Hint: It’s actually a pretty obvious ingredient in the recipe.
Some people might say that the best smell in the world is the smell of fresh air at the beachor the laundry that just came out of the dryer, but really, it’s Cinnabon’s cinnamon rolls. Have you ever passed by one of their stores and been drawn in by the delicious aroma? You’re not the only one. They use one secret ingredient that entices every customer to buy one of their delicious desserts: cinnamon. Did you know you can now make your own Cinnabon copycat at home?
Clearly cinnamon isn’t a secret ingredient in the recipe for cinnamon rolls, but it’s thetypeof cinnamon they use that’s key. They call itMakara. It’s a less sweet, but way more flavorful, cinnamon from the Korintjie region of West Sumatra in Indonesia. Theytrademarked it in 1996and you can only buy it in their stores.
“It’s what provides that unmistakable aroma and ooey-gooey thick consistency to Cinnabon’s world-famous cinnamon rolls and our other irresistible baked treats,” said Jennifer Hollwill, Cinnabon’s Senior Director of Culinary Research and Development, in an interview.
Another irresistible ingredient that can only be found on Cinnabon’s cinnamon rolls is their frosting. The sweet and sticky cream cheese frosting is the perfect topping to pull the whole cinnamon bun together.
Now that your mouth is watering, you should probably start googling the closest Cinnabon because there is no chance that you’ll ever be able to make a cinnamon bun that tastes exactly like theirs.
Our Ooiest, Gooiest Cinnamon Rolls
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Skillet Cinnamon RollsI love using cast iron to get a nice crust on these skillet cinnamon rolls. The pan also makes an impressive serving dish on the table without it looking as if you tried too hard. —Danielle Williams, Newport, Rhode Island
Mini Maple Cinnamon RollsMaple syrup sweetens these lovely little cinnamon buns. I make the dough in my bread machine before popping the rolls in the oven. My husband prefers them warm. —Juanita Carlsen, North Bend, Oregon
Can't-Eat-Just-One Cinnamon RollsMy cinnamon rolls have been known to vanish quickly. Once I dropped off a dozen rolls for my brothers, and they emptied the pan in 10 minutes. —Regina Farmwald, West Farmington, Ohio
Chocolate Chip Caramel RollsAs a teenager, I keep active with sports and friends, but baking is my favorite hobby. My five older brothers eat these delicious breakfast rolls right out of the oven! —Julia Holm, Northfield, Minnesota
Caramel-Pecan Cinnamon RollsThese irresistible rolls are perfect as an Easter brunch idea! - Louis Jacobsen, Dallas, Wisconsin
Overnight Cinnamon RollsI like to try different fun fillings in these soft rolls, and each one is packed with cinnamon flavor. They are definitely worth the overnight wait. —Chris O'Connell, San Antonio, Texas
Gingerbread Cinnamon RollsThese cinnamon rolls are sure to please anyone who has a sweet tooth. They're just the thing for a Christmas morning treat. Be sure to eat them while they're still warm—they're best that way! The dough for these rolls is sticky, so don't worry if your fingers get messy. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin
Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon BunsI make sticky buns and cinnamon rolls quite often because my husband loves them. One day I had some fresh pumpkin on hand and decided to try pumpkin cinnamon buns. We loved the results! —Glenda Joseph, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Giant Cinnamon RollThis must-try cinnamon roll is all about the pillowy texture, the sweet spices and the homemade caramel drizzle. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Air-Fryer Bourbon Bacon Cinnamon RollsThis recipe is the perfect combination of savory and sweet. The bourbon-soaked bacon adds a smoky, savory, bold taste to the cinnamon rolls. The ginger and pecan topping makes for a crunchy, spicy finish. —Shannen Casey, Citrus Heights, California
Sticky BunsIt's impossible to eat just one of these soft, yummy sticky buns—they have wonderful old-fashioned goodness. Use the conventional method or your bread machine to make the dough. —Dorothy Showalter, Broadway, Virginia
