Cinnabon Bakers for a Day!

During our family potluck lunches, we have a long-standing joke about how the baked salmon dish I brought for potluck Is perfectly like Conti’s, or my sister Jaymie’s fried chicken is just exactly like KFC’s! Well, that’s because they did come from those restaurants, and we just like to imagine that we made those dishes ourselves, lol. This time, though, you will have to believe me that this super delectable beauty was made by me and Reese...Yes, WE made this Mixed Berry Minibon roll, and it is just like Cinnabon's! Well...it was baked in the Cinnabon kitchen, with Cinnabon's expert staff to teach and help us, but it was really OUR hands who made it, and it was during one afternoon when we had the opportunity to actually become Cinnabon bakers one afternoon! What fun, right?It was somewhat of a fantasy come true for us, because Cinnabon is one of our favorite dessert stops as a family, their heavenly mini chocobons is a sweet ending we crave for after a satisfying dinner. That afternoon, our task was to make their latest summer offering from scratch. We went to their newest branch located at Estancia Mall in Capitol Commons, to actually learn how to make their very special Cinnabon for summer, and discover a couple of secrets to its success.Together with my little baker, Reese, fellow mom, Jen, we were set to learn to make the Cinnabon Mixed Berry Minibon which is an amped up, berried-up version to the traditional sweet Makara cinnamon roll that’s so good and especially because of its cream cheese frosting.First task was to roll out the dough and make sure it is a certain sizeWe got a little help from an expert to do that:)This is done twice and measure again to make sure it meets Cinnabon's standardsThen I had to put the dough through the machine twice to even it up its thickness.Once the dough is ready, Reese spreads on the pre-measured Makara cinnamon + muscovado powder onto itThen I took over to roll on the Makara to gently incorporate it into the dough some moreI was told to also make sure to dust the rolling pin so none of that magic powder goes to wasteThis is one of the secret ingredients that makes Cinnabon's rolls so good! Makara cinnamon mixed with muscovado sugar. Makara cinnamon I learned, comes from cassia trees found in the forests of Indonesia. This is what gives the rolls its "sweet, luscious flavor", plus the fact that the rolls are made with muscovado and not white sugar, no wonder there is a dark, richer flavor to its sweetness. This also makes this sweet treat healthier.Another secret is in the rolling. They use the pull, tuck and roll technique which I think allows the cinnamon powder to go into the dough more while rolling and baking.Measuring the "world's best cinnamon rolls". That's quality control for ya.Once cut into rolls, Reese puts the pieces into the pan, each roll going in between dividers. Afterwards these are left for around 40 minutes to make it riseThe rolls looks so perfect after curing time. Then off to the oven it goes!Yum and take my word for it, the whole store smelled so good!Next we're spreading the goodness! That's cream cheese frosting I'm spreading on all the rolls. The "ooey-gooey" layer of cream cheese frosting adds even more flavor to the roll, my mouth is starting to water at this point.Afterwards the toppings are added on. The limited edition Minibon is "combines lemon, tart berry flavor and plush purple fruit toppings". It is a sight to behold when you cut into it, and is a burst of flavor when you bite into the mix of strawberry, blueberry and raspberry pieces, followed by the chewy soft dough and slight tangy taste of the cream cheese frosting.During the baking session, I learned that Cinnabon is from the US, and founded in Seattle in 1985. The experience showed us how Cinnabon bakes it rolls fresh everyday. They are not frozen rolls that are thawed out and served.Voila! I'm feeling like a Cinnabon expert now. :)Of course, we didnt leave without Reese having her fave mini chocobon.Cinnabon fans here! Kuya Coby was there to take pictures and also taste our creations!Cinnabon’s fresh, sweet smelling, oven-hot Mixed Berry MinibonsCinnabon Mixed Berry Minibons are available for a limited-time-only (I heard only until August) in all Cinnabon Philippines Stores Nationwide. Try it out and also don't forget to follow Cinnabon Philippines to be updated on the brands' latest offerings on Facebook and Instagram.