Copycat Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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This Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls recipe is worth every single bite. From the butter-rich dough to the irresistibly sweet swirl of cinnamon and sugar, these cinnamon rolls perfect the art of indulgence.

How to make Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls

Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls are a signature sweet breakfast treat associated with Magnolia Table — the restaurant and lifestyle brand created by Joanna and Chip Gaines (of Fixer Upper fame). They’re classic cinnamon rolls made from soft, yeasted dough swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar and finished with a rich cream cheese-style icing that makes them gooey, indulgent, and ultra comforting.

Ingredients

The Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls consist of three main parts: the dough, the filling, and the cream cheese frosting.

For the Dough:

• 2 cups whole milk, warmed to 110°F (lukewarm for activating yeast)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 4½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
• 1½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 large egg

For the Filling:

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp whole milk (as needed for desired consistency)

Instructions

Here’s how to make Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls from scratch:

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
2. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is activated.
3. Add the egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the remaining 2½ cups of flour and knead the dough for about 5-8 minutes, either using a stand mixer with a dough hook or by hand on a floured surface. The dough should be soft, elastic, and slightly sticky.
5. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Set aside.
2. Ensure the butter for the filling is softened and at a spreadable consistency.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove excess air. Transfer it to a floured surface.
2. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 18×12 inches, making sure the thickness is even.
3. Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surface.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

1. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal.
2. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the roll into 12 even pieces.
3. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them for expansion.

Step 5: Final Proof

1. Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and cooked through. Avoid over-baking to ensure the centers remain soft and gooey.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.
2. Spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls right out of the oven, allowing it to melt slightly for a glossy finish.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, buttery perfection!

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

• Activate the yeast properly: Ensure the milk is lukewarm (around 110°F). If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast.
• Don’t over-flour the dough: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky for the fluffiest rolls. Adding too much flour will make them dense.
• Use dental floss to cut: Dental floss (unflavored) gives you clean-cut rolls without smashing the dough, unlike using a knife.
• Plan for proofing time: These rolls require two rises—one for the dough and one after assembly. Give yourself enough time for proper proofing to achieve fluffiness.
• Frost while warm: Spreading the frosting when the rolls are warm ensures it melts into the grooves for an irresistible finish.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the rolls the night before, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them after placing them in the baking dish. Let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking the next morning.

What to serve with

Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls, especially those as indulgent and flavorful as Magnolia Table’s version, are often the star of the meal. However, pairing them with complementary dishes and drinks can elevate your breakfast or brunch spread even further.

• Classic Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee or a shot of espresso pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls. Opt for black coffee if you want to cut through the richness, or add a splash of cream for a smoother experience.
• Latte or Cappuccino: Warm, creamy coffees like lattes or cappuccinos with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top complement cinnamon rolls beautifully.
• Spiced Chai Latte: A chai latte’s warm spices (like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon) will harmonize perfectly with the flavors in the rolls.
• Fresh Orange Juice: For a refreshing contrast, serve fresh-squeezed orange juice. Its acidity cuts through the sweetness and balances out the richness.
• Milk: A cold glass of milk is a classic pairing, especially for kids! The milk’s creaminess works nicely with the cream cheese frosting.
• Mimosas: For a brunch gathering, a bubbly mimosa (made with champagne and orange juice) is a fun and refreshing pairing with the cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re planning to make Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls but lack a specific ingredient or want to tweak the recipe to suit dietary restrictions, don’t worry. With a few thoughtful substitutions, you can still create delicious, fluffy rolls that don’t compromise on flavor.

1. Substitutes for Milk

Milk plays a key role in creating a tender dough, activating the yeast, and adding richness to the frosting. If you’re out of milk or need a non-dairy option, here are some alternatives:

Dairy Substitutes:

• Heavy Cream (diluted with water): Use a 50-50 mix of heavy cream and water as a substitute for whole milk.
• Evaporated Milk: Dilute evaporated milk (which is thicker and richer) with equal parts water to mimic the consistency of whole milk.

Non-Dairy Substitutes:

• Almond Milk, Soy Milk, or Oat Milk: Any plant-based milk can replace dairy milk 1:1. Oat milk works particularly well because of its creaminess.
• Coconut Milk (Canned or Carton): While a bit richer and more flavorful, coconut milk (especially from a carton) can be a good substitute. Note that it may impart a coconut flavor to your rolls.

2. Substitutes for Sugar in the Dough

Sugar feeds the yeast and adds sweetness to the dough. If you want to use an alternative sweetener or are out of granulated sugar, try these options:

• Brown Sugar: Use an equal amount of brown sugar for a slightly deeper, molasses-like flavor.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup in a 1:1 ratio, but reduce the liquid in the recipe by 1-2 teaspoons to account for the added moisture.
• Coconut Sugar: Use coconut sugar as a 1:1 replacement. It’s less sweet but will still work for feeding the yeast.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit (Low-Calorie Sweeteners): If replacing sugar with these, follow package instructions for conversion, as they’re much sweeter than granulated sugar. Look for yeasts activated by artificial sweeteners if required.

3. Substitutes for Butter

Butter provides richness to the dough, filling, and frosting. If you’re out of butter or need a dairy-free substitute, here are some options:

Dough and Filling:

• Plant-Based Vegan Butter: Works beautifully for a 1:1 swap and retains the same texture and flavor.
• Coconut Oil: Refined coconut oil has a neutral flavor and is a great dairy-free choice. Softened or melted coconut oil can replace butter in equal parts.
• Neutral Vegetable Oils: Canola oil, sunflower oil, or avocado oil works in a pinch but won’t give quite the same rich flavor as butter.

Frosting:

• Cream Cheese (Increase Amount): For a slightly tangier taste, replace butter with more cream cheese in the frosting.
• Plant-Based Shortening or Coconut Oil: Subbed in a 1:1 ratio, these work well for a dairy-free frosting.

4. Substitutes for Active Dry Yeast

Active dry yeast is essential for the rolls to rise and become fluffy. However, you can swap it for other yeast options:

• Instant Yeast: You can use instant yeast as a 1:1 replacement. It doesn’t require proofing, so you can mix it directly with the flour and skip the activation step.
• Fresh Yeast: Replace 2¼ teaspoons of dry yeast with 21 grams of fresh yeast (about the size of a small cube). Crumble it into the warm milk and sugar mixture for activation.
• Sourdough Starter: For a natural leavening option, use sourdough starter. Replace the yeast with about 1 cup of starter and adjust the flour and liquid quantities to maintain the dough’s consistency.

Final Thoughts

The Magnolia Table Cinnamon Rolls are worth every step of the process. They’re not just a recipe; they’re a chance to create a little magic in your kitchen and enjoy the ultimate comfort food with your favorite people.

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