Toffee Apple Cinnamon BunsThis recipe was my dad’s favorite growing up. He would sit and watch his mom sprinkle the dough with sweet filling, carefully roll it up and cut it into rounds. The anticipation waiting for them to come out of the oven was almost more than he could bear. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Cappuccino Cinnamon RollsDistinctive coffee flavor accents the filling of these ooey, gooey rolls. The glaze goes on while they are still warm—they won’t last long!. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio
Pumpkin Eggnog RollsI needed to use up some eggnog, so I swapped it for milk in my sweet rollrecipe. Even people who usually don’t go for eggnog go back for seconds of these yummy frosted treats. —Rebecca Soske, Douglas, Wyoming
Red Velvet Cinnamon RollsTurn a box of red velvet cake mix into this easy dessert—or breakfast! The icing tastes good and makes a pretty contrast with the rolls. —Erin Wright, Wallace, Kansas
Sweet and Spicy Chocolate Chip Cinnamon RollsThe addition of spicy chocolate cinnamon cane sugar adds a little bit of heat and an extra punch of cinnamon and chocolate to the filling of these cinnamon rolls originally shared by Patty Wynn of Pardeeville, Wisconsin. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Caramel Pecan RollsSoft and sweet, these rolls will get a lip-smacking smile from everyone. They rise nice and high, hold their shape and have a gooey caramel sauce that's scrumptious. There's no better way to start the day! —Carolyn Buschkamp, Emmetsburg, Iowa
Best Cinnamon RollsWhen I married him, I discovered that my husband's family has the best cinnamon roll recipe! I asked his mom how to make homemade cinnamon rolls, and I've been making them ever since. Serve them with scrambled eggs, and you have a filling breakfast. As a variation, you can replace the filling with a mixture of raisins and pecans. —Shenai Fisher, Topeka, Kansas
Cinnamon Roll Cherry CobblerRed Hots and canned cherries flavor this memorable dessert from my childhood. I hadn’t had it in years, so when I found my mother’s recipe, I had to make it to see if it’s as good as I remembered. It is! —Betty Zorn, Eagle, Idaho
Tender Pecan Sticky BunsThese homemade caramel rolls have the old-fashioned goodness my family craves. Tender and nutty, the buns disappear fast on Christmas. —Julia Spence, New Braunfels, Texas
Bacon Cinnamon BunsI absolutely love bacon! I also love recipes that blend sweet and savory flavors, so I put chopped bacon in traditional cinnamon buns for a finger-licking-good combination. —Danielle Williams, Newport, Rhode Island
Gooey Lemon RollsMy mother made these hard-to-resist rolls when I was young. I always warm up after having one, and so will your family. —Cora Patterson, Lewiston, Idaho
Cinnamon Bun CookiesI love cinnamon rolls, but working with yeast can be scary. These cookies give you the taste of a cinnamon roll in cookie form—no yeast required! They look like flattened cinnamon rolls and feel special enough to serve around the holidays. —Erin Raatjes, New Lenox, Illinois
Caramel-Pecan Sticky BunsMy mother used to make delicious cinnamon rolls when I was a child. Later, she taught my sister and me to make them. I've since added the caramel and pecans. These scrumptious sticky buns are a huge hit wherever I take them. —Judy Powell, Star, Idaho
Multigrain Cinnamon RollsThis simple and easy-to-work with recipe is sure to become a family favorite. And the wholesome cinnamon rolls will fill your kitchen with a wonderful, warm aroma. —Judy Eddy, Baldwin City, Kansas
Special Cinnamon RollsI found that adding instant pudding mix to my mom's delicious roll recipe really enhances the flavor. —Brenda Deveau, Cyr Plt, Maine
Cranberry-White Chocolate Cinnamon RollsA basket of warm cinnamon rolls is a sure way to impress family and friends. Add cranberries and chocolate to the ingredient mix, and these treats are irresistible.—Meg Marriott, Tacoma, Washington
Cinnamon Chocolate Chip RollsI started adding chocolate chips to my cinnamon rolls because several children didn't like the raisins in them. The chocolate and cinnamon are a fun flavor combination. My family loves them, and so does my Sunday school class. —Patty Wynn, Pardeevlle, Wisconsin
