Copycat Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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This iconic Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity, indulgence, and a pinch of love. The soft, pillowy dough paired with a rich, spiced filling and luscious cream cheese icing makes every bite feel like comfort in its purest form.

How to make Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls

Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls are a signature breakfast pastry popularized by Joanna Gaines, the designer, cookbook author, and co-founder of the Magnolia Table restaurant in Waco, Texas.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups whole milk (warmed to about 110°F)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 4½ teaspoons active dry yeast (or two ¼-ounce packets)
• 5 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1½ cups packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Warm the Milk: Heat the milk gently to about 110°F. This creates the perfect environment for activating the yeast.
2. Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, sugar, melted butter, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients while stirring.
4. Form the Dough: Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes, either by hand or using the dough hook attachment on a mixer, until it’s soft and elastic. Avoid over-kneading.
5. Let It Rise: Place the dough ball in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a paste. This will be spread over the dough later.

Step 3: Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick (approximately 12×18 inches).
2. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the entire surface of the dough.
3. Roll and Slice: Start at one long edge and roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into roughly 12 equal pieces.
4. Arrange Rolls: Place the rolls cut-side up into a greased baking dish, spacing them slightly apart. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake: Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

1. Mix Ingredients: While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
2. Spread or Drizzle: Once the cinnamon rolls are baked and slightly cooled, generously spread or drizzle the icing over the top.

Tips for Perfect Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls

• Warm Ingredients: Ensure your milk and butter are warm (not hot) to help activate the yeast without killing it.
• Proofing Environment: For optimal rising, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area (e.g., in an oven with the light turned on).
• Don’t Rush Rising: Allow the dough and the rolls to rise as needed to achieve fluffy, light results.
• Use Dental Floss for Cutting: To prevent squishing the rolls, use unflavored dental floss to slice the log by slipping it under the dough and pulling it through to cut.
• Double the Icing: If you’re an icing enthusiast, you can make extra cream cheese frosting to serve on the side.
• Make Ahead: You can refrigerate the rolls overnight after assembling them but before baking. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and bake.

What to serve with

Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls are soft, buttery, and bursting with cinnamon sweetness—basically the ultimate indulgent treat! While these rolls are incredible on their own, pairing them with complementary sides can elevate your meal into a full-blown dining experience.

1. Fresh Fruits

The richness of Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls pairs beautifully with something light and refreshing. Fresh fruits are great for adding balance to your meal while brightening your plate.

• Berry Medley: A mix of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries adds natural sweetness and a burst of color.
• Fruit Salad: Combine oranges, grapes, pineapple, and kiwi for a vibrant fruit salad. You might even toss in a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a subtle tie-in to the rolls.
• Apple Slices: Thinly sliced apples with a touch of lemon juice make a simple yet crisp side. (Bonus: The apple flavor complements the cinnamon in the rolls!)

2. Yogurt or Greek Yogurt

A scoop of lightly sweetened yogurt adds creaminess and tang that cuts through the sweetness of the Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls. It can also be used as a topping or dipping option for those who want a fun twist.

• Vanilla Yogurt: Vanilla yogurt complements the flavors of the rolls while bringing a smooth, creamy texture.
• Parfaits: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit in a glass to serve alongside the rolls—perfect for brunch spreads.

Ingredients Substitutes

Sometimes, you might want to adjust a recipe due to dietary restrictions, ingredient availability, or simply personal preference. Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls are indulgent and rich, but the recipe is quite flexible and can be tailored to suit a variety of needs without compromising their deliciousness.

1. Substitutes for Milk

Milk is essential for achieving the tender, rich texture of the dough, but there are plenty of alternatives for those who are dairy-free, vegan, or simply out of milk.

• Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives: Replace whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. Select unsweetened, unflavored varieties to avoid altering the flavor too much. If your milk alternative is thinner than regular milk, use less so the dough doesn’t get too wet.
• Evaporated Milk: If you prefer a richer, creamier texture, evaporated milk will work as a great substitute and often enhances the flavor.
• Buttermilk: Swap whole milk for buttermilk for a slight tang and extra moisture.

2. Substitutes for Butter

Butter is an integral part of this recipe, contributing to the richness of the dough and the filling. Luckily, there are some great substitutes.

