Have you ever wondered how to make cinnamon rolls at home? This is (in my opinion) the best cinnamon roll recipe of all time! They’re SO delicious and the bread machine makes them super simple to make!
Looking for more yummy recipes? Check out Bread Machine Buttery Rolls, Homemade Bread Sticks in the Bread Machine, my Favorite Muffin Recipes, Easy Homemade Bread Recipes, and My Favorite Pancake Recipes.
The Best Bread Machine Cinnamon Roll Recipe
We’ve been making these bread machine cinnamon rolls for over a decade, and they never get old. It took me many failed attempts to find this perfect cinnamon rolls recipe, but they’ve been a hit in our house ever since.
And my favorite part of these homemade cinnamon rolls is that they usually only take a total of about 20 minutes of hands-on effort to pull off since you make them in the bread machine.
That’s my kind of recipe! 😃
We’ve made these easy cinnamon rolls over and over again throughout the years, and my husband and kids still get excited every time we whip up a batch on a lazy Saturday morning! And over the years, the kids have learned how to make these and love helping out with them.
Oh, and these cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully! So if you manage to have any leftovers after day one, these are a great freezer-friendly breakfast idea!
Bread Machine Cinnamon Roll Recipe Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
For the filling:
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 1/3 cups brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
For the icing:
- 1 teaspoon milk
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Dough Bread Machine
1. Layer dough ingredients in the bread machine in the order listed and run on the dough cycle.
2. While the dough mixes, combine ingredients for the filling and set aside.
3. After the dough cycle is finished, roll the dough into a large rectangle and spread the filling ingredients over the dough.
4. Roll the dough, starting with the longest end, and cut it into 12-16 rolls.
5. Place rolls in two greased round 9″ cake pans and cover them with plastic wrap while the oven preheats. OR, put them in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the morning.
6. Preheat oven to 325ºF.
7. Bake rolls in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until just starting to get golden brown on top.
8. While the rolls bake, mix icing ingredients together until smooth (this works best with a hand mixer).
9. Spread prepared icing on rolls as soon as they come out of the oven.
10. Eat and enjoy!
What to Serve with Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls are a great breakfast staple, and perfect for a mid-morning brunch. They can also be the start of your “brinner” (breakfast for dinner!) So basically, you can enjoy them any time of the day.
Serve them with quiche or other egg casseroles, or just whip up a big batch of scrambled eggs to keep things simple.
Cinnamon rolls are also delicious with a yogurt parfait or even a simple fruit cup.
Storing Bread Maker Cinnamon Rolls
If you have any cinnamon rolls left over (and that’s a big “if”), we recommend putting them in a food storage container and storing them at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer.
Cinnamon Roll Dough Bread Machine FAQs
If you have bread flour in the house, go ahead and us it as it will most likely produce lighter and fluffier rolls. However, don’t make a special trip to the store just for bread flour. All-purpose flour works just fine and is less expensive too!
There are a few possible causes for flat or dense rolls. Your yeast might not be active anymore or you could have used too hot of liquid (more than 110ºF) which could potentially kill the yeast. Another possibility is that your room is too cold so they didn’t have a chance to rise enough, or you could have oven-kneaded the dough, which can cause it to become very tough and dense.
You definitely want to wait on the icing until AFTER the rolls are finished baking — otherwise it will melt through to the bottom and create a sticky mess! That said, we like spreading a bit of frosting on the rolls right when they come out of the oven, and serving the rolls with additional frosting for those who like them extra sweet!
Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk 105ºF
- 3 Tbsp. oil
- 1 egg
- 2 egg whites
- ½ cup sugar
- 4 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp active dry yeast
For the Filling
- 4 Tbsp melted butter
- 1⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp cinnamon
For the Icing:
- 1 tsp milk
- 1½ cups confectioners sugar
- 4 Tbsp softened butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- While the dough mixes, combine ingredients for the filling and set aside.
- After the dough cycle is finished, roll the dough into a large rectangle and spread the filling ingredients over the dough.
- Roll the dough, starting with the longest end, and cut it into 12-16 rolls.
- Place rolls in two greased round 9″ cake pans and cover them with plastic wrap while the oven preheats. OR, put them in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the morning.
- Preheat oven to 325ºF.
- Bake rolls in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until just starting to get golden brown on top.
- While the rolls bake, mix icing ingredients together until smooth (this works best with a hand mixer).
- Spread prepared icing on rolls as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Eat and enjoy!
Nutrition
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Many thanks to reader, Sarah, who emailed this recipe to me. It’s a keeper!
By the way, if you’re in the market for a good bread machine, I have the Zojirushi Bread Machine and absolutely love it. Read my review of it here.
Looking for more Bread Machine Recipes?
Reader Interactions
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Hi! I’ve made these for the same day and they’re delicious! Im wondering if I want to make them for the next morning, would I just put them in the pan and refrigerate until baking?