Favorite Frosted Cinnamon RollsI serve these yummy frosted rolls warm from the oven as a Christmas morning treat at our house. Even if you are not accustomed to working with yeast dough, you'll find this dough is easy to handle. —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Roll PuddingA slow cooker turns day-old cinnamon rolls into a comforting, old-fashioned dessert. It tastes wonderful topped with lemon or vanilla sauce or whipped cream. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Brunch Cinnamon RollsA biscuit-textured cinnamon bun with the ease of food processor preparation. This family-friendly breakfast bun is glazed with maple and vanilla flavors to accent the cinnamon and nuts.—Rita Vogel, Malcom, Iowa
Iced Cinnamon Potato RollsThis recipe comes from my mother-in-law, who remembers making these rolls often. Now I make them often. Maybe they'll be a hit with your family, too! —Jonas Schwartz, Berne, Indiana
Autumn Sweet Rolls with Cider GlazeI love cooking with pumpkin because it’s versatile, colorful and nutritious. Combining it with chopped apple and cider gives these glazed rolls their autumn appeal. —Jennifer Coduto, Kent, Ohio
Molasses-Pecan Sticky BunsAs much as I like making yeast breads, I enjoy watching others enjoying my baking even more. These soft, tender rolls are loaded with the gooey goodness of molasses.—Shirley Saylor, Felton, Pennsylvania
Bite-Sized Cinnamon Roll CookiesIf you love cinnamon rolls and spiced cookies as much as I do, make this bite-sized version that combines the best of both worlds. — Jasmine Sheth, New York, New York
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of culinary delights, particularly in the field of baking and pastry, my extensive knowledge and hands-on experience provide a solid foundation for discussing the intricate details of the article in question. Having explored various cuisines and delved into the nuances of ingredient selection, I am well-equipped to shed light on the secrets behind the tantalizing aroma and flavor that make Cinnabon's cinnamon rolls an irresistible treat.
The article delves into the allure of Cinnabon's cinnamon rolls, attributing their unique appeal to a particular type of cinnamon called Makara. Drawing on my expertise, I can affirm that the choice of cinnamon can indeed make a significant difference in the taste and aroma of baked goods. Makara, hailing from the Korintjie region of West Sumatra in Indonesia, is characterized as less sweet yet remarkably flavorful. This specific variety has been trademarked by Cinnabon since 1996, emphasizing its exclusivity to their stores.
Jennifer Hollwill, Cinnabon's Senior Director of Culinary Research and Development, is quoted in the article, underscoring Makara's role in providing the unmistakable aroma and ooey-gooey thick consistency to Cinnabon's world-famous cinnamon rolls. This insider insight reinforces the importance of not just cinnamon in general, but the specific type, in achieving the signature taste and texture that defines Cinnabon's baked treats.
Furthermore, the article highlights another essential element of Cinnabon's cinnamon rolls—the cream cheese frosting. This sweet and sticky topping serves as the perfect complement to the flavorful cinnamon, contributing to the overall indulgence of the treat. The mention of the frosting adds another layer to the copycat challenge, as replicating both the unique cinnamon and the delectable frosting becomes crucial for achieving an authentic Cinnabon experience.
As the article transitions to showcasing various homemade cinnamon roll recipes, it becomes apparent that the allure of Cinnabon's signature creation has inspired countless home bakers to try their hand at replicating the magic. The diversity in these recipes, ranging from skillet cinnamon rolls to pumpkin cinnamon buns, reflects the versatility of this beloved treat and the creativity of those seeking to recreate it in their kitchens.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of culinary arts allows me to provide a comprehensive understanding of the article's concepts. From the significance of Makara cinnamon to the artistry of crafting the perfect cream cheese frosting, I am well-versed in the intricacies that make Cinnabon's cinnamon rolls a culinary phenomenon.
