Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

Name: Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12.0
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp); 1 cup milk, warmed; 1/3 cup butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 3 tablespoons cinnamon; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Recreate the beloved taste of Cinnabon right at home with these delicious Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, fluffy, and dripping with gooey cinnamon sugar filling, each roll is topped with a smooth cream cheese icing that tantalizes your taste buds. Perfect for brunch or a sweet treat, this easy recipe will impress family and friends alike and leave your kitchen smelling heavenly.

Created by

Callie Morgan

Last updated on 2025-12-11T14:46:43.710Z

This recipe brings joy and nostalgia, bringing the Cinnabon experience to your kitchen. These rolls are perfect for weekend brunches or as a sweet treat during the week.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls are ideal for any gathering, whether it's a cozy brunch with friends or a festive holiday breakfast. The warm, enticing aroma that fills your kitchen will draw everyone in, making it hard to resist the delectable treat. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also look beautiful when plated, adding an elegant touch to your dining table.

Moreover, these cinnamon rolls can be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you savor them fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee or as a delightful dessert, they're sure to please everyone in the family. With their soft, fluffy texture and rich flavors, there's no wrong way to enjoy them!

A Family Favorite

Once you serve these delicious cinnamon rolls, they'll quickly become a family favorite. Kids love the sweet, gooey filling and creamy icing, while adults appreciate the nostalgia of the classic Cinnabon flavor. This recipe offers a fun baking experience to share with loved ones, turning the kitchen into a hub of creativity and joy.

Get your little ones involved by allowing them to help roll out the dough or frost the finished rolls. These shared moments create lasting memories and might just inspire your children to develop a passion for baking. Plus, who can resist the delightful aromas and cheerful atmosphere that come from mixing, kneading, and baking together?

Make Ahead Tips

If you're looking to save time, you can prepare these Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time. After shaping the rolls, cover them and place them in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, just take them out to rise while your oven preheats. This way, you can enjoy fresh rolls without the morning rush.

Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the second rise before baking. This flexibility allows you to savor the flavor of freshly baked cinnamon rolls with minimal effort!

Ingredients

Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
1 cup milk, warmed
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt

Filling

1 cup brown sugar, packed
3 tablespoons cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, softened

Icing

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Steps

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.

Mix in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Knead the dough until smooth.

Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled.

Make the Filling

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl until well combined.

Roll the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.

Shape the Rolls

Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces. Place in a greased baking dish.

Second Rise

Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 minutes.

Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Make the Icing

In a bowl, mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm rolls.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The rolls will soften and the icing will remain delicious, ensuring that your sweet treats stay irresistible.

If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating the rolls. Wrapped securely, they can last up to a week. Just be sure to warm them slightly in the microwave or oven before serving for that freshly-baked taste.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to get creative with your Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls! You can incorporate nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips into the filling for added texture and flavor. Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or allspice, to transform the classic cinnamon flavor profile.

For a unique twist, consider making them into sticky buns. Simply add a layer of caramel sauce or pecans at the bottom of the baking dish before placing the rolls on top. This will create a decadent caramelized bottom as they bake, offering an exciting new take on a traditional favorite!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to prepare the dough. Follow your machine's instructions for making yeast dough.

→ How do I store leftover rolls?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.