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