Easiest Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
Introduction
Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. The soft, fluffy dough, generously coated in buttery cinnamon sugar, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. It’s a breakfast treat that is hard to resist. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to recreate the magic of Cinnabon cinnamon rolls right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These copycat Cinnabon cinnamon rolls are a game-changer for breakfast lovers. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
– Easy to make: You don’t need to be a baking pro to whip up these delicious treats. The recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
– Fluffy and tender: The dough is perfectly soft and tender, resulting in cinnamon rolls that practically melt in your mouth.
– Irresistible cinnamon filling: The generous amount of cinnamon sugar filling adds a burst of sweet and aromatic flavor to every bite.
– Creamy cream cheese glaze: The decadent cream cheese glaze takes these cinnamon rolls to the next level of indulgence.
Ingredients
For the dough:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup warm milk
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup warm water
For the cinnamon filling:
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the cream cheese glaze:
– 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and warm water.
3. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter in a small bowl.
7. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle.
8. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape.
10. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
11. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
12. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
14. While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
15. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.
16. Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
17. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls and serve.
Expert Tips for Success
– Make sure the milk and water are warm, but not too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
– Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten for a fluffy texture.
– Letting the dough rise in a warm place is crucial for a good rise. You can place it near a warm oven or in a turned-off oven with the light on.
– To easily cut the cinnamon rolls, use a piece of unflavored dental floss. Simply slide it under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice through the dough.
Variations and Substitutions
– For a fruity twist, sprinkle raisins or chopped nuts over the cinnamon filling before rolling up the dough.
– If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the ground cinnamon with pumpkin spice, cardamom, or nutmeg.
– To make the cinnamon rolls dairy-free, use plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and vegan cream cheese for the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
These copycat Cinnabon cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level with these serving suggestions:
– Enjoy them warm with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk.
– Serve them as a decadent brunch treat alongside crispy bacon and scrambled eggs.
– Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the refrigerator overnight, and continue with the recipe in the morning.
Q: How should I store the leftovers?
A: Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
A: Absolutely! Once the rolls have cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and warm them up before serving.
Final Thoughts
These easy copycat Cinnabon cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends. With their fluffy texture, irresistible cinnamon filling, and creamy cream cheese glaze, they are simply irresistible. Whether you’re indulging in them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these homemade cinnamon rolls are sure to bring joy to your taste buds. Give this recipe a try and get ready to experience the sweet aroma of freshly baked goodness filling your home.
Easiest Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
Recreate the magic of Cinnabon cinnamon rolls in your own kitchen with this easy copycat recipe. These fluffy rolls are generously filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a decadent cream cheese glaze.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and warm water.
-
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms.
-
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
-
Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour until doubled in size.
-
Prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter.
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Roll out the dough, spread the cinnamon filling, roll into a log, and cut into 12 rolls.
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Place the rolls in a baking dish, let them rise for 30 minutes, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
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Prepare the cream cheese glaze by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
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Once baked, cool the rolls, drizzle with the glaze, and serve.
