Panera’s Cinnamon Roll recipe features soft, fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with creamy, sweet icing. It’s a perfect homemade treat that captures the bakery’s signature warm, gooey cinnamon roll experience.

Freshly baked Panera-style cinnamon rolls topped with creamy icing.
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If you’ve ever stopped by Panera and couldn’t resist grabbing one of their giant, gooey cinnamon rolls, you’re not alone!

These bakery-style treats are soft, fluffy, and loaded with a rich cinnamon sugar swirl, all topped with a generous drizzle of creamy icing. Now, you can recreate that indulgent experience right in your own kitchen with this easy Panera Cinnamon Roll Copycat Recipe. It’s perfect for weekend brunch, holiday breakfasts, or anytime you’re craving a cozy, homemade treat that tastes just like the café favorite.

So, whether you have these for a quick breakfast or dessert, they are delicious.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Baked Goods Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER COPYCAT KRISPY KREME DONUTS, AIR FRYER RASPBERRY LEMON DONUTS, AIR FRYER 2 INGREDIENT OREO MUG CAKE, and AIR FRYER EASY FUNFETTI CAKE MIX DONUTS.

Homemade Panera cinnamon roll with rich icing drizzle on top.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick and Easy: These cinnamon rolls are ready in just 7 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute desserts.
  • Flaky Texture: Made with puff pastry, they boast a light, flaky texture that elevates the classic cinnamon roll experience.
  • Versatile: Enjoy them for breakfast, as a sweet snack, or even as a delightful dessert.
  • Minimal Cleanup: The air fryer makes cooking and cleanup a breeze, allowing you to focus on enjoying your treats.
  • Deliciously Sweet: The combination of cinnamon and sugar, topped with icing, ensures a satisfyingly sweet indulgence!

Panera Cinnamon Roll Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients needed for Panera Cinnamon Roll Recipe on kitchen table.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds a rich, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
  • Butter: Enriches the pastry, providing a decadent and creamy texture.
  • Brown Sugar: This sweetener brings a deep, caramel-like flavor.
  • Puff Pastry: Creates an airy base that makes these cinnamon rolls amazing.
  • Pecans: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Used to make a smooth glaze.
  • Milk: Creating a creamy glaze that ties all the flavors together.
  • Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness of the glaze for a refreshing finish.

How To Make Panera Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Spreading cinnamon butter mixture evenly over rolled-out puff pastry sheet.

Step One: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F, air fryer setting. Whisk together cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar in a small bowl.

Step Two: Roll the puff pastry out flat on a clean surface. Use a spatula to spread the cinnamon and butter mixture over the sheet until you are ½ – ¼ of an inch away from the edge.

Drizzle the pecans over the top of the filling.

Step Three: Drizzle with the diced pecans (optional)

Cut the dough into 1 inch pieces.

Step Four: Starting from the shorter end, roll the puff pastry sheet into a roll. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into one-inch-thick rolls.

Place prepared Panera Cinnamon Roll Recipe in the air fryer basket.

Step Five: Place rolls in the air fryer basket, and cook for five to seven minutes, or until rolls turn a deep golden-brown color. Do this in batches until all the rolls are finished.

Step Six: Whisk all the glaze ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth to make the cinnamon roll icing. Drizzle over rolls while warm before serving.

Flaky homemade cinnamon rolls inspired by Panera, topped with icing.

Panera Cinnamon Roll Recipe Tips

  • Chill the Dough: Keep the puff pastry cold for a flaky texture.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the rolls in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
  • Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary by air fryer, so check for golden brown perfection.
  • Experiment with Fillings: Try adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor.
  • Glaze After Cooking: Drizzle with glaze while still warm for a delicious finish.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

  • Storing Instructions: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them covered to maintain their moisture and softness.
  • Freezing Instructions: Freeze baked cinnamon rolls (without icing) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and glazing.
  • Reheating Instructions: Warm cinnamon rolls in the microwave for 15–30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes. Add a little extra icing after reheating if desired for added moisture.
Panera-style cinnamon rolls made with puff pastry and creamy glaze.

Panera Cinnamon Roll Recipe Faqs

Can I use homemade puff pastry? Yes, homemade puff pastry works well, but store-bought is more convenient.

How do I store leftovers? Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Can I freeze these rolls? Yes, freeze unbaked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

What if my rolls are undercooked? If they’re not golden brown, cook them for an additional 1-2 minutes and check frequently.

Can I make these without cinnamon? Absolutely! You can replace cinnamon with other spices or fillings, such as cocoa powder or fruit preserves.

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Freshly baked Panera-style cinnamon rolls topped with creamy icing.

Panera Cinnamon Roll Recipe

5 from 5 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Recreate the bakery-style sweetness at home with this Panera Cinnamon Roll recipe—flaky puff pastry, rich cinnamon filling, and a creamy glaze on top!

Ingredients 

Cinnamon rolls

  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • ½ cup pecans, chopped

Glaze:

  • ½ cup confectioner’s sugar
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Other:

  • Cooking Spray

Instructions

  • Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees, if required per manufacturer’s instructions, and spray air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  • Whisk together cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
  • Roll the puff pastry out flat on a clean surface.
  • Use a spatula to spread the cinnamon and butter mixture over the sheet until you are ½ – ¼ of an inch away from the edge. Drizzle with pecans.
  • Starting from the shorter end, roll the puff pastry sheet into a roll.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into one-inch-thick rolls.
  • Place rolls in the air fryer basket, and cook for five to seven minutes, or until rolls turn a deep golden-brown color. Do this in batches until all the rolls are finished.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

To Make the Glaze: Whisk all the glaze ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth to make the cinnamon roll icing. Drizzle over rolls while warm before serving

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 0.2mgSodium: 81mgPotassium: 82mgFiber: 2gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 116IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 1mg

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