Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

When the craving for those famous, gooey Cinnabon-style cinnamon rolls strikes—but a trip to the mall just isn’t practical—this recipe is your new secret weapon. Whip up the softest, most decadent cinnamon rolls with a plush, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a gooey center right at home (no yeast adventures required!). Using store-bought refrigerated dough and some magical upgrades, you’re only a few steps and less than an hour away from bakery-level comfort. Perfect for busy mornings, spontaneous brunches, or even late-night sweet tooth cravings, these cinnamon rolls will impress with every buttery, cinnamon-laced mouthful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless and Quick: No kneading, no rising, and no fussing with yeast—seriously, you can have these in the oven with just 10 minutes of prep.
• Ridiculously Delicious: The combination of gooey centers, caramelized edges, and that signature creamy icing hits every nostalgic note.
• Perfect for Busy Schedules: Whether you’re serving brunch to a crowd or looking for a special weekend breakfast, this recipe fits even the most hectic mornings.
• Customizable: Adapt it to your taste—add nuts, switch up the glaze, or try new mix-ins. Your cinnamon roll, your rules!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Refrigerated Cinnamon Roll Dough: The hero of convenience! Look for large, bakery-style rolls (like Pillsbury Grands or similar) for that pillowy texture and classic cinnamon-swirl flavor.
• Heavy Cream: This is the secret to ultra-moist, almost custardy rolls—skip it, and you miss the magic!
• Butter: Adds richness and helps melt the brown sugar into a buttery, caramel-like goo.
• Brown Sugar: Sprinkled between and around the rolls for deep sweetness and gooey goodness.
• Cinnamon: Don’t hold back—the more, the merrier for that fragrant, warming flavor.
• Icing: Use the frosting included with the rolls for easy, classic sweetness that melts gorgeously over warm cinnamon buns.

Pro tip: For extra indulgence, use homemade cream cheese frosting or try a different glaze for a twist.

Variations

Want to make these your own? Here are a few favorite ways to switch things up:

• Nuts for Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers before baking.
• Fruity Swirl: Add dollops of your favorite fruit jam or preserves (raspberry, strawberry, or apple) before rolling up.
• Spiced Up: Sprinkle a bit of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice along with the cinnamon for a seasonal note.
• Glaze Up: Swap the standard icing for a maple or caramel glaze for even more decadent results.
• Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for the heavy cream, and use a low-fat butter.

How to Make Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven according to the instructions on your cinnamon roll package—typically 350°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure those gorgeous rolls release with no effort.

Step 2: Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls

Open up the tubes of cinnamon rolls and nestle them together in your baking dish. You want them to be touching—this helps them bake up tender and ensures delicious pull-apart edges.

Step 3: Layer in the Goodness

Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon directly onto and around the rolls. Dot the tops with thin slices of butter; this extra step ensures your cinnamon rolls bake up buttery and gooey, just like at the mall.

Step 4: Pour on the Heavy Cream

Pour heavy cream evenly over the entire pan. The cream will seep down, soaking into the dough and transforming your rolls into soft, decadent pillows.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake according to the directions on your dough package (usually 25–35 minutes). For gooier centers, pull them out on the earlier side; for a crisper edge and more set center, go closer to 30–35 minutes.

Step 6: Ice While Warm

Let the rolls cool just a few minutes, then spread or drizzle the icing over the tops. The residual heat will melt the icing into every crevice, creating that irresistible trademark finish.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Dig in while they’re still fresh and warm. Pair with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk for the ultimate breakfast or treat.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Let the heavy cream come to room temp for even soaking and super-moist rolls.
• Cover loosely with foil if your rolls are browning too quickly but still need more bake time.
• Be generous with the icing—don’t worry, it’s impossible to overdo!
• For an extra gooey batch, let the rolls cool for only a couple of minutes before icing.

How to Serve

Cinnamon rolls absolutely shine when they’re fresh from the oven and dripping with creamy icing. Serve them straight from the pan for that homey, indulgent feel, or plate individually with a dusting of powdered sugar. For an extra treat, pair with strong coffee or even a shot of espresso. Feeling celebratory? Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream make lovely accompaniments. These rolls are brunch party heroes but delightful any time of day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the rolls and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and gooey—just reheat for that fresh-baked vibe.

Freezing

Need to save some for later? Freeze baked rolls by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or pop them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before reheating and icing.

Reheating

Warm leftover cinnamon rolls gently in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes, or reheat individually in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. Top with a little extra icing if you like!

FAQs

Can I assemble these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can arrange and prep the rolls the night before—just cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before baking in the morning.

Does it have to be heavy cream, or can I substitute?
Heavy cream is the secret to these ultra-moist, bakery-style results, but you can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk in a pinch. The richness might be a little less, but you’ll still get soft, pillowy rolls.

My rolls are browning too quickly — what do I do?
If the tops of the rolls are browning faster than you’d like but the centers aren’t quite done, loosely tent the pan with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. This keeps them golden without overbaking.

Can I use homemade icing or a different glaze?
Definitely. While the included icing keeps things ultra-easy, feel free to use homemade cream cheese frosting, or get creative with maple or caramel glazes for a personalized touch.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls recipe brings that iconic mall-bakery experience right into your kitchen, with a fraction of the work and all the indulgent fun. Whether for a special breakfast, dessert, or a sweet treat just because, these cinnamon rolls promise pillowy softness, gooey centers, and all the nostalgia you could hope for. Don’t be shy about tweaking and personalizing—trust your taste buds, and most importantly, enjoy every last bite! If you’ve never baked cinnamon rolls before, this is the recipe that will make you fall in love.

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