Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. These Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls capture that magic beautifully, ensuring a sweet, soft, and gooey treat for breakfast or brunch. With their swirls of rich cinnamon and sugar, plus a luscious cream cheese icing, each roll promises a burst of flavor that will make you feel like you’re indulging in your favorite bakery. Let’s roll up our sleeves and bake a batch of these irresistible delights!
Ingredients
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls
Directions and Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy — this step wakes up the yeast and gets it ready to work its magic.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and the frothy yeast mixture. Stir until well blended.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together, creating that irresistible filling.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle (about 16×12 inches) on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously on top, making sure every inch is covered.
- Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces for perfectly portioned rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, cover them, and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising, filling your kitchen with anticipation.
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and your home smells heavenly.
- Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt into every nook and cranny.
Notes or Tips
For the fluffiest rolls, be sure your yeast is fresh and active. If your kitchen is cool, you can create a warm environment by preheating your oven to the lowest temperature for a minute, then turning it off and placing the covered dough inside to rise.
Feel free to add nutty flavors or even raisins to the filling for an extra touch of deliciousness!
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough properly is key to achieving that perfect texture. Knead until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky; this encourages gluten development which gives the rolls their delightful chewiness. Also, don’t skimp on the rising times; this allows the dough to develop flavor and lightness.
FAQ
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cinnamon rolls, place them in the baking pan, and cover them tightly. Refrigerate overnight and let them rise for about an hour in the morning before baking.
What should I do if my rolls don’t rise?
If your rolls don’t rise, it’s often due to the yeast being old or the environment being too cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warmer spot for rising.
Conclusion
Baking these Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls is not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it’s about making memories in the kitchen. With their fluffy texture, sweet and spicy filling, and creamy icing, they bring joy to your home and a smile to your face. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to these heavenly rolls — you deserve every gooey bite!