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Γ—
Home Β» Recipes Β» Homemade Roll Recipes

Cinnamon Rolls with Cinnabon Icing

Published: Sep 2, 2014 Last Updated: May 16, 2023 by Marye 889 words. | About 5 minutes to read this article.

2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Huge cinnamon rolls, stuffed with pecans and cinnamon sugar. Once they are baked to a golden brown you slather them with a rich,tangy cream cheese icing that is not too sweet - just right. These are not for everyday but special, once in awhile breakfasts and brunches!
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What is it about cinnamon rolls? In fact, what is it about pecan cinnamon rolls in particular?

Pecan cinnamon rolls with gooey cinnabon icing|restlesschipotle.com

They are classic comfort food when done right but so much of the time we eat them half stale, purchased from a market.

They do take a couple of hours to make but they are so delicious they are worth every minute. Yes, they are super high in calories and fat and carbs but you're not supposed to eat them every day. Save them for special times.Β 

I almost hated to give the nutritional information because I figure that it will scare some of you off. Make them at least once - you'll never want any other kind of cinnamon roll again. The dough is rich and just sweet enough, buttery and soft. It's rolled around a thick, spicy filling of cinnamon, brown sugar, and pecans. Once they are baked and have a chance to cool a little you add the creamiest, tangy - sweet, gooey copycat Cinnabon icing you'll ever put in your mouth. Add it thick. In fact, you  might want to double the icing recipe.

If the pecan cinnamon rolls have cooled all the way it's best to warm them up for about 15 seconds in the microwave before you serve them. Once everyone has started to eat there will be a hushed, almost holy, silence. This is the moment to ask for anything you want - the dishes done, the house painted...

Next time? Give them this honey bun twist bread!

pecan cinnamon rolls with cream cheese cinnabon icing|restlesschipotle.com

Yep, they are that good - especially with a cup of Irish coffee!

I have so many recipes for cinnamon rolls but this is my favorite. It always makes people's eyes light up, the aroma in the kitchen is amazing, and I happen to think they are the best I have tasted. Try them for yourself. By the way... that is a large salad plate in the picture. These are huge. You can make them smaller and get 24 out of the recipe but somehow they are not as good that way.

By the way, if you love homemade sweet rolls you'll definitely want to try these cream cheese kolache!

gooey cinnabon icing for cinnamon rolls|restlesschipotle.com

Vanilla salt is a flaked sea salt with vanilla beans in it to give it a vanilla flavor. It is not essential  but it does make a difference.

You might also like these easy cheese danish that are done in 20 minutes. 

πŸ“– Recipe

Large cinnamon roll on a plate.
4.64 from 11 votes

Humongous Pecan Cinnamon Rolls with Kicked-Up Cinnabon Icing

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Huge cinnamon rolls, stuffed with pecans and cinnamon sugar. Once they are baked to a golden brown you slather them with a rich,tangy cream cheese icing that is not too sweet - just right. These are not for everyday but special, once in awhile breakfasts and brunches!
Prep Time: 2 hours hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 2 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings:12 giant cinnamon rolls
Calories:1090
Author:Marye Audet-White
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
  • Β½ cup warm, (110F) water
  • 4 large eggs brought to room temperature
  • ΒΎ cup pure cane sugar
  • 2 cups whole milk, , warmed to about 100F
  • Β½ cup unsalted butter, , melted and cooled
  • β…“ cup vital wheat gluten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla salt, (or Kosher salt)
  • 7 β…” cup bread flour, ( you may need a little less or a little more)

Filling

  • Β½ cup unsalted butter, , room temperature
  • 2 cups pure cane brown sugar
  • ΒΌ cup cinnamon
  • 1 Β½ cups finely chopped pecans
  • Pinch of vanilla salt, (or Kosher salt)

Icing

  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 8 ounces unsalted butter
  • Juice of Β½ a fresh lemon
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • Β½ teaspoon vanilla salt
  • 3 cups (more or less) powdered sugar

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

Dough

  • Combine the yeast 1 teaspoon of the sugar and the water in the bowl of a stand mixer or Bosch and set aside for about 5 minutes.
  • Combine the sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla.
  • Beat the eggs and add to the milk mixture.
  • Mix the salt and gluten with four cups of the flour.
  • Add the milk mixture to the yeast and mix on low for just a few seconds.
  • With the paddle attachment in place begin to add the flour and gluten mixture, beating on medium speed.
  • Add as much of the remaining flour as you need to make a soft dough.
  • Knead for about 7 minutes on medium speed.
  • Turn the dough out and knead briefly. It should feel like your earlobe if you pinch it.
  • Form the dough into a ball.
  • Grease a bowl, add the ball of dough, and grease the top.
  • Cover and put in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled (or more) in size.
  • Gently deflate dough and roll into a 12-inch by 24-inch rectangle.

