Making Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls At Home

Making Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls At Home is a medium American recipe that serves 12. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Joshua Weissman on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 42 min | Cook: 42 min | Total: 3 hrs 44 min

Cost: $5.75 total, $0.48 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (580 g, sifted)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (107 g)
  • 3/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt (6 g)
  • 1/3 cup Unsalted Butter (84 g, softened at room temperature)
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (235 g, lukewarm (~100°F))
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons Instant Yeast (7 g)
  • 2 Large Egg (room temperature)
  • 1 Egg Yolk (extra yolk for richness)
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar (225 g, packed)
  • 1 tablespoon Muscovado Sugar (14 g, optional for deeper flavor)
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon (17 g, freshly ground if possible)
  • 1/3 cup Unsalted Butter (84 g, softened, for filling)
  • 4 ounces Full‑Fat Cream Cheese (115 g, softened)
  • 3/4 cup Powdered Sugar (90 g, sifted)
  • 3 tablespoons Whole Milk (45 ml, may add a bit more for glaze consistency)
  • 1/2 Vanilla Bean (seeds scraped from half a bean)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In the stand‑mixer's bowl add 4 cups (580 g) all‑purpose flour, 1/2 cup (107 g) granulated sugar, and 3/4 tsp (6 g) fine sea salt. Mix on low speed until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Incorporate Butter

    Add 1/3 cup (84 g) softened unsalted butter. Use the dough hook or two forks to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Finish by hand‑pressing with fingertips to ensure even coating.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Prepare Wet Mixture

    Warm 1 cup (235 g) whole milk to about 100°F (38°C). Stir in 2 ¼ tsp (7 g) instant yeast until dissolved. Add 2 large eggs and 1 egg yolk, whisk briefly.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 100°F

  4. Knead the Dough

    Turn the mixer to medium‑low speed and knead with the dough hook for 2–3 minutes, or until the dough pulls away from the sides and is smooth. If mixing by hand, knead on a lightly floured surface for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

    Time: PT5M

  5. First Rise

    Form the dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature until doubled, about 1 hour 30 minutes.

    Time: PT1H30M

  6. Make Cinnamon‑Sugar Filling

    In a small bowl combine 1 cup (225 g) brown sugar, 1 tbsp (14 g) muscovado sugar (optional), and 2 ½ tbsp (17 g) ground cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Roll Out Dough

    Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface, gently punch down, and roll into a rectangle about ¼‑inch thick and roughly 27 inches long (or as large as your work surface allows).

    Time: PT5M

  8. Add Butter and Filling

    Spread the remaining 1/3 cup (84 g) softened butter over the entire surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon‑sugar mixture evenly, using all of it.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Form the Log and Slice

    Starting from the short edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a serrated bread knife, cut the log into 2‑inch (≈5 cm) thick slices, yielding about 12 rolls.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Second Rise in Pan

    Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish. Arrange the rolls in three even rows, tails tucked under each other. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise 30–45 minutes, until about 1½ times their original size.

    Time: PT40M

  11. Bake

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the risen rolls for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 375°F

  12. Cool Slightly

    Remove the pan from the oven and let the rolls cool in the dish for 15 minutes before glazing.

    Time: PT15M

  13. Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze

    In a mixing bowl, beat 4 oz (115 g) softened cream cheese on high until smooth. Add 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar and beat until combined. Mix in 3 tbsp (45 ml) whole milk; add more milk a teaspoon at a time if needed for a drizzle‑able consistency. Finally, fold in the seeds from half a vanilla bean.

    Time: PT5M

  14. Glaze the Rolls

    Drizzle the vanilla‑cream‑cheese glaze over the warm rolls, using all of the glaze.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Making Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls At Home

Recipe by Joshua Weissman

A step‑by‑step copycat of Cinnabon’s famous cinnamon rolls, made from scratch with a buttery dough, sweet cinnamon‑brown‑sugar filling, and a silky vanilla‑cream‑cheese glaze. Josh Weissman walks you through mixing, rising, shaping, and baking for soft, fluffy rolls that rival the mall classic.

MediumAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
3h 7m
Prep
20m
Cook
25m
Cleanup
3h 52m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.75
Total cost
$0.48
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • First rise until dough doubles in size
  • Second rise in the baking dish until 1½× size
  • Baking to a golden brown without over‑browning
  • Achieving a smooth, drizzle‑able cream cheese glaze

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and baking dish with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Do not consume raw dough containing raw eggs.
  • Use a sharp knife carefully when slicing the rolled dough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Cinnabon‑style cinnamon rolls in American pastry culture?

A

Cinnabon popularized the oversized, ultra‑sweet cinnamon roll in the 1980s, turning a simple bakery treat into a mall‑centerpiece. The brand’s emphasis on fresh‑baked, gooey rolls made the pastry a nostalgic comfort food across the United States.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of cinnamon rolls in American cuisine?

A

In the Midwest, cinnamon rolls are often smaller and less sweet, sometimes topped with a simple sugar glaze. In the South, they may include pecans or be served with a cream cheese frosting, while the West Coast favors whole‑grain flours and reduced sugar.

cultural
Q

How is a homemade Cinnabon‑style cinnamon roll traditionally served in the United States?

A

They are typically served warm, straight from the oven, drizzled with a thick vanilla‑cream‑cheese glaze. Many cafés pair them with a hot coffee or latte for a classic breakfast‑or‑brunch treat.

cultural
Q

During which occasions are cinnamon rolls especially popular in American culture?

A

Cinnamon rolls are a staple at weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts (especially Thanksgiving), and coffee‑shop gatherings. They’re also a favorite treat for school‑age celebrations and family get‑togethers.

cultural
Q

What makes Joshua Weissman's Cinnabon‑style cinnamon rolls unique compared to other American cinnamon roll recipes?

A

Weissman emphasizes a buttery, yeasted dough that rises twice, a deep‑flavored muscovado‑brown‑sugar filling, and a rich vanilla‑cream‑cheese glaze. His step‑by‑step video also stresses temperature control and gentle handling for a fluffier texture.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Joshua Weissman's Cinnabon‑style cinnamon rolls?

A

Common errors include using melted butter (which tears the dough), using milk that’s too hot (killing the yeast), under‑kneading the dough, and skipping the second rise. Each of these can lead to dense or uneven rolls.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

A

Instant yeast dissolves directly into the warm milk without needing a proofing step, saving time while still providing reliable rise. Active dry yeast can be used, but it should be dissolved in the milk for 5 minutes first.

technical
Q

Can I make Joshua Weissman's cinnamon rolls ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours, then shape, proof, and bake as directed. Once baked, store the cooled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for a month.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the rolls are done baking?

A

The rolls should be puffed, golden‑brown on top, and the edges slightly caramelized. When tapped, the bottom should sound hollow, indicating they are fully baked inside.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Joshua Weissman specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Joshua Weissman focuses on detailed, technique‑driven home cooking tutorials, often recreating restaurant‑style dishes with a focus on flavor, precision, and a dash of humor.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Joshua Weissman's approach to American pastry cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Joshua Weissman combines rigorous ingredient sourcing, exact measurements, and step‑by‑step visual explanations, emphasizing why each technique matters. Unlike many channels, he often challenges the notion that certain pastries are impossible to make at home.

channel

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