These Easy Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls take store-bought Pillsbury cinnamon rolls to the next level, transforming them into a decadent treat that rivals the famous Cinnabon rolls.
By baking the rolls in heavy whipping cream, adding a rich cinnamon sugar butter topping, and enhancing the classic frosting with cream cheese and powdered sugar, this recipe delivers soft, gooey, and indulgent cinnamon rolls with minimal effort. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and unbeatable flavor. The heavy whipping cream ensures the rolls stay soft and gooey, while the cinnamon sugar butter adds extra richness. The enhanced cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the warm, spiced rolls, making every bite indulgent and delicious. It’s an easy way to recreate the Cinnabon experience without the hassle of making dough from scratch.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This ensures a smooth and creamy frosting without lumps.
- Don’t Skip the Cream: Heavy whipping cream creates a moist, gooey texture, just like Cinnabon’s famous rolls.
- Spread the Butter Evenly: Cover the tops of the rolls generously with the cinnamon sugar butter for consistent flavor.
- Bake Until Slightly Golden: Keep an eye on the rolls while baking to ensure they’re cooked through without overbaking.
- Frost While Warm: Spread the frosting over the rolls while they’re still warm to let it melt slightly for that signature gooey topping.


Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Sub For Heavy Cream: You can use condensed milk if you don’t have any heavy cream – with a 1:1 substitution.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon sugar butter for a crunchy topping.
- Chocolate Twist: Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon sugar butter for a chocolatey version.
- Caramel Drizzle: Top the finished rolls with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based heavy cream and dairy-free cream cheese to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Extra Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar butter for more depth of flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these Easy Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls warm with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a spiced chai latte for a cozy breakfast or dessert. They’re also perfect for holiday brunches or as a sweet treat for special occasions.


Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw and frost before serving.
- Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore their gooey texture.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different brand of cinnamon rolls? Yes, any brand of refrigerated cinnamon rolls will work, but Pillsbury offers a phenomenal texture for this recipe.
What if I don’t have heavy whipping cream? Substitute half-and-half, condensed milk, or whole milk, but heavy cream gives the best results.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Assemble the rolls with the cream and butter topping, then refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning and frost before serving.
How do I make the frosting thicker? Add more powdered sugar until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
What size baking dish works best? An 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch dish fits most cinnamon roll packages perfectly.
Easiest Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
Easy Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls take store-bought Pillsbury cinnamon rolls to the next level by adding heavy cream, homemade cinnamon sugar butter, and enhanced cream cheese frosting. Perfect for indulgent breakfasts or special occasions!
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Rolls
- 1 package Pillsbury cinnamon rolls (8 rolls)
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Cinnamon Sugar Butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Frosting
- 1 container Pillsbury frosting (from the cinnamon roll package)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with 1-2 inches of space between each cinnamon roll (they’re going to expand quite a bit). Pour the heavy whipping cream into the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls: Place the Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they’re evenly spaced. Spread the cinnamon sugar butter generously over the tops of the uncooked rolls.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through. Check around the 20-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the Pillsbury frosting with the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Rolls: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls, letting it melt slightly for a gooey topping. If your frosting doesn’t melt well, you can spread it with a spatula or back of a spoon.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy the ultimate homemade copycat Cinnabon experience!
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 213Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 118mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 1g






