Celebrate National Cinnamon Roll Day with Homemade Cinnabon-Inspired Delights
National Cinnamon Roll Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in the warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible treat that is the cinnamon roll. While Cinnabon might be the first name that springs to mind, why not celebrate this special day by creating your own Cinnabon-inspired masterpiece at home? This article provides detailed recipes and instructions to help you bake cinnamon rolls that rival the real deal, ensuring a delightful and memorable celebration. Let’s dive into the world of cinnamon, sugar, and perfectly risen dough!
Understanding the Cinnabon Appeal: What Makes Them So Good?
Before we start baking, let’s analyze what makes Cinnabon cinnamon rolls so addictive. It’s more than just cinnamon and sugar; it’s a combination of factors:
* **The Dough:** Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, almost like a brioche. This richness comes from using milk, butter, and eggs.
* **The Filling:** A generous layer of cinnamon sugar, often enhanced with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
* **The Frosting:** A creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that balances the sweetness and adds a signature flavor.
* **The Baking Process:** Achieving the perfect bake ensures a soft interior and a slightly caramelized exterior.
Our recipes will aim to replicate these key elements to create cinnamon rolls that capture the essence of Cinnabon.
Recipe 1: Classic Cinnabon-Inspired Cinnamon Rolls
This recipe focuses on creating a classic cinnamon roll with a rich dough, a flavorful filling, and a decadent cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
**For the Dough:**
* 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, lukewarm
* 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 package) active dry yeast
* 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
* 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 4 – 4 1/2 cups (500-560g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
**For the Filling:**
* 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
**For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
* 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
* 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, if needed
Instructions:
**1. Prepare the Dough:**
* In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the lukewarm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
* Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
* Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour; the dough should be slightly sticky but still manageable.
* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with the dough hook in your stand mixer for 5-7 minutes.
* Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
**2. Make the Filling:**
* While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until it forms a smooth paste.
**3. Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:**
* Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air.
* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
* Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
* Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
* Using a sharp serrated knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12-15 even slices.
**4. Proof and Bake the Rolls:**
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the cinnamon rolls in the dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
* Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until the rolls have puffed up.
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the center is no longer doughy. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with foil.
**5. Prepare the Frosting:**
* While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
* Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
* If the frosting is too thick, add milk or heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
**6. Frost and Serve:**
* Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes.
* Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe 2: Overnight Cinnamon Rolls for a Stress-Free Morning
This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls in the morning without all the work. The dough is prepared the night before and allowed to rise slowly in the refrigerator.
Ingredients:
**For the Dough:**
* 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
* 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 package) active dry yeast
* 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 large egg
* 3 1/2 – 4 cups (440-500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
**For the Filling:**
* 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
**For the Cream Cheese Frosting:** (Same as Recipe 1)
* 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
* 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, if needed
Instructions:
**1. Prepare the Dough (Night Before):**
* In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
* Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
* Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour; the dough should be slightly sticky but still manageable.
* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with the dough hook in your stand mixer for 5-7 minutes.
* Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or up to 24 hours).
**2. Make the Filling (Night Before or Morning Of):**
* In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until it forms a smooth paste.
**3. Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls (Morning Of):**
* Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow it to relax slightly.
* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
* Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
* Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
* Using a sharp serrated knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12-15 even slices.
**4. Proof and Bake the Rolls (Morning Of):**
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the cinnamon rolls in the dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
* Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until the rolls have puffed up.
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the center is no longer doughy. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with foil.
**5. Prepare the Frosting (While Rolls Bake):**
* Prepare the cream cheese frosting as described in Recipe 1.
**6. Frost and Serve (Morning Of):**
* Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes.
* Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe 3: Vegan Cinnabon-Inspired Cinnamon Rolls
For those following a vegan lifestyle, these cinnamon rolls offer a delicious and compassionate alternative without compromising on flavor or texture.
