Imagine waking up to the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, their pillowy-soft dough swirled with a luscious cinnamon-sugar filling and crowned with a silky cream cheese glaze. This isn’t just a dream – it’s a reality you can create right in your own kitchen with the help of your trusty bread machine.
Homemade cinnamon rolls may seem like a daunting task, but with a little know-how and the convenience of a bread machine, anyone can master this classic treat. Get ready to wow your family and friends with the most perfect, authentic bread machine cinnamon rolls you’ve ever tasted.
These cinnamon rolls aren’t just delicious – they’re also a labor of love that brings people together. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning, every bite will transport you to a cozy, comforting place where the worries of the world melt away.
Why You’ll Want to Make This Recipe Tonight 🤩
These bread machine cinnamon rolls are truly in a league of their own. The dough is silky-smooth and perfectly pillowy, thanks to the precise balance of ingredients and the bread machine’s kneading magic. The cinnamon-sugar filling is rich and gooey, with just the right amount of spice to tantalize your taste buds. And the creamy, tangy cream cheese glaze ties everything together in a symphony of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds!).
What sets this recipe apart is the attention to detail. Each step is carefully crafted to ensure maximum flavor and texture, from the proofing of the dough to the careful rolling and shaping of the rolls. The result is a cinnamon roll that’s not only visually stunning but also has a depth of flavor that will have your guests raving.
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 4 1/4 cups (531 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (11 ml) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons (14 g) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (50 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (188 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
The key to these cinnamon rolls is the use of bread flour, which gives the dough a wonderful chewiness and structure. The warm milk, sugar, and butter help create a soft, pillowy texture, while the egg adds richness and tenderness. The brown sugar and cinnamon filling is the perfect balance of sweet and spice, and the cream cheese glaze adds a tangy, creamy element that ties everything together.
Instructions
- Add the Dough Ingredients: In the pan of your bread machine, add the warm milk, granulated sugar, salt, 1/4 cup of softened butter, the egg, and the bread flour. Make a well in the center and add the yeast. Select the dough cycle and let the machine do its magic.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough cycle is complete, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12 inches by 18 inches.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Spread the 1/4 cup of softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Roll and Cut the Rolls: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Arrange and Proof: Place the cinnamon roll slices, cut-side up, in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes, or until the rolls have doubled in size.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning.
- Make the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/4 cup of softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Finish with a Flourish: As soon as the cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the warm cream cheese glaze evenly over the top. Serve the rolls warm, and enjoy the heavenly aroma and gooey, cinnamon-spiced goodness.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Chill time: 30-45 minutes
• Baking time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
Delicious Keto Bread That Actually Tastes REAL!
Enjoy grain-free, keto-friendly bread without lectins or blood sugar spikes! Finally, restaurant-quality bread that's perfect for keto, paleo, and grain-free diets. No more missing out on sandwiches, bagels, and fresh-baked goodness. Your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you!
- Keto Comforts: 7-Day Meal Plan
- Keto Spreads: Delicious Pairings for Your Keto Breads
- Keto Make-Ahead Breakfasts
- The Truth About Sugar
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 12 servings.
• Protein: 7 g
• Sodium: 323 mg
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fat: 17 g
• Fiber: 2 g
Easy Ingredient Swaps That Still Work
• To Make it Vegan: Substitute the milk with unsweetened plant-based milk, the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative. For the egg, use a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the cinnamon-sugar filling for a subtle heat that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Finishing Touches That Make a Difference
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the warm rolls with a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and texture.
• Beverage Pairing: These cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee, a tall glass of cold milk, or a refreshing mimosa for a touch of elegance.
Avoid These Recipe-Ending Mistakes
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, especially the butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature before beginning. Cold ingredients can prevent the dough from rising properly and make the filling and glaze difficult to incorporate.
• Mistake 3 – Overcrowding the Baking Dish: Resist the urge to cram all the cinnamon rolls into a single baking dish. This can cause the rolls to steam instead of bake, resulting in a soggy, undercooked texture. Instead, use a larger dish or bake the rolls in two smaller dishes to ensure even cooking and browning.
Preserve Your Creation: Storage Tips
• Freezing: The unbaked cinnamon rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let them rise at room temperature before baking as usual.
• Reheating: To reheat the cinnamon rolls, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds to quickly warm them up.
FAQs
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
While you can use all-purpose flour, the cinnamon rolls may not have the same chewy, soft texture that the bread flour provides. The bread flour helps create a stronger gluten structure, resulting in a more premium, bakery-quality roll. If you must use all-purpose flour, you may need to knead the dough for a bit longer to develop the gluten.
How can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the cinnamon rolls up to the point of the second rise, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, remove the rolls from the fridge and let them come to room temperature and complete their second rise before baking as usual. This allows you to do all the heavy lifting the day before, so you can enjoy freshly baked cinnamon rolls with minimal effort.
Can I double this recipe?
Affiliate Disclosure
We're honest about how we fund our blog: When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. This supports our mission to create quality recipes and content. Rest assured, we only recommend products we genuinely believe in—your trust means everything to us. Thank you for supporting us! ❤️
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled to make 24 cinnamon rolls. Just be sure to use a larger bread machine (if using one) and bake the rolls in two 9×13-inch baking dishes to ensure even cooking. Adjust the baking time as needed, keeping an eye on the rolls to prevent over-browning.
How do I get the cinnamon rolls to have that bakery-style swirl?
The key to achieving the perfect cinnamon swirl is to roll the dough into a very tight, compact log before slicing. This helps the spiral pattern hold its shape during baking. You can also try using a piece of dental floss or a sharp knife to make clean, even cuts through the dough log to ensure each roll has a beautiful, defined swirl.
Can I substitute the cream cheese glaze with something else?
Absolutely! While the cream cheese glaze is a classic topping, you can certainly switch it up. Try a simple vanilla icing made with powdered sugar and milk, a drizzle of caramel or salted caramel sauce, or even a dusting of cinnamon-sugar for a more rustic look.
Closing Notes from Our Kitchen 🍴
These bread machine cinnamon rolls are truly a labor of love, but the payoff is so worth it. The soft, pillowy dough, the gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and the creamy, tangy glaze come together in a symphony of flavors that will have your guests and family begging for more. Whether you serve them for a special brunch, a cozy weekend breakfast, or just because, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a new family favorite.
So why wait? Dust off your bread machine, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the ultimate in comfort food perfection. These cinnamon rolls are a delicious way to start your day, and they’re sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Enjoy every last bite – and don’t forget to save room for seconds!
🍞 The Perfect, Authentic Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- In the pan of your bread machine, add the warm milk, granulated sugar, salt, 1/4 cup of softened butter, the egg, and the bread flour. Make a well in the center and add the yeast. Select the dough cycle and let the machine do its magic.
- Once the dough cycle is complete, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12 inches by 18 inches.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Spread the 1/4 cup of softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place the cinnamon roll slices, cut-side up, in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes, or until the rolls have doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they're golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/4 cup of softened butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- As soon as the cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the warm cream cheese glaze evenly over the top. Serve the rolls warm, and enjoy the heavenly aroma and gooey, cinnamon-spiced goodness.
