Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls: Better Than the Mall!

There’s nothing quite like walking by the food court and catching that irresistible aroma of Cinnabon’s gooey, buttery cinnamon rolls. When that craving hits but the mall feels miles away, this copycat Cinnabon recipe brings those same bakery-fresh flavors right to your kitchen.

Soft, fluffy dough, a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, and that iconic cream cheese frostin it’s comfort food heaven, all made from scratch.

Why I Love These Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

• Tastes just like the mall version (maybe even better!)
• Soft, gooey, and perfectly sweet
• Made with pantry-friendly ingredients
• Great for holidays, brunch, or cozy weekends
• The frosting alone is worth it

Simple Ingredients

Flour: The base of the dough; gives those soft, fluffy layers.
Active dry yeast: Helps the rolls rise to that cloud-like texture.
Whole milk: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
Butter: Unsalted, melted into every layer for that Cinnabon decadence.
Brown sugar: Creates that signature caramelized swirl.
Cinnamon: The star spice, warm and fragrant.
Cream cheese: The key ingredient for the classic frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.

Servings & Time

Servings: 12 large rolls
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

What Is Needed

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ tsp salt

Filling:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup butter, softened

Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm milk to about 110°F, add yeast and a teaspoon of sugar, then let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine melted butter, remaining sugar, eggs, and salt. Stir in yeast mixture and gradually add flour. Knead until soft and elastic (about 5–7 minutes).

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Spread softened butter over rolled-out dough (16×12 inches), then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon sugar.

Step 5: Roll and Slice

Roll up tightly from the long side, then slice into 12 even rolls using floss or a sharp knife. Place in a greased 9×13 pan.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 7: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

Step 9: Frost & Serve

Spread frosting generously over warm rolls and enjoy!

Top Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients for the fluffiest dough.
• Don’t overbake soft is key!
• For extra gooey rolls, pour a little warm cream over the rolls before baking.
• Let rolls cool just 5 minutes before frosting (so it melts perfectly).
• Make ahead and refrigerate overnight to bake fresh in the morning.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove to the filling.
Healthier Option: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat and reduce sugar slightly.
Kid-Friendly: Make mini rolls for smaller hands.
Seasonal Swap: Add pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice for fall flavor.

Recommended Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook
• Rolling pin
• 9×13 baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare the rolls up to the slicing step, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 325°F until warm.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Fresh brewed coffee or cappuccino
• Hot chocolate
• Herbal tea

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

This recipe is inspired by the iconic Cinnabon cinnamon rolls that made mall food courts famous. It captures the same buttery, cinnamon-sugar magic in every bite right from your own oven.