Recreate the beloved taste of Whataburger’s cinnamon rolls with this copycat recipe. These soft, gooey rolls are filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a rich, creamy icing. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these cinnamon rolls will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of Whataburger magic to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these copycat Whataburger cinnamon rolls for their soft, pillowy texture and deliciously gooey cinnamon filling. The rich icing adds the perfect finishing touch, making these rolls irresistibly delicious. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Proper rising: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area to ensure it doubles in size.
- Even spreading: Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
- Tight roll: Roll the dough tightly to create uniform, beautiful cinnamon rolls.
- Do not overbake: Bake until the rolls are golden brown and just cooked through to keep them soft and tender.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Nut addition: Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
- Raisin addition: Include raisins in the filling for a classic touch.
- Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free milk and butter substitutes.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast doughs.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these cinnamon rolls warm, straight from the oven, topped with a generous amount of icing. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack any time of day.

Storage and Reheating Tips
- Room temperature: Store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked rolls without icing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and ice before serving.
- Reheating: Warm the rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Recipe FAQs
What if my dough doesn’t rise? Ensure your yeast is fresh and the environment is warm and draft-free for proper rising.
Can I prepare the dough the night before? Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and baking.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out? Roll the dough tightly and ensure the edges are sealed well.
Can I use a different type of icing? Yes, you can use cream cheese icing or any other favorite icing.
Copycat Whataburger Cinnamon Rolls
Discover the joy of homemade Whataburger cinnamon rolls. Soft, sweet, and simply irresistible!
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, add flour, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the surface.
- Mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the butter.
- Roll the dough tightly from the longer side and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- For the icing, mix powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 477Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 207mgCarbohydrates: 72gFiber: 2gSugar: 38gProtein: 7g






