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Imagine the aroma of warm cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, instantly transporting you to the cozy corner of a beloved bakery. These clones of a Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll capture that magic with their soft, pillowy dough, buttery cinnamon swirls, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts into every crevice. Whether it’s a leisurely weekend breakfast or a special treat for guests, these rolls are a surefire way to bring smiles to the table.
Origins and Inspiration
The inspiration for this recipe came from the iconic Cinnabon cinnamon rolls, which have been tantalizing taste buds since 1985. Created in a small bakery in Seattle, Washington, the rolls quickly gained a cult following for their exceptional flavor and gooey texture. The secret? A perfect balance of cinnamon and sugar, paired with a unique dough that’s tender yet robust enough to hold its delicious filling. This clone recipe aims to replicate that bakery-fresh experience, allowing you to enjoy those same irresistible flavors in the comfort of your home.
Unique Ingredients and Techniques
The magic begins with a rich, yeasty dough, made even softer by the addition of butter and milk. The key to achieving a melt-in-your-mouth texture lies in letting the dough rise patiently, allowing its flavor and fluffiness to develop over time. Next, we dive into the heart of the roll: the cinnamon-sugar filling. Using high-quality cinnamon is crucial; it’s the star of the show, after all. Don’t rush the process of spreading the butter and cinnamon mixture over the dough—it’s your chance to infuse every bite with sweetness and spice.
Mastering the Frosting
Finally, let’s talk frosting. This cream cheese topping is not just any frosting; it’s the crowning glory of your cinnamon rolls. With a blend of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, it’s rich, tangy, and perfectly sweet. The trick here is to apply it while the rolls are still warm, allowing it to seep into the spirals, ensuring every bite is as decadent as the next.
Embark on this culinary adventure, and you might just find yourself the proud purveyor of a new family tradition.
Clone of a Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
Description
Indulge in these homemade cinnamon rolls that bring the iconic Cinnabon flavor to your kitchen, featuring a rich cinnamon filling and creamy frosting.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
Icing Ingredients
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
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Mix the Dough Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve 1 packet of active dry yeast in 1 cup of warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Stir in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/3 cup of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 beaten eggs.Ensure your milk is not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. Aim for a warm, bath-like temperature. -
Form the Dough
Gradually add 4 cups of all-purpose flour to the mixture, combining until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not so sticky that it clings to your fingers. -
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the rolls their structure and chewiness. -
Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.A warm, draft-free spot is ideal for rising. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the bowl in a turned-off oven with the light on.
Rolling and Filling
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Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of brown sugar and 2 1/2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon.Use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor burst. -
Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16x21 inch rectangle.Keep your rolling pin well-floured to prevent sticking. -
Spread the Filling
Spread 1/3 cup of softened butter over the rolled dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.Be generous with the filling for that signature gooey center. -
Roll and Cut the Dough
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut it into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.Dental floss creates cleaner cuts without squishing the rolls.
Final Proof and Baking
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Let the Rolls Rise
Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, cover them with a cloth, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.This second rise ensures the rolls are soft and fluffy. -
Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they're golden brown on top.Avoid over-baking to keep the centers gooey and soft.
Finishing Touch
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Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the rolls are baking, beat together 1/4 cup of softened butter, 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of cream cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.Adjust the thickness by adding a splash of milk if needed. -
Frost the Warm Rolls
Once out of the oven, let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes before spreading the frosting evenly over the top.Frosting the rolls while they are still warm creates a luscious, melty glaze.
Note
For optimal dough texture, ensure milk is warmed to approximately 110°F (43°C) before combining with yeast. This temperature activates the yeast without killing it, promoting proper rise. When mixing dough, gradually incorporate flour until a soft, slightly sticky texture forms. Avoid overflouring—dough should pull away from bowl sides but remain pliable. To maximize flavor development, allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, roughly 1-2 hours. A slow rise enhances aroma and structure. For the filling, use room-temperature butter to ensure even spreading across rolled-out dough. This prevents tearing and ensures each bite is generously coated with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll dough tightly from one long edge to the other. This technique creates evenly sized spirals and prevents gaps within the rolls. Let rolls undergo a second rise in the baking dish, loosely covered. This step is crucial for achieving a light, fluffy texture post-baking. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, typically 25-30 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even baking. For the icing, blend cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar. Balance the sweetness with a touch of vanilla extract for depth. Spread icing over warm rolls post-baking. The residual heat allows the icing to seep into the rolls, enhancing moisture and flavor. To store, cover rolls tightly and keep at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate and reheat gently before serving to recapture that fresh-from-the-oven warmth. Experiment with adding chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for texture and variation. Adjust cinnamon levels according to personal taste for a custom spice profile.