Copycat Burger King Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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You don’t have to rely on fast food to bring back those fond memories of perfectly swirled cinnamon goodness. I’m going to walk you through a tried-and-tested copycat Burger King Cinnamon Rolls recipe that’ll let you create Burger King-style cinnamon rolls right in the comfort of your kitchen.

How to make Burger King Cinnamon Rolls

Burger King Cinnamon Rolls are a sweet breakfast-style pastry offered at some Burger King locations, usually as part of their morning menu or as a snack item.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus a little extra for dusting)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed to about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp water (warm, optional to adjust dough consistency)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark works)
• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• Optional: 1/4 tsp nutmeg (for a warm, spiced kick)

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted for smoothness)
• 3 tbsp cream cheese (softened)
• 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl (or a stand mixer bowl), combine the warmed milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes, allowing the yeast to bloom. It should look foamy.
2. Next, add the melted butter, egg, salt, and about half of the flour. Stir until the mixture starts to come together.
3. Gradually add in the remaining flour, and mix or knead the dough until it forms a soft, elastic texture. If the dough feels too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of extra flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
4. Once the dough is smooth, transfer it to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

1. While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) in a bowl. Set aside. This will create the sweet filling that gives the rolls their signature flavor.

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

1. Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Make sure it’s evenly rolled.
2. Spread the prepared cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, making sure to cover the edges.

Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Shape

1. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Try to keep the roll as even as possible.
2. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (for cleaner cuts), slice the roll into approximately 12 pieces. For smaller rolls (Cini Mini-style), divide the dough into smaller pieces.
3. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.

Step 5: Final Rise and Bake

1. Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for about 20-30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up slightly.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls are ready, bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on the tops, and cooked through.

Step 6: Prepare the Icing

1. While the cinnamon rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

1. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes.
2. Generously drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls, and serve immediately while they’re still gooey and fresh.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls

• Activate the Yeast Properly: Use warm milk (around 110°F). If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast; if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead the dough just enough for it to become elastic and smooth. Over-kneading can make the rolls dense.
• Room for Rising: Always place the rolls in a baking dish where they have room to rise slightly.
• Cool Before Icing: If the rolls are too hot, the icing will melt completely. Allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes for the perfect glaze effect.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for a fun twist.

What to serve with

Burger King Cinnamon Rolls (or your homemade version!) are undeniably delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary sides and beverages can turn a simple treat into an unforgettable meal or hosting experience.

1. Coffee or Specialty Drinks

Burger King Cinnamon Rolls and coffee make an iconic duo. The rich sweetness of the rolls balances perfectly with the bold, bitter notes of coffee. You can go simple with black coffee or elevate the experience with a specialty drink.

• Latte or Cappuccino: Frothy milk and espresso complement the creamy icing of Burger King Cinnamon Rolls.
• Iced Coffee or Cold Brew: Serve with a drizzle of cinnamon syrup for even more flavor harmony.
• Chai Latte: The warm spices of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves in chai tea create depth and richness alongside your pastry.
• Hot Chocolate: Pairing cinnamon rolls with a creamy mug of hot chocolate makes the perfect cozy dessert combo.

2. Fresh Fruit

Balance the indulgent sweetness of Burger King Cinnamon Rolls with the natural freshness of fruit. The acidity and lightness of fruit act as a palate cleanser and create a refreshing contrast.

• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries bring a tart and juicy contrast to the sticky sweetness.
• Sliced Apples and Pears: The crisp texture and sweetness of apples or pears pair wonderfully with cinnamon, a classic combination.
• Citrus Salad: A mix of orange segments, grapefruit, and lime zest makes for a bright, tangy side dish.
• Bananas: Serve sliced bananas with a drizzle of honey or caramel for a simple sweet pairing.

Ingredients Substitutes

Here is a guide on ingredient substitutes to use while making a homemade copycat version of Burger King Cinnamon Rolls. You’ll still achieve all the warm, gooey deliciousness, even with a few adjustments.

Substitutes for the Dough Ingredients

1. All-Purpose Flour

If you don’t have all-purpose flour or need a gluten-free option, try these substitutes:

• Bread Flour: This works perfectly as it has a higher protein content, creating a chewier texture that still works for Burger King Cinnamon Rolls.
• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Use a gluten-free blend specifically designed for baking to make your cinnamon rolls gluten-free. Add 1 tsp of xanthan gum if it’s not already part of the mix.
• Whole Wheat Flour: You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Using 100% whole wheat will make the rolls denser.

