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There are plenty of mornings in our house where my kids wake up screaming that they want cinnamon rolls. In fact, I’m not going to lie — my kids wake up most mornings begging for cinnamon rolls. I’m not sure what started this. I remember, as a kid, begging my mom for ‘cinnamon toast.’ And I suppose cinnamon rolls might be this morning memory for my kids. I have tried basically every canned cinnamon roll on the market (PS. whatever you do, do not buy ALDI canned cinnamon rolls!). Regardless, I was never happy with the canned rolls. Instead I tried to make an exact copycat Cinnabon rolls recipe. Guess what? I nailed it.
Why use an air fryer?
Just like my other favorite appliance, the Instant Pot, the Air Fryer is incredible. It’s super easy to use and the cooking method just makes things extra delicious.
What You’ll need to make these Copycat Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
- whole milk
- active yeast
- white sugar
- egg
- unsalted butter, melted
- all-purpose flour
- salt
- cup light brown sugar
- cinnamon
- cream cheese
- powdered sugar
- vanilla extract
The recipe details seem difficult, but I promise it is way easier than you think! Most of the total time is spent letting the dough rise. So please don’t be intimidated about this recipe!
Copycat Cinnabon Rolls Recipe
Copycat Cinnabon Rolls
Ingredients
The Dough
- ¾ cup warm whole milk
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active yeast
- ¼ cup of white sugar
- 1 egg and 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
The Filling
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
The Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
INGREDIENTS -
STEP 1 -
Place milk in a microwave safe container and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Pour warm milk into a mixing bowl and add yeast.
STEP 2 -
Add sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until completely combined.
STEP 3 -
Stir in flour and salt until dough begins to form.
STEP 4 -
Using a stand mixer, attach dough hook and mix on medium until dough forms into a ball and not sticking to the mixing bowl. Add some flour if too sticky. If using hands to knead, knead the dough for 10 minutes on a floured surface until dough is no longer sticky.
STEP 5 -
Place the dough ball in a well-oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a warm towel. Place bowl on the counter for an hour and a half to allow for the dough to double in size.
STEP 6 -
Place the dough on a floured surface and flatten with a rolling pin until the dough is roughly a square foot of surface. (12”x12”)
STEP 7 -
Rub room temperature butter to cover the dough leave a slight margin around the dough.
STEP 8 -
Sprinkle and combine the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture to complete the filling.
STEP 9 -
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into inch and a half wide strips.
STEP 10 -
Roll the strips into themselves until all are rolled into a wheel. Place dough wheel into spring mold pan that fits the air fryer basket. Cover pan with cloth and allow dough to sit for 15 minutes.
STEP 11 -
Cook in air fryer for 20 minutes on 350 degrees.
STEP 12 -
Remove cinnamon roll from air fryer and allow to cool.
STEP 13 -
In a mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter until frosting is combine completely.
STEP 14 -
Top the cinnamon roll with the frosting and enjoy!
PIN FOR LATER
Wow, these look super easy and yummy. I have never made cinnamon rolls from scratch and now I am tempted to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
This looks amazing! I need to use my convection oven which doubles as an air fryer more!
YES! Convection is basically (almost) copycat air fryer. That’s what we were using before we got an air fryer. I will say that an air fryer is *slightly* better at regulating temperature (and not burning the top).
The fact that I’m reading this while working out has to mean something, like the fact I need to make this is forgiven even if I’m on a diet 😂
You make these look so easy! And delicious too! Definitely one to try.
Gosh,this will definitely satisfy my sweet tooth.
wow! Who knew!? I have not had a cinnamon roll in forever and now I want one too. What a fun looking and delish recipe. Would love for you to join my recipe linkup!
I love using my air fryer so I’m always looking for new recipes. I love this copycat cinnamon roll recipe, it’s so sweet!
Looks nice. I think I have job for the weekend.
I don’t have a air fryer. Can you just bake them?
You can, but I recommend a convection bake. Do you have a convection oven? Or toaster oven?
I am going to give these a try. We have found the best way to make cinnamon rolls and I’ll never go back. Just after Christmas, I bought a mini waffle marker and decided to try putting cinnamon rolls in lieu of waffle mix. These cinnamon rolls waffles turned out to be awesome. No more slightly burnt or crisp bottoms. They cook evenly and top them with icing. Yum.