generously spreading the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. Serve warm and enjoy every gooey bite!

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

If you have dietary restrictions, here are some swaps you can make:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or soy milk in place of buttermilk and use dairy-free butter for the filling and frosting.
• Egg-Free: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed combined with 2.5 tablespoons water).
• Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and frosting.

Things That Go Wrong

Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

• Dough Doesn’t Rise: Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm (not hot) when activating it.
• Cinnamon Rolls Are Dense: You may have added too much flour; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
• Filling Leaks Out: Make sure to roll the dough tightly and seal the edges well before cutting.
• Frosting Is Too Runny: Add extra powdered sugar to thicken it up.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

To keep your cinnamon rolls fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: They can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. Warm them up before serving!
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked rolls in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Common Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! You can use instant yeast in the same quantity without needing to activate it beforehand. Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients.

How do I know when my cinnamon rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, allow it to come back to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can create a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1/4 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy) with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

Similar Recipes

If you love The Best Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll also enjoy these delicious recipes:

• Vanilla Buns
• Monkey Bread
• Apple Cinnamon Rolls
• Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you have the perfect recipe for The Best Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! With a little love and patience, you’ll create a batch of cinnamon rolls that will have everyone asking for more. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and most importantly, delight in the joy of baking!