Filling

  • Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Assembly

  • Spread dough with the softened butter
  • Sprinkle with a thick layer of cinnamon and sugar mixture.
  • Add the pecans and gently press them down. Do not mash them into the dough!
  • Roll the dough up like a jelly roll.
  • Cut into 12 cinnamon rolls.
  • Place on 2 well greased or silpat covered baking sheets. (wax paper sticks)
  • Let rise for about 40 minutes until doubled in size.
  • Bake at 350F for 15 minutes, or until done.
  • Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes at least.

Icing

  • Add the cream cheese, butter, lemon juice and vanilla to the bowl of your mixer.
  • Beat on high until the mixture looks well blended.
  • Turn mixer to low and slowly add the powdered sugar until the icing is soft and spreadable.
  • Add a thick layer to the cinnamon rolls.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

These freeze well without the frosting
You'll find more helpful tips and variations in the body of the post.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 1090kcal | Carbohydrates: 146g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 160mg | Sodium: 114mg | Potassium: 328mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 81g | Vitamin A: 1367IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 192mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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    About Marye

    With a 40 year focus on the importance of family and a passion for southern comfort food, Marye Audet-White is an expert in melding the two together effortlessly. Marye's a NY Times Bestselling author with 10 cookbooks under her belt and her recipes have been featured in Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Today, House Beautiful, Texas Living, Food & Wine, and many more.

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      Love it? Give it 5 stars!




    1. April

      August 26, 2023 at 12:43 pm

      If you want to freeze them, do you freeze before baking (like, do you freeze the dough?) or do you freeze after baking and then thaw and reheat?

      Reply
      • Marye

        August 26, 2023 at 9:28 pm

        I freeze them after baking. You can freeze them before but I feel like they don't rise as well after thawing.

        Reply
    2. Judy P

      September 16, 2022 at 10:44 am

      5 stars
      Amazon doesn't have the gluten anymore and doesn't know if they ever will. Is it totally needed?

      Reply
      • Marye

        September 16, 2022 at 10:51 am

        It makes them lighter but you can leave it out and use flour instead. Amazon has tons of gluten flour, though. Just do a search. https://amzn.to/3xtHQxd

        Reply
    3. Terry

      May 30, 2022 at 9:59 am

      Hi Marye - hate to bother you on the eve of your trip - lucky you! - but there's NO nutrition/lack of lol info for these rolls.
      Would be great if you could add it.
      If they're close to 1000kcal/roll I'll just cut 'em in half - & eat the halves 10 minutes or so apart, so I don't look like a total glutton lol
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Marye

        May 30, 2022 at 10:15 am

        Hi Terry - there was a gitch in the card... they are actually a touch over 1k calories but they are salad plate sized - you could actually cut them in fourths.

        Reply
    4. Ginger

      April 03, 2022 at 7:29 am

      You mentioned in the Amish bread recipe cinnamon rolls could be made, do you have any recipe or could you tell me what to do, is it the same exact recipe up to first rise, after that what happens. Thank you, the bread was fantastic

      Reply
      • Marye

        April 03, 2022 at 9:38 pm

        You'd just make the Amish white bread dough and then follow these instructions for cinnamon rolls.

        Reply
    5. brenda

      January 18, 2021 at 9:24 am

      5 stars
      this recipe sounds amazing .
      going to make.
      can I leave the gluten out without messing up recipe.
      TIA

      Reply
      • Marye

        January 18, 2021 at 1:43 pm

        As long as you're using regular all-purpose flour you'll be fine. The gluten makes them a little lighter.

        Reply
    6. Healing Tomato

      October 04, 2015 at 7:27 pm

      5 stars
      For me, Cinnamon rolls always conjure up Saturday morning trips to the mall. They are very special treat for me and your recipe is beyond amazing.

      Reply
    7. Ali @ Home & Plate

      October 01, 2015 at 8:28 am

      These are the kinds of cinnamon rolls my father in law just absolutely loved. Could never find them like this. Thanks for this recipe. I know the boys in my house will love these.

      Reply
    8. Nutmeg Nanny

      October 01, 2015 at 7:51 am

      Nutritional information and cinnamon rolls just don't go hand in hand...haha. These look amazing and are the perfect holiday treat πŸ™‚

      Reply
    9. Sherri Jo

      September 03, 2014 at 4:24 am

      I want these on Christmas morning. The look like the perfect holiday breakfast to me. Yum!

      Reply
    10. Wendy | Around My Family Table

      September 02, 2014 at 11:39 pm

      Oh my yum!!!!! These are my kind of cinnamon rolls! I don't think they could be more perfect!

      Reply
    11. Marly

      September 02, 2014 at 8:45 pm

      These cinnamon rolls look crazy good!!

      Reply
    12. Katrina

      September 02, 2014 at 4:23 pm

      I just recently made some Cinnabon Cloned Cinnamon Rolls, but you've beat me here on size. My kids would love one of their own THIS big. I'll have to try this recipe next time I make some!

      Reply
    13. patsy

      September 02, 2014 at 4:00 pm

      I'm drooling over these! They look incredible and like a perfect treat after the first few days of school!

      Reply

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    Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

    Hey Y'all, I'm Marye.

    NY Times bestselling author. 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Addicted to Hallmark Christmas Movies.

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