Homemade Cinnabon-Style Cinnamon Rolls – Black Foodie Finder

Soft, Sweet, and Just Like the Mall Favorite

This homemade Cinnabon-style cinnamon roll recipe features pillowy dough, rich Korintje cinnamon-sugar swirls, and a tangy cream cheese frosting that melts right into the warm rolls. Perfect for weekend baking or holiday mornings, this recipe is the go-to for bakery-level cinnamon rolls at home.

Ingredients

Dough

• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup potato flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup margarine, softened
• 2 eggs, room temperature

Filling

• 1/3 cup margarine, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3 tbsp Korintje cinnamon (or high-quality cinnamon)

Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup margarine, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let bloom for 10 minutes.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, potato flour, and salt.
• Once the yeast has bloomed, add margarine and eggs to the mixture.
• Mix to combine.
• Add flour mixture in four increments, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
• Knead with a dough hook on low for 5 minutes.

Step 2: First Rise

• Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with oiled plastic wrap.
• Let rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

• In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls

• Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle, about 18″ x 12″.
• Spread with softened margarine.
• Sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Roll tightly into a log (12″ long) and cut into 1.5″ rolls.
• Place rolls in a greased baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rise a second time for 1 hour.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

• While rolls rise, beat together cream cheese and margarine until fluffy (about 3 minutes).
• Add powdered sugar in two parts.
• In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
• Add slurry, vanilla extract, and salt to the frosting. Mix until smooth.

Step 6: Bake and Frost

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Bake rolls for 22 minutes, or until lightly golden.
• Let cool for 15 minutes before frosting while still warm (not hot).

Pro Tips and Serving Suggestions

• For extra gooey rolls, pour a little heavy cream over the rolls before baking.
• Use Korintje cinnamon for an authentic flavor boost.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

About the Creator

Carolyn is the baker behind Epicurious Expeditions, bringing travel-inspired flavors and homemade comfort bakes to your kitchen. Her recipes fuse nostalgia with a sense of culinary adventure.

Carolyn | @epicuriousexpeditions