2. Granulated Sugar (for Dough)

If you’ve run out of granulated sugar or want to opt for a healthier or alternative sweetener:

• Coconut Sugar: A natural sugar made from coconut sap, with a more caramel-like flavor. Replace in equal amounts.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Substitute 1:1, but use slightly less milk in the dough, as these sweeteners add liquid.
• Brown Sugar: Adds more depth and molasses flavor compared to white sugar.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Use a sugar substitute for a low-calorie option—check product-specific conversions as these are much sweeter than regular sugar.

3. Active Dry Yeast

Running out of one type of yeast doesn’t mean you can’t make cinnamon rolls:

• Instant Yeast: Substitute an equal amount, but note that this doesn’t need proofing like active dry yeast. You can mix it directly into the dry ingredients.
• Fresh Yeast: Use triple the amount of fresh yeast compared to active dry yeast (e.g., 6 ¾ tsp of fresh yeast in place of 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast).
• Baking Powder + Baking Soda: In emergencies, you can use 1 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp baking soda to replace yeast, but the rolls may not rise as much or have the same texture.

4. Whole Milk

Milk makes the dough soft and helps activate the yeast. If you don’t have whole milk or need a dairy-free alternative:

• Non-Dairy Milk: Almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or oat milk can all be used 1:1. Choose unsweetened varieties to retain control over sweetness.
• Water: Use water in place of milk, but you may want to add 1-2 tbsp of butter for richness.
• Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and tenderness. Replace in equal amounts for a subtle flavor shift.

5. Unsalted Butter (for Dough)

For the dough, butter contributes to flavor and softness. You can use:

• Margarine: Use 1:1 as a dairy-free substitute, though it tends to be a bit saltier than butter.
• Coconut Oil: Substitute in equal amounts. Ensure it’s softened but not melted to match butter’s texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Can work in a pinch, but the rolls might lack that buttery richness. Use the same amount.

6. Egg

Eggs help bind the dough and give it a soft texture. For egg allergies or vegan substitutes, try:

• Flax Egg: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 2.5 tbsp water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Replace 1 egg with 1/4 cup applesauce.
• Mashed Banana: Use 1/4 cup mashed banana for every egg as another vegan-friendly option, though this will add some banana flavor.

Substitutes for the Cinnamon Filling

1. Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is essential for the filling’s sweetness and moisture. Substitute with:

• Granulated Sugar: If using white sugar, add a small amount (2 tsp) of molasses for a similar flavor.
• Coconut Sugar: Adds a slightly different sweetness but is a healthier option.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Use these for a liquid sweetener, but reduce the butter slightly to prevent too much moisture.

2. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the star of the filling. If you don’t have cinnamon:

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend contains cinnamon, along with nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, making the filling more aromatic.
• Chai Spice: Perfect if you’re looking for bold, spiced flavor.

3. Unsalted Butter (for Filling)

For spreading the cinnamon sugar in the filling, butter is essential, but you can replace it with:

• Margarine: Works well as a 1:1 substitute.
• Vegan Butter Alternatives: Earth Balance or coconut butter provides a dairy-free option.
• Coconut Oil: Use softened coconut oil for a slightly tropical flavor.

Substitutes for the Icing Ingredients

1. Cream Cheese

If you don’t have cream cheese for the icing, here are some substitutes:

• Greek Yogurt: Use plain, full-fat yogurt for a slightly tangy and creamy topping. Add powdered sugar to thicken.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Offers a rich, creamy texture without the tang of cream cheese.
• Ricotta Cheese: Whisk until smooth as a lighter cream cheese alternative. Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.

2. Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar makes the icing sweet and smooth. If you’re out:

• Granulated Sugar: Blend it to a fine powder using a high-powered blender or food processor.
• Coconut Sugar: Blend into a fine powder for an unrefined option.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: Both work as liquid alternatives for a glaze instead of thick icing.

3. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla enhances the icing’s flavor, but you can try:

• Almond Extract: Sub in smaller quantities (half the amount) for a nutty twist.
• Maple Extract: For a warm, sweet flavor.
• Cinnamon or Nutmeg: A dash of these spices can enhance the flavor without needing vanilla.

Final Thoughts

Burger King Cinnamon Rolls (or their homemade counterparts) are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with everything from savory proteins to refreshing fruits and indulgent drinks.

More Cinnamon Rolls Recipes:

• Copycat Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls Recipe