The Ultimate Copycat Cinnabon Recipe: Flavor That’s Worth the Wait

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. And if you’ve ever walked past a Cinnabon, you know the irresistible allure of their gooey, perfectly spiced buns. After reviewing and testing several cinnamon roll recipes, I can confidently say: the copycat Cinnabon recipes are the best. (After all, I ran a series of tests!) I found the copycat recipes to be very similar with some variation on the frosting. I say, pick one and go for it. It’s not the quickest to make, but it’s absolutely packed with flavor that rivals the real thing.

In this post, I’ll share the recipe I’ve used and share tips I’ve gathered from others who’ve mastered these buns before. From making the softest dough to achieving the signature ooey-gooey cinnamon swirl, I’ve compiled the best advice so your cinnamon rolls turn out flawless every time.

WHY THIS RECIPE STANDS OUT

These cinnamon rolls are worth the effort because they’re:

Incredibly flavorful: The rich dough, buttery cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting come together for the perfect bite.

Authentic in taste: Every bite will remind you of that Cinnabon experience.

Customizable: Make them your own with extra icing or a touch of spice.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

1. Use room temperature ingredients. Cold butter, eggs and cream cheese can affect how the dough rises and mixes. Let your ingredients come to room temp before starting.
2. Don’t rush the rise. Patience is key! Letting the dough rise fully develops the flavor and gives you that soft, fluffy texture. Better yet, make them the night before and let them rise while you sleep
3. Roll tightly. When spreading the filling and rolling the dough, keep it tight to prevent gaps and ensure even layers of cinnamon goodness.
4. Invest in a good frosting ingredients. That signature cream cheese frosting is what makes these rolls over the top—don’t skimp on quality ingredients here! And, frost them with half the frosting right when they get out of the oven and use the other half of the frosting after cooled for a few minutes.
5. Filling. Add a tablespoon of bread flour and soften the butter and your filling will never fall out of the roll! The amount of cinnamon can vary depending on your liking of cinnamon. Recipes call for 1.5 – 3 tablespoons of cinnamon

The Recipe

Here’s a Copycat Cinnabon Recipe that brings the iconic taste of Cinnabon right to your kitchen. This recipe combines a soft, buttery dough, gooey cinnamon filling, and a rich cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

1 C packed brown sugar

3 tsp cinnamon

1/3 cup butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/4 C cream cheese, softened
• 6T unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

1. Warm the milk in the microwave or on the stove until it reaches about 110°F. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until it’s foamy.
2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the milk mixture, sugar, eggs, butter, and salt. Mix until combined.
3. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes, either by hand or using a dough hook, until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

1. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.
2. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.
4. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

4. Bake the Rolls:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.

5. Make the Frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, and mix until creamy.

6. Frost and Serve:

1. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy the gooey, flavorful goodness

PRO TIP

Make the rolls ahead by preparing them up to the second rise. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

Final Thoughts

These cinnamon rolls may not be the fastest, but they are hands-down the most flavorful. The combination of buttery dough, spiced filling, and rich cream cheese frosting is truly unbeatable. Whether you’re baking for a holiday morning or a weekend treat, this recipe is worth the effort.

Ready to bake your own copycat Cinnabons? Share your results in the comments or tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your creations!