Classic Cinnabon Rolls
Classic Cinnabon Rolls is a intermediate Ukrainian-American recipe that serves 8. 420 calories per serving.
Prep: 1 hr 40 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 3 hrs 5 min
Cost: $8.25 total, $1.03 per serving
Ingredients
- 250 ml Milk (Warm (35-40°C))
- 7 g Active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 120 g Sugar (60 g for dough, 40 g for filling, 20 g for cream)
- 2 pcs Eggs (Room temperature)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 500 g Wheat flour (High grade, sifted)
- 120 g Butter (60 g for dough (soft), 30 g for cream (soft), 30 g for greasing dough)
- 2 tbsp Ground cinnamon
- 200 g Cream cheese (Room temperature)
- 80 g Powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparing the starter
In a large bowl combine warm milk, dry yeast and 1 tbsp sugar (from the total amount). Stir with a whisk, cover with plastic wrap and let sit in a warm place for 20 minutes until a foamy layer forms.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 35-40°C
Combining dough ingredients
In a separate bowl lightly beat the eggs, add the remaining sugar and salt. Add this mixture to the starter.
Time: PT5M
Kneading the dough
Gradually add the sifted flour while mixing the dough. When the dough becomes thicker, add the softened butter and knead until elastic (10 minutes). The dough should be soft and not stick to your hands.
Time: PT15M
Proofing the dough
Transfer the dough to a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Time: PT1H30M
Temperature: 25-27°C
Shaping the buns
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Spread 30 g of softened butter over the surface.
Time: PT10M
Filling
Mix sugar (40 g) with cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the dough. Carefully roll into a tight log.
Time: PT5M
Cutting and arranging
Cut the log into 8 pieces (about 3-4 cm each) using a thread or a sharp knife. Place tightly in a baking pan, side by side.
Time: PT5M
Baking
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 45 minutes until golden brown.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 180°C
Preparing the cream
Beat softened butter (30 g), powdered sugar (80 g) and cream cheese (200 g) with a mixer for 1-2 minutes until fluffy.
Time: PT5M
Glazing and soaking
Spread the cream on still-warm buns. Let stand 20-30 minutes for the buns to soak in.
Time: PT20M
Cleaning up and washing dishes
Wash all used bowls, measuring vessels, rolling pin, pan, mixer attachments, knives and work surface.
Time: PT40M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 7g
- Carbohydrates
- 60g
- Fat
- 17g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Gluten, Eggs, Milk
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Milk: Soy milk, Oat milk
- Instead of Active dry yeast: 14 g fresh yeast
- Instead of Sugar: Coconut sugar, Brown sugar
- Instead of Eggs: Flax eggs
- Instead of Wheat flour: Bread flour
- Instead of Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Cream cheese: Mascarpone, Greek yogurt (thick)
- Instead of Powdered sugar: Blended granulated sugar
Equipment Needed
- Large bowl
- Measuring cup
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Baking pan (23x33 cm)
- Mixer (optional)
- Kitchen knife or thread
- Spatula (optional)
- Measuring spoons (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Activate the yeast correctly – if there is no foam, the yeast is not working.
- Do not overheat the milk for the starter.
- Knead the dough until elastic.
- Do not overbake the buns.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a thread to cut the log – the slices will be perfectly round.
- Add a little vanilla to the cream for flavor.
- You can add raisins or nuts to the filling for variety.
Troubleshooting
Buns did not rise.
Check yeast activity and proofing temperature.
Dough is sticky.
Add a little more flour, knead longer.
Buns are dry.
Check baking time and temperature, do not overbake.
Cream is runny.
All ingredients should be at room temperature, do not beat too long.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Up to 2 months in an airtight bag. Thaw at room temperature.
Room temperature: Up to 12 hours, covered with a towel.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be mixed in the evening and left for a cold fermentation in the refrigerator overnight.
- Buns can be frozen after shaping, then baked fresh.
Last updated: August 24, 2026






