What's the difference between a cinnamon roll and a cinnamon bun?

Cinnamon rolls and cinnamon buns are pretty similar, but they do have a few differences! A cinnamon roll is typically larger, has a smooth shape, and is often topped with sweet frosting. On the other hand, a cinnamon bun is usually smaller, has a more spiral or knotted shape, and often gets its flavor from a sugar glaze. Both are delicious, so take your pick!

What is the secret ingredient in Cinnabon?

Cinnabon’s secret ingredient is actually a special blend of cinnamon called "Makara cinnamon." This cinnamon is rich, bold, and full of flavor, making their rolls stand out. The unique sweetness from their frosting and the buttery dough also play a huge role in the signature taste. If you want to replicate that, try using high-quality cinnamon and lots of love!

Why put heavy cream in the bottom of cinnamon rolls?

Heavy cream in the bottom of your cinnamon rolls creates a soft, gooey, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. When it bakes, it adds moisture to the rolls, making them extra tender. Plus, it gives them that deliciously rich flavor! You’re basically creating a sweet, creamy base that soaks up all the goodness and helps make the rolls even more irresistible.

What are the main ingredients for cinnamon rolls?

The main ingredients for cinnamon rolls include flour, sugar, yeast, butter, eggs, and a pinch of salt. For the filling, you'll need cinnamon and brown sugar. Finally, a rich cream cheese frosting brings everything together. These simple ingredients combine to make the softest, fluffiest rolls, with a sweet cinnamon kick. It's like a warm hug in every bite

Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

Flour – First up, we have all-purpose flour. It’s the base of our cinnamon rolls, giving the dough that perfect chewy texture. Without it, you’d just have a pile of gooey goodness, not a roll!

Granulated Sugar – Next, we add sugar. This ingredient doesn’t just sweeten the dough; it also helps activate the yeast, giving you that perfect rise. A little sweetness goes a long way in creating the fluffiest rolls.

Active Dry Yeast – Then comes yeast, the magic behind the soft, pillowy texture. Yeast makes the dough rise, turning it into a cloud-like dough that’s perfect for rolling up all that cinnamon goodness.

Warm Milk – Now, we add warm milk. It helps activate the yeast and adds a touch of moisture to the dough. Without it, the dough wouldn’t be as soft and tender.

Butter – In addition, we use butter to bring richness to the dough. It helps make the rolls soft and gives them a deliciously buttery flavor. You can’t go wrong with butter!

Egg – The egg binds everything together and gives the dough a rich texture. It’s like the glue that keeps everything in place.

Salt – Don’t forget the salt! It enhances the flavors, bringing out the sweetness and balancing the richness of the butter.

For the Filling, we have:

Brown Sugar – Brown sugar is the star of the cinnamon roll filling. It’s soft, sweet, and adds a lovely caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.

Ground Cinnamon – Then there’s cinnamon! This is what gives cinnamon rolls their signature flavor and makes your kitchen smell like a bakery.

Unsalted Butter – Finally, we add softened butter to the filling. It helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick and creates that perfect gooey center.

For the Frosting, we have:

Cream Cheese – First, we use cream cheese for the frosting. It’s smooth, tangy, and just the right amount of rich.

Unsalted Butter – In addition to the cream cheese, we add butter. It makes the frosting smooth and creamy, creating the ideal topping for your warm rolls.

Powdered Sugar – Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting and helps give it that fluffy texture.

Vanilla Extract – For the finishing touch, vanilla adds a hint of warmth to the frosting, making it a perfect match for your cinnamon rolls.

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the warm milk with sugar and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is essential because the yeast needs warmth to activate and create the soft, fluffy texture we love in cinnamon rolls.

Step 2: Make the Dough
Once the yeast is ready, add the melted butter, egg, and salt to the mixture. Stir everything together until combined. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes on a floured surface (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let It Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours. The dough should double in size, making it fluffy and ready for the next step. This is when the yeast does its magic!

Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. This cinnamon-sugar mixture will create that warm, aromatic filling. Make sure your butter is softened to spread easily.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top. Roll the dough up tightly from the long edge and slice it into 12 equal pieces.

Step 6: Proof the Rolls
Place the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Leave a little space between each roll to allow for rising. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until they’re puffy and soft.

Step 7: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. The sweet, cinnamon aroma will fill your kitchen as they bake!

Step 8: Frost the Rolls
While the rolls bake, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Once the rolls are out of the oven, spread the frosting generously over the warm rolls. The frosting will melt into the rolls, making them even more delicious!

Notes

Tip 1: Add a twist to the filling – Try adding chopped apples, raisins, or chopped nuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra texture and flavor.

Tip 2: Make them extra gooey – If you love gooey rolls, increase the amount of butter and brown sugar in the filling. It’ll create a rich, caramelized center.

Tip 3: Make ahead – You can prep the rolls the night before. After assembling, cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, let them rise for 30 minutes before baking.

Tip 4: Storage – Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month. Just reheat in the oven for a warm, fresh taste.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 300
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g