Cinnabon Rolls Recipe: How to Cook Soft, Gooey, and Irresistible Cinnabon Rolls
Few things compare to the pleasure of biting into a warm, homemade Cinnabon roll. The combination of soft, fluffy dough, a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and creamy frosting is a treat for all your senses. Whether you’re preparing these rolls for a special breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this Cinnabon rolls recipe is sure to impress.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make Cinnabon rolls at home, you’re in for a treat. This step-by-step guide will help you create rolls that are as delicious as the ones you buy from a bakery—maybe even better! With simple ingredients, clear instructions, and tips for perfecting the process, you’ll soon be enjoying these irresistible rolls fresh from your oven.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This recipe goes above and beyond standard cinnamon rolls thanks to one secret ingredient: vanilla pudding mix. It adds a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the dough, making these rolls extra soft and fluffy. Combined with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling and a rich cream cheese frosting, these rolls are simply irresistible.
Here’s why you’ll love this cinnabon rolls recipe:
- Incredible Texture: The dough is light, tender, and perfectly soft.
- Rich Flavor: The cinnamon-sugar filling and cream cheese frosting create a balanced sweetness.
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow with step-by-step instructions.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a simple weekend treat, these rolls are always a hit.
How to Cook Cinnabon Rolls: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. For the rolls, you’ll need:
- Dough: Warm water, dry yeast, sugar, vanilla pudding mix, margarine, eggs, salt, and flour.
- Filling: Soft butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Cream cheese, margarine, vanilla, confectioners’ sugar, and milk.
2. Prepare the Dough
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm water with a bit of sugar. Let it sit until it becomes frothy. Meanwhile, prepare the vanilla pudding mix according to package directions. Combine the pudding with margarine, eggs, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well, then add the yeast mixture.
Gradually add flour, kneading the dough until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size. Punch the dough down, and let it rise a second time for an even softer texture.
3. Roll Out and Fill
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 34 x 21 inches). Spread softened butter evenly across the surface. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture generously over the buttered dough.
4. Shape the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other, creating a log. Using a knife or thread, slice the log into 2-inch sections. This ensures each roll is perfectly even.
5. Let the Rolls Rise
Place the rolls on a greased cookie sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Lightly press down on each roll with your hand, then cover and let them rise until doubled in size again.
6. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 15–20 minutes, or until they start to turn golden brown. Be careful not to overbake; you want them soft and gooey.
7. Frost While Warm
While the rolls are still warm, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. The warmth will help the frosting melt slightly, creating the gooey, classic Cinnabon experience.
For detailed step-by-step instructions about this cinabbon rolls recipe, see the recipe card below.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cinnabon Rolls
- Knead the Dough Thoroughly: Proper kneading develops the gluten, ensuring a soft, elastic dough.
- Don’t Rush the Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise fully for the best texture. The double rise is key to achieving that pillowy softness.
- Use a Thread to Cut Rolls: This prevents the dough from getting squished, resulting in perfectly round rolls.
- Don’t Overbake: Watch the rolls closely as they bake. They should be golden brown, not overly dark, to maintain their soft texture.
- Frost Generously: The cream cheese frosting is what makes these rolls so iconic, so don’t hold back!
How to Customize Your Cinnabon Rolls
This cinabbon rolls recipe is delicious as-is, but you can easily customize it to suit your preferences:
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar filling for added crunch.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for extra warmth and complexity.
- Make It Extra Gooey: Drizzle a caramel glaze over the rolls before adding the cream cheese frosting.
- Add Raisins: For a classic twist, sprinkle raisins over the filling before rolling the dough.
Why Make Homemade Cinnabon Rolls?
Making Cinnabon rolls from scratch has many advantages. You get full control over the ingredients, ensuring there are no artificial additives or preservatives. Plus, the process is incredibly satisfying, and the results are well worth the effort.
Baking these rolls at home also allows you to enjoy them fresh out of the oven—something you just can’t replicate with store-bought versions. The aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and freshly baked dough is guaranteed to make your home feel warm and inviting.
Cinnabon Rolls
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls For combining dough ingredients and frosting.
- whisk To mix the yeast and pudding mixture.
- Rolling Pin To roll out the dough.
- Knife or Thread For cutting the rolls
- Greased Cookie Sheet To bake the rolls.
- spatula To spread frosting.
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- ½ cup warm water
- 2 pkts dry yeast
- 2 tbsps sugar
- 3½ oz vanilla pudding mix
- ½ cup margarine
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 cups flour
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup margarine
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- To make the frosting, mix all the ingredients until smooth.
- To make the rolls, combine water, yeast and sugar in a bowl. Stir until dissolved. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, take pudding mix and prepare according to package directions. Add margarine, eggs and salt. Mix well. Then add the yeast mixture. Blend.
- Gradually add flour; knead until smooth. Place in a greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled. Punch down the dough and let it rise again.
- Then roll out on a floured board to 34 x 21″ size. Take 1 cup of soft butter and spread over the surface. In a bowl, mix 2 cups of brown sugar and 4 teaspoons of cinnamon. Sprinkle over top. Roll up very tightly. With a knife, put a notch every 2″. Cut with a thread or a knife.
- Place on lightly greased cookie sheet 2″ apart. Take hand and lightly press down on each roll. Cover and let rise until double again. Bake at 350°F for 15−20 minutes. Remove when they start to turn golden. DON’T OVERBAKE.
- Frost the warm rolls with cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Dough Texture: The vanilla pudding in the dough creates an incredibly soft texture, making these rolls extra tender and fluffy.
- Rising Time: Allow ample time for the dough to rise twice for the best results.
- Cutting Tip: Use a thread to slice the rolls cleanly without squishing the dough.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the rolls during baking to avoid overbaking. Remove them as soon as they start turning golden brown.
- Frosting Tip: Frost the rolls while they’re warm so the cream cheese frosting melts slightly into the rolls for that gooey, iconic texture.
Nutrition
FAQs About Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and baking.
Q: Can I freeze Cinnabon rolls?
A: Absolutely. You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping them. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise, then bake as directed. You can also freeze baked rolls and reheat them in the oven.
Q: What can I use instead of margarine?
A: You can substitute margarine with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. Both work well in this recipe.
Q: How do I store leftover rolls?
A: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator or freezer.
Final Chef B Thoughts
This Cinnabon rolls recipe is the ultimate guide for anyone who wants to learn how to cook Cinnabon rolls or recreate the iconic bakery experience at home. With soft, fluffy dough, a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and rich cream cheese frosting, these rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls will impress your family and friends. So, the next time you’re craving something indulgent and comforting, skip the bakery and try this recipe instead. You’ll love how easy and satisfying it is to make your own Cinnabon rolls from scratch!
Tried this recipe? Don’t forget to share your success stories and tag us in your Cinnabon Rolls pics!
Hi, I’m Chef B! Passionate about all things culinary, I’ve spent years perfecting my recipes to bring bold flavors to your kitchen. Let’s cook up something delicious together!
Great recipe