Are you ready to recreate the delicious McDonald’s Cinnamon Melts at home?
These sweet treats capture the essence of gooey cinnamon heaven, perfect for any time you want a quick and satisfying snack.
The key to perfecting these is using a Texas-size muffin tin, which helps give your cinnamon melts that authentic McDonald’s feel.
One of my favorite parts about making this recipe is how quickly it comes together, making it a no-fuss option for whenever a craving strikes.
How to Make McDonald’s Cinnamon Melts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Warm Water
- 1 package Active Dry Yeast
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/3 cup Milk
- 1/3 cup Melted Margarine
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Cinnamon
- 1/4 cup Softened Butter
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 tablespoon Milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Dissolve the yeast in warm water.
Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine sugar, milk, and melted margarine.
Add in the yeast mixture.
Step 3:
Mix in the salt and flour, forming a dough.
Knead until smooth.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl, blend brown sugar with cinnamon and softened butter.
Spread this mixture across the rolled-out dough.
Step 5:
Roll the dough back up and cut into pieces.
Arrange them in a greased pan.
Step 6:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Step 7:
While baking, whip cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to make the frosting.
Step 8:
Once removed from oven, spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon melts.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Yeast Proofing
Ensure your water is warm and not hot so the yeast can proof properly and activate the dough.
Dough Consistency
If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour while kneading until it is smooth and elastic.
Rolling the Dough
When rolling out the dough, dust your countertop and rolling pin lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
Frosting Evenly
Spread the cream cheese frosting generously while the cinnamon melts are warm so that it melts smoothly.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze leftover cinnamon melts.
To enjoy later, just reheat them in the microwave for a quick and tasty treat!
What to Serve with McDonald’s Cinnamon Melts Recipe
Fresh Fruit Salad
When enjoying cinnamon melts, a fresh fruit salad can balance the sweetness nicely.
Consider a mix of berries, melon, and grapes for a colorful and refreshing side.
The vibrant flavors of the fruit can add a touch of freshness to the warm, gooey melts.
Yogurt Parfait
Pairing your cinnamon melts with a yogurt parfait makes for a breakfast combo you look forward to.
Layer yogurt with granola and your favorite fruits to contrast with the sweet cinnamon flavor.
It’s a simple yet satisfying way to start your day on a more balanced note.
Vanilla Ice Cream
For a dessert twist, serve your cinnamon melts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The creamy texture melts perfectly over the warm pastries, creating a heavenly combination.
This indulgent pairing can transform your cinnamon melts into a dessert worth remembering.
Spiced Nuts
For something a little different, try serving spiced nuts as a side.
They offer a savory and crunchy contrast to the soft and sweet cinnamon melts.
A mix of almonds, pecans, and walnuts with a hint of seasoning can be just the thing.
Smoothies
A fresh smoothie can round out your meal when you want something easy and drinkable.
Blend together bananas, strawberries, and some orange juice for a refreshing option.
The cold and fruity smoothie pairs wonderfully with the warm cinnamon flavors.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Dough Options
You can use refrigerator biscuits for a quicker option if you’re short on time.
Alternatively, make your own dough with basic ingredients like milk, sugar, salt, and yeast for a more homemade feel.
Each method brings a slightly different texture, but both are delicious!
Spice Level
Feel free to adjust the cinnamon to suit your taste.
If you love a stronger spice flavor, consider adding nutmeg or allspice to the mix.
It gives the melts a unique twist without straying too far from the original taste.
Glaze Alternatives
For a tangy variation, you can use lemon juice in place of vanilla in the icing.
Or try adding a splash of maple syrup for a richer glaze.
These little adjustments can make your melts feel entirely new and exciting!
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How to Store Leftover Cinnamon Melts
Storing leftover cinnamon melts is crucial to maintaining their freshness and flavor.
First, allow your cinnamon melts to cool completely at room temperature.
Once cooled, wrap each melt tightly in plastic wrap to lock in moisture and prevent them from drying out.
Place the wrapped melts in a single layer inside an airtight container.
Freezing for Longer Storage
If you have more melts than you’ll eat in a few days, freezing is a perfect option!
Before freezing, ensure the cinnamon melts are wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
Store them in a sealed, freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to label it with the date.
Keeping at Room Temperature
For short-term storage, you can keep the cinnamon melts at room temperature.
Place your melts in an airtight container on the counter, ideally consuming them within two days for optimal flavor.
Avoid Refrigeration
Refrigeration can alter the texture of your cinnamon melts, making them less enjoyable.
Keep them at room temperature or freeze them for the best results when storing.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your cinnamon melts for days!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cutting the Dough Too Large
Don’t make your dough pieces too large when cutting.
Smaller, more uniform pieces allow for better baking, resulting in evenly cooked cinnamon melts.
Aim for about 1-inch pieces to ensure proper baking through.
Overlooking Proper Dough Rising
One mistake that can happen is not letting the dough rise enough.
Give it enough time in a warm spot to let those flavors and textures develop fully.
Check that the dough has doubled in size for fluffier treats.
Skipping the Icing Step
Skipping or rushing the icing can leave your cinnamon melts missing that iconic topping.
Allow your icing to reach a smooth consistency by mixing cream cheese, sugar, and margarine thoroughly.
Drizzle generously over the melts for that perfect finish.

McDonald's Cinnamon Melts Recipe
- 1 cup Warm Water
- 1 package Active Dry Yeast
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/3 cup Milk
- 1/3 cup Melted Margarine
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Cinnamon
- 1/4 cup Softened Butter
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 tablespoon Milk
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water.
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, milk, and melted margarine.
- Add in the yeast mixture.
- Mix in the salt and flour, forming a dough.
- Knead until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, blend brown sugar with cinnamon and softened butter.
- Spread this mixture across the rolled-out dough.
- Roll the dough back up and cut into pieces.
- Arrange them in a greased pan.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- While baking, whip cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to make the frosting.
- Once removed from oven, spread the frosting over the warm cinnamon melts.
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