Copycat Cambrea Bakes Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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These Cambrea Bakes Cinnamon Rolls aren’t your average cinnamon rolls—they’re bakery-quality creations that deliver fluffy layers, warm spiced centers, and toppings so luscious you’ll wonder if you’re still at home or at a five-star dessert café.

How to make Cambrea Bakes Cinnamon Rolls

Cambrea Bakes Cinnamon Rolls are homemade cinnamon roll recipes created by Cambrea Gordon on her food and baking blog Cambrea Bakes.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups (375g) of all-purpose flour – Bread flour works beautifully for a chewier texture, but all-purpose is versatile and soft.
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and tenderizes the dough.
• 1 tsp salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast – Helps the dough rise into soft, fluffy rolls. Use fresh yeast for best results.
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk: Warm, not hot, as it activates the yeast without killing it.
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness to the dough.
• 1 large egg, room temperature – Helps bind the ingredients and gives structure to the dough.

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed – Adds a deep caramel-like sweetness.
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon – The star ingredient for that warm, spiced flavor!
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened – Helps the filling stick to the dough and melts deliciously while baking.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened – Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened – Adds creaminess to the glaze.
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar – For sweetness and a glossy finish.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and gives a bakery-quality aroma.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast, stirring gently. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy (proofing step to ensure the yeast is active).
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the sugar, salt, egg, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
3. Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a clean surface (or use a dough hook on a stand mixer) for around 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours in a warm place until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until it forms a paste-like consistency. This ensures the filling stays evenly spread when rolled.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12″x9″) on a lightly floured surface.
2. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling mixture over the entire rectangle, leaving a slight edge (about ½ inch) uncovered to help seal the roll.
3. Roll It Up: Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Make sure to pinch the seam to seal the roll.
4. Slice the Rolls: Divide the log into 8–12 equal pieces, depending on how large you want your rolls.

Step 4: Second Rise

1. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece for expansion.
2. Cover the dish loosely with a towel and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.

Step 5: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. Don’t overbake—this ensures they stay soft and fluffy!
3. While the rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Once the rolls are warm (not hot), generously spread the frosting on top for that gooey, luxurious final touch.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

• Check the Dough Consistency: The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a small amount of flour; if it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of milk.
• Don’t Skip the Second Rise: This step ensures light, airy rolls. Rushing this can result in dense Cambrea Bakes Cinnamon Rolls.
• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: From butter to eggs, this helps everything mix evenly without shocking the yeast.
• Plan for Time: The dough requires two rises, so plan accordingly. You can even make the rolls the night before and bake them the next morning.
• Add Custom Toppings: While cream cheese frosting is the classic choice, you can experiment with a caramel glaze, maple syrup drizzle, or even crushed nuts for a unique twist.

What to serve with

Cambrea Bakes Cinnamon Rolls are a decadent treat on their own, but pairing them with complementary sides, beverages, or toppings can elevate the overall experience even further.

• Coffee or Lattes: A warm cup of coffee (black, espresso, or a mild roast) balances the sweetness, while creamier options like vanilla latte, cappuccino, or a pumpkin spice latte enhance the overall indulgence.
• Tea: Certain teas offer a great pairing, like chai tea, which complements the cinnamon and sweet frosting. Herbal teas like peppermint, chamomile, or gingerbread spiced tea are also perfect for the season.
• Hot Chocolate: For an extra treat, serve these Cambrea Bakes Cinnamon Rolls with a creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream or marshmallows. Rich cocoa pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and cream cheese frosting.
• Freshly Squeezed Juice: Brighten things up with fresh juices like orange, grapefruit, or apple cider. The freshness and acidity balance out the richness of the Cambrea Bakes Cinnamon Rolls.

Ingredients Substitutes

Sometimes you might not have all the exact ingredients on hand, or you might need to cater to specific dietary restrictions or preferences.

For the Dough:

1. All-Purpose Flour:

• Bread Flour: Bread flour can be used as a substitute for a chewier texture due to its higher gluten content.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be used. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add about 1 tsp of xanthan gum per cup of flour to help with structure and elasticity.
• Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier option, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Note this will yield a denser roll.

2. Granulated Sugar:

• Coconut Sugar: For a less refined and slightly caramel-flavored option.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Use ¾ cup of either and reduce the milk slightly.

3. Salt:

• Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: These can be used in the same measurements. If using flaky sea salt, measure by weight rather than volume.

4. Instant Yeast:

• Active Dry Yeast: Use the same amount, but activate it in warm milk first with a teaspoon of sugar for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy before mixing into the dough.
• Fresh Yeast: Use about double the weight of instant yeast. You’ll need to dissolve it in warm milk as with active dry yeast.

5. Warm Milk:

• Plant-Based Milks: Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can all be used as a vegan option, ensuring they are warm.
• Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and makes the dough extra tender. It can be used in the same quantity.

6. Unsalted Butter:

• Salted Butter: Reduce the added salt in the recipe if using salted butter.
• Vegan Buttery Spread: For a dairy-free or vegan option.
• Coconut Oil: Use in the same amount for a slightly different, but still delicious flavor profile.

7. Egg:

• Flax Egg: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 2½ tbsp water, let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Great for vegan options.
• Chia Egg: Mix 1 tbsp chia seeds with 2½ tbsp water, and let it sit until it becomes gelatinous.
• Applesauce: Use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce for moisture. Adds a slight apple flavor.

For the Cinnamon Filling:

1. Brown Sugar:

• Coconut Sugar: Works similarly and gives a slight caramel flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Mix with 1 tbsp molasses if you want a flavor that mimics brown sugar.
• Maple or Agave Syrup: Use ¾ cup and possibly reduce the butter slightly to maintain a similar texture.

2. Ground Cinnamon:

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for a more nuanced flavor.
• Apple Pie Spice: Similar to pumpkin pie spice with added allspice and cardamom.

3. Unsalted Butter:

• Vegan Butter Spread: Melts similarly and provides the necessary richness.
• Coconut Oil: Use for a slightly new flavor twist.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Cream Cheese:

• Vegan Cream Cheese: Use the same amount for a dairy-free option.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Brings a slightly sweeter, creamier texture.
• Greek Yogurt or Dairy-Free Yogurt: Use a thick yogurt in the same amount for a tangy, healthier option.

2. Unsalted Butter:

• Vegan Butter Spread: Same as the substitutions for the dough.
• Coconut Oil: Use for a different but delicious flavor twist.

3. Powdered Sugar:

• Coconut Sugar or Maple Sugar: Blend to achieve a powdered consistency and adjust the quantity to taste, as these might be less sweet.

4. Vanilla Extract:

• Vanilla Bean Paste: Use a 1:1 ratio, it will give a more intense vanilla flavor and speckles.
• Almond Extract: Use sparingly, about half the vanilla amount, for a different but complementary flavor.
• Maple Extract: For those who like a maple tone in their frosting.

Final Thoughts

Cambrea Bakes Cinnamon Rolls are undeniably the star of the table, but what you serve with them can turn a sweet treat into an entire feast.

More Recipes:

• Copycat Sweet Loren’s Breakfast Biscuits Recipe