Cinnabon Rolls

Prep: 30 min Cuisine: American

Sweet, cinnamon-flavored rolls with a soft, gooey center and a rich, buttery aroma, perfect for breakfast or an indulgent treat for sharing with loved ones.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 2 packages dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 1/2 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
  • milk (for pudding)
  • 1 1/2 cups butter or margarine, separated
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • about 6 cups flour
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 4 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine warm water, dry yeast, and sugar. Stir until dissolved and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, prepare pudding mix according to package directions, using room temperature milk.
  3. Add 1/2 cup melted butter, eggs, and salt to the pudding mixture. Mix well.
  4. Combine the pudding mixture with the yeast mixture, mixing thoroughly.
  5. Gradually add flour, kneading as you would for any yeast dough until it forms a soft, elastic ball.
  6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until about doubled in size.
  7. Punch down the dough and let it rise again until doubled.
  8. Once risen, roll out the dough, spread with melted butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
  9. Roll up the dough into a log and cut into individual rolls.
  10. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise until puffy.
  11. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For lighter rolls, ensure your yeast is fresh and active. If you don't have instant pudding mix, you can substitute with an equal amount of flour and add a splash of vanilla extract for flavor. If you prefer a richer taste, try using half-and-half instead of milk for the pudding. Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Cinnabon Rolls warm, drizzled with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness. They pair beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. For a delightful brunch spread, consider serving them alongside Mom's Carrot Bread or a fresh fruit salad for balance.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, keep the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cinnabon Rolls contains roughly 1824 calories, with 12g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 147g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2230mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).

1824 kcal 91% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.7g 23% DV
Total Fat 147.1g 100% DV
Carbs 116.2g 42% DV
Fiber 6.4g 23% DV
Sugar 30.4g 61% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2230.4mg 97% DV
Potassium 575.1mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 431.9mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 25.5mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 37.1mg 41% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 293.4mg 23% DV
Iron 3.7mg 20% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before rolling out and baking. This can enhance the flavor and texture of the rolls.

What can I do if my yeast doesn't foam?

If your yeast doesn't foam after mixing with warm water and sugar, it may be expired or the water was too hot or cold. Try using a fresh batch of yeast with warm water around 110°F (43°C) and give it a few minutes to activate before proceeding with the recipe.

How can I make these rolls healthier?

To make these rolls healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use a sugar substitute if desired. Additionally, try using coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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