We Just Found Out What Makes Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls So Good (2024)

That alluring smell and taste is all thanks to one trademarked ingredient.

By

Meghan Glass

We Just Found Out What Makes Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls So Good (1)

Meghan Glass is a professional chef who has always sought ways to help her community through food outreach. She has loved the art of cooking since she watched Julia Child sear veal as a small child. After working in other fields, she decided to return to school to pursue her true passion, food.

Published on February 17, 2024

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We Just Found Out What Makes Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls So Good (2)

Some smells are so strong and distinct, I feel confident I could pick them out of a line up. Salty Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, bright and sweet Panda Express Orange Chicken, and warm Cinnabon Cinnamon rolls. Do I buy one when I see them in the airport food court? Not always. Do I stop to inhale that sweet cinnamon scent? Absolutely, every time! And it turns out, the core ingredient for this anytime treat is actually unique to the brand.

Cinnabon's Secret Ingredient

It might not shock you to find out that the cinnamon used in the Cinnabon offerings is the key ingredient. But this isn’t just any cinnamon. This special Indonesian cinnamon, called Makara, is trademarked by Cinnabon. And because of that trademark, you won’t find this product in your local grocery store spice aisle.

According to the brand’s history, the father and son duo behind the cinnamon roll chain wanted to make the world’s greatest, most delicious cinnamon roll from scratch. The baked-good giant lists three components that set them apart from other retailers: fresh-baked dough, cream cheese frosting, and a proprietary blend of cinnamon (Makara).

What Is Makara Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is the bark from two major types of Laurel trees, Cassia Cinnamomum (grown in Indonesia) and Ceylon Cinnamomum (grown in Sri Lanka). When a cinnamon tree is around two years old, the plant is trimmed and covered with soil to help grow more like a bush. New growth shoots are born from this soil and their stripped, dried bark is what cinnamon is made from.

But what exactly is this special Makara cinnamon? Cinnabon owns the name of Makara and their exact blend is a trademarked secret, so we don’t know exactly. But we do know that it’s a cassia cinnamon that contains more essential oils than ceylon, producing a stronger aroma. Using Makara also results in a more gooey texture when liquid is added to it, giving the Cinnabon cinnamon rolls their signature softness.

When the stores aren’t baking a fresh batch of cinnamon rolls, they even place baking pans of this Makara cinnamon mixed with brown sugar in the ovens to entice customers with that irresistible scent. It’s hard to resist a good smell especially if it’s associated with warmth and coziness.

Where Can I Buy Makara?

Has all this talk of warm, pillowy rolls made you want to whip up a batch? Good news! Makara can be purchased in a Cinnabon store. Bad news: It’s not available in every store or online. Cinnabon meant business when they locked up their secret ingredient. Cinnamon from Indonesia is available for purchase from multiple online retailers but there’s only one true Cinnabon cinnamon.

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We Just Found Out What Makes Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls So Good (2024)

FAQs

We Just Found Out What Makes Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls So Good? ›

Cinnabon's Secret Ingredient

Why are cinnamon rolls so yummy? ›

With a pillowy soft dough, rich cinnamon sugar filling, and melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese frosting, this baked treat will blow your mind. After letting the yeasted dough rise until soft and fluffy, you'll roll out the dough, generously cover it with cinnamon sugar, and tightly roll it up for that perfect spiral.

Why is Cinnabon popular? ›

Cinnabon, a renowned brand celebrated for its delectable cinnamon rolls, has always prioritized delivering an exceptional guest experience. Established in 1985, the company's unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has been pivotal to its enduring success.

What is Cinnabon's secret ingredient? ›

Cinnabon's Secret Ingredient

This special Indonesian cinnamon, called Makara, is trademarked by Cinnabon. And because of that trademark, you won't find this product in your local grocery store spice aisle.

What brand of cinnamon does Cinnabon use? ›

Our world-famous cinnamon roll is made with a combination of warm dough, legendary Makara cinnamon, and signature cream cheese for a freshly baked, irresistible sweet treat. Product availability and varieties vary by market.

What does pouring milk over cinnamon rolls do? ›

Pouring heavy cream over cinnamon rolls before baking will add richness and moisture to the roll. As the cinnamon rolls bake, the cream will combine with the cinnamon and sugar to create a caramel-like sauce that will coat the rolls, adding a creamy texture with the fluffy roll.

Why are my cinnamon rolls not light and fluffy? ›

There are a lot of variables that go into the consistency of dough, even down to the weather and humidity. But the most common reason cinnamon rolls don't turn out fluffy is because the dough didn't have enough time to rise.

What is a substitute for heavy cream in cinnamon rolls? ›

Heavy Cream: Using heavy cream will produce the most deliciously gooey cinnamon rolls (think Cinnabon level gooey) so this is recommended. However, half and half, coffee creamer, whole milk or coconut cream will also work.

What is the Cinnabon controversy? ›

Cinnabon Allegedly Banned Pride Decorations, So Workers Went on Strike. Workers say that the alleged ban specifically targets LGBTQ+ workers. Workers at a Los Angeles Cinnabon went on strike to protest the alleged banning of Pride decor from their store.

Why is Cinnabon so gooey? ›

Yes, according to Cinnabon's website, their signature frosting is exactly what puts their rolls over the top. "It's often been imitated but never replicated. The smooth, Ooey-Gooey topping of Cinnabon cream cheese frosting adds another depth of flavor.

What is the most unhealthy Cinnabon? ›

Worst: Caramel Pecanbon

The Caramel Pecanbon, while a delicious treat from Cinnabon, is considered an unhealthy choice due to its high calorie, sugar, and fat content. A single serving packs a hefty caloric punch, often exceeding the daily recommended sugar intake in just one pastry.

What is the difference between a cinnamon roll and a Cinnabon? ›

Structurally, cinnamon buns share the same spiral shape. They are sometimes thinner and more delicate. The most significant difference between cinnamon rolls and cinnamon buns is the inclusion of nuts. Cinnamon buns often have pecans, walnuts, or even raisins in the filling.

Why can't you refrigerate Cinnabon cinnamon rolls? ›

Why you shouldn't refrigerate Cinnabon. According to Serious Eats, after baking, the starch molecules in bread begin to recrystallize and harden, which is how bread goes stale. Refrigeration only accelerates that process.

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