• Plant-Based Butter: For those who are vegan or dairy-free, use a plant-based butter alternative. Brands like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s work well.
• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil can be used in place of butter in both the dough and filling. Note that it will add a subtle coconut flavor, which pairs well with cinnamon. Use the solid form for the filling and melted oil for the dough.
• Olive Oil: For the dough, melted butter can be swapped for olive oil or avocado oil. Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor of the Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls.

3. Substitutes for Active Dry Yeast

Yeast is the rising agent that makes the dough fluffy and soft, but if you don’t have active dry yeast on hand, try these alternatives.

• Instant Yeast: Use an equal amount of instant yeast, but skip the activation step (no need to dissolve it in warm milk). Mix it directly into the dry ingredients.
• Baking Powder + Baking Soda: Though not ideal for yeast doughs, in a pinch, you can use 1 teaspoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon baking soda per cup of flour. Keep in mind that the rolls will be less airy and more cake-like.

4. Substitutes for All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour creates a soft, pliable dough, but other flours can be used if you have dietary restrictions or preferences.

• Gluten-Free Flour Blends: Use gluten-free all-purpose blends designed for baking, such as Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. These are excellent for maintaining the texture of the dough.
• Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier twist, substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that using 100% whole wheat flour may make the rolls denser and slightly nuttier in flavor.
• Bread Flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content and will create a chewier texture. It can be swapped for all-purpose flour in equal amounts.
• Spelt or Almond Flour: These can be used for those following a low-gluten or more nutritious alternative. However, these flours have different textures and might require additional liquid or other adjustments.

5. Substitutes for Sugar

Sugar plays a role in activating the yeast and adding sweetness to the dough, filling, and icing. Here are some substitutions to consider.

• Coconut Sugar: This can be used in place of granulated or brown sugar in any step of the recipe, lending a subtle caramel taste.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Substitute granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup in a 1:1 ratio. These liquid sweeteners may slightly impact the dough’s consistency, so you might need to reduce other liquid ingredients.
• Brown Sugar Alternatives: Replace brown sugar in the filling with date sugar, raw cane sugar, or even molasses combined with white sugar.

6. Substitutes for Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is the base of the decadent icing. If you prefer a dairy-free alternative or don’t have cream cheese on hand, try these swaps.

• Vegan Cream Cheese: Brands like Kite Hill or Violife offer dairy-free cream cheese substitutes that pair beautifully with the rolls.
• Greek Yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt or a plant-based yogurt alternative like coconut or almond yogurt. The icing will be slightly tangier, but still creamy.
• Mascarpone: Mascarpone is very similar to cream cheese, but milder and less tangy—an excellent substitution.

7. Substitutes for Brown Sugar in the Filling

Brown sugar in the filling gives the cinnamon rolls their signature sweet and caramelized flavor, but you can experiment with other options.

• White Sugar + Molasses: Combine 1 cup granulated white sugar with 2 tablespoons of molasses to mimic the flavor and texture of brown sugar.
• Coconut Sugar: The slight caramel notes in coconut sugar make it a great substitute. It’s also lower on the glycemic index.
• Raw Cane Sugar: You can use raw cane sugar instead, though it lacks the richness of molasses.

8. Substitutes for Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the star of the filling, but if you want to experiment, you can swap or add other spices for variety:

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Use a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger for a festive spin.
• Cardamom: Cardamom adds a fragrant and slightly citrusy flavor that works beautifully with sweet doughs.
• Nutmeg: Substitute part of the cinnamon with nutmeg for a warm, earthy flavor balance.

9. Substitutes for Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract adds aroma and depth to the icing and dough. If you don’t have vanilla extract, try these alternatives:

• Maple Syrup: Add a teaspoon of pure maple syrup for a rich, sweet flavor.
• Almond Extract: Adds a slightly nutty taste—use sparingly as it’s more concentrated than vanilla.
• Rum or Bourbon: A splash of rum or bourbon can add warmth and depth of flavor.

10. Substitutes for Powdered Sugar in the Icing

Powdered sugar gives the icing its smooth texture, but there are ways to substitute it if needed.

• Homemade Powdered Sugar: Simply blend granulated sugar in a high-speed blender or food processor until it’s a fine powder. Add a bit of cornstarch for a similar texture to store-bought powdered sugar.
• Stevia Powder: For a low-sugar option, use powdered or granular stevia. You may need much less to reach your desired sweetness level.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got all the steps, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of Magnolia Table cinnamon rolls.

More Cinnamon Rolls Recipes:

• Copycat Burger King Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
• Copycat Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls Recipe