Ingredients:
**For the Dough:**
* 1 cup (240ml) plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk), warmed to 110°F (43°C)
* 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 package) active dry yeast
* 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup (60ml) vegan butter, melted (ensure it’s a block-style vegan butter for best results)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
* 4 – 4 1/2 cups (500-560g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
**For the Filling:**
* 1/2 cup (115g) vegan butter, softened
* 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
**For the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting:**
* 8 ounces (225g) vegan cream cheese alternative, softened (Tofutti or Kite Hill recommended)
* 1/2 cup (115g) vegan butter, softened
* 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2-3 tablespoons plant-based milk, if needed
Instructions:
**1. Prepare the Dough:**
* In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm plant-based milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
* Add the remaining sugar, melted vegan butter, salt, and apple cider vinegar to the yeast mixture. Mix well. The apple cider vinegar helps with gluten development.
* Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour; the dough should be slightly sticky but still manageable.
* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead with the dough hook in your stand mixer for 5-7 minutes.
* Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
**2. Make the Filling:**
* While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until it forms a smooth paste.
**3. Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls:**
* Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air.
* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
* Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
* Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
* Using a sharp serrated knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12-15 even slices.
**4. Proof and Bake the Rolls:**
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the cinnamon rolls in the dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
* Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until the rolls have puffed up.
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the center is no longer doughy. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with foil.
**5. Prepare the Frosting:**
* While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened vegan cream cheese alternative and vegan butter together until smooth and creamy.
* Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
* If the frosting is too thick, add plant-based milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
**6. Frost and Serve:**
* Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes.
* Generously spread the vegan cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Cinnamon Roll Success:
* **Use Fresh Yeast:** Ensure your yeast is active by testing it in warm milk before adding it to the other ingredients. If it doesn’t foam after 5-10 minutes, it’s likely expired.
* **Don’t Over-Knead:** Over-kneading can result in tough cinnamon rolls. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, but not overly firm.
* **Proof in a Warm Place:** A warm environment helps the dough rise properly. You can create a warm proofing environment by placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) or near a warm stove.
* **Use Dental Floss for Cutting:** Dental floss provides a clean cut without squishing the rolls, resulting in a more even shape.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaked cinnamon rolls will be dry. Bake until they are golden brown and the center is just set.
* **Let Cool Slightly Before Frosting:** Frosting warm cinnamon rolls allows the frosting to melt slightly and seep into the rolls, enhancing the flavor and texture. However, frosting them while too hot will cause the frosting to melt completely.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to add different spices to the filling, such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit.
* **Make a Brown Butter Frosting:** Elevate your frosting by browning the butter before adding it to the cream cheese and powdered sugar. This adds a nutty and rich flavor.
* **Don’t be afraid to Double the Recipe:** Cinnamon rolls are great for sharing and they freeze well. Double or triple the recipe to have plenty to enjoy or freeze for later.
Variations and Additions:
* **Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls:** Add chopped pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce over the frosting for a decadent treat.
* **Apple Cinnamon Rolls:** Incorporate diced apples into the filling and add a hint of apple pie spice for a fall-inspired flavor.
* **Orange Cinnamon Rolls:** Add orange zest to the dough and a splash of orange juice to the frosting for a bright and citrusy twist.
* **Nutella Cinnamon Rolls:** Spread a layer of Nutella over the dough before adding the cinnamon sugar filling for a chocolate hazelnut indulgence.
* **Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls:** For a sweet and savory combination, top the frosting with crumbled cooked bacon and drizzle with maple syrup.
Storing and Freezing Cinnamon Rolls:
* **Storing:** Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
* **Freezing:** To freeze cinnamon rolls, let them cool completely after baking (before frosting). Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before frosting.
National Cinnamon Roll Day: A Time for Celebration
National Cinnamon Roll Day is a perfect occasion to bake up a batch of these comforting and delicious treats. Whether you choose the classic Cinnabon-inspired recipe, the convenient overnight version, or the vegan alternative, these recipes will guide you in creating cinnamon rolls that are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar. Happy baking and happy National Cinnamon Roll Day!