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Freshly baked overnight cinnamon rolls with vanilla glaze.

Classic Cinnabon-Style Cinnamon Rolls

These homemade Cinnabon-style cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and loaded with buttery cinnamon filling. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, they are the ultimate indulgence for breakfast or dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Dough:
  • 1 cup warm milk 110°F
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 4 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • For the Filling:
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons Makara cinnamon or high-quality cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter softened
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Equipment

  • To make perfect cinnamon rolls, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:
  • Mixing Bowls – For preparing the dough and filling.
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Stand Mixer (Optional) – Speeds up the kneading process, but you can also knead by hand.
  • Rolling Pin – Helps roll out the dough evenly.
  • Dough Scraper – Useful for handling sticky dough and cutting rolls.
  • Sharp Knife or Dental Floss – To slice cinnamon rolls cleanly without squishing the dough.
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish – Ideal for baking cinnamon rolls.
  • Pastry Brush – For spreading melted butter evenly.
  • Plastic Wrap or Clean Kitchen Towel – Covers the dough while it rises.
  • Oven – Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for perfect baking.
  • Cooling Rack – Allows rolls to cool slightly before frosting.

Method
 

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix sugar, eggs, melted butter, flour, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours.
  3. Make the Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Spread softened butter over rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly.
  4. Roll and Cut: Roll dough into a log and cut into 12 rolls. Place in a greased baking dish.
  5. Add Heavy Cream: Pour warm heavy cream over rolls before baking.
  6. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth.
  8. Frost and Serve: Spread frosting over warm cinnamon rolls.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Substitute coconut sugar with maple syrup for extra richness.