Yes! You can just refrigerate them overnight and cook them in the morning! I agree this recipe is so delicious!! -Olivia, MSM Team
These are the BEST homemade cinnamon rolls! I have tried other recipes and they just do not compare to the texture of these. HIGHLY recommend.
I’m so glad you love them!! I definitely agree!!! They are my favorite cinnamon roll recipe too! -Olivia, MSM Team
So the cinnamon rolls don’t rise before baked
Crystal says she usually lets them rise before baking, but if she is in a hurry or a time crunch, she just bakes them right away! Hope this helps! -Olivia, MSM Team
I made these, they were really good although I may have left them in the oven for a few minutes to long. I will definitely be making them again. I love thatI was able to make the dough in the bread machine although I did have to add another 1/2 cup of flour to get the right consistency of dough!
Yay! I’m so glad you loved these! -Jordan, MSM Team
Hi. I was wondering If you bake them before you freeze them? I wanted to make a couple batches before a family trip. Thanks Barb
I usually do, but you can also freeze them unbaked.
No, you freeze them before you bake them. If you click here it will direct you to the freezer instructions for these cinnamon rolls! I hope that helps! -Jordan, MSM Team
Omg my second time using this recipe and I love it, no letting it rise because it did it for you and it looks delicious 😋 can’t wait to taste after putting on the icing I made 😋
Yay! I am so glad you love this recipe. It really is delicious! Enjoy! -Jordan, MSM Team
We made these this morning. So good. I doubled the filling like you did. I also had to add a splash of milk to the icing to make it thinner. We’ll definitely be making these again.
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed them! -Jordan, MSM Team
Amazing! I did not have cinnamon on hand… But I did have the sugar cinnamon and only about 1/4 of a teaspoon… soooo I substituted for pumpkin spice instead…. shhhhh… maybe my family won’t notice! 😂
For the icing, I added two tablespoons of cream cheese and YUM! Thank you for this amazing recipe.
Next time I will have the cinnamon on hand!!
Oh! What a great idea to do pumpkin spice!!
Two questions!
1. Salted or unsalted butter?
2. How do you make the icing? I just see ingredients but not how to prepare? Unless I am missing it!
Thank you!!!!
Great recipe! I made a few substitutions as well… I used lactose free milk, bread flour and a combo of half cinnamon and half allspice for the filling. I did have to add about 3/4 cup of extra flour while it was in the machine because it was sticky. It made a huge roll! It’s in the freezer now. Can’t wait to try it!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe! -Meg, MSM Team
I used bread flour and followed your recipe. Why did mine fall in the middle after baking? But they were yummy!
First time ever making the Cinnamon roll.Wow awesome recipe! My kids and husband enjoyed it! Thank u!
Yay! I’m so glad it was a hit! -Jordan, MSM Team
Are you using Instant Yeast??
I’ve used multiple kinds of yeast in these with success.
Looks like my machine has gone through the stages and I don’t think there was enough flour. Is there anything I can do? It has already risen twice.
I would just add a little flour and hand knead and then roll it out.
These cinnamon rolls are great my girls loved them. Just making more today, I have added vanilla to this recipe.
Vanilla is always my go to secret ingredient in baking! Shhhh don’t tell any one. 😉 -Jordan, MSM Team
BEST ever. I have made this recipe 4 times since 4-1-20.
YAY! So glad you love it! -Meg, MSM Team
These do not rise twice?
The dough cycle on the bread machine usually has a double rise feature.
These look wonderful! Can you make the dough, refrigerate it overnight and then assemble and bake them the next morning?
We have an older bread machine and after the dough cycle the dough was in a bunch of little balls and was dry?? Help!!!!
I would recommend adding more liquid to it and see if that works.
I’m new to bread machines and all that so my question is… my dough setting takes an hour and a half. Obviously the dough doesn’t mix that whole time. So I let the dough sit in there that whole time or pull it out after it’s done mixing and roll it? Thanks!
It usually cycles through a mix and then rise and then mix and then rise sequence during that hour and a half.
I had this question as well. So, we should just watch it and pull it out after the first mix? I think its possible to change the cycle time on my machine, but I don’t know how low it will go.
My bread machine has a dough cycle. Does yours have one? I just set it on the dough cycle and leave it until it is done with the cycle.
Leave it for the full cycle!
Have you ever tried cutting this recipe in half just curious if it works as well?
Been using this recipe for years! Love it! Can you freeze unbaked rolls? If so, how long are they good for? Do you thaw before baking and let rise? TIA
Yes they do freeze great! Click here to check out an article on how to freeze them! -Jordan, MSM Team
These are wonderful, my COVID-19 shopping list has been amended to ensure I have all the ingredients! My 86 year old mother (who has difficulty eating) just loves these – bonus!! Thank you so much! And the bread maker does most of the work.
Yay! We are so glad we can help during a difficult time! -Jordan, MSM Team
So delicious ! Kids loved them. Quick and easy. Was so glad to find a recipe that let the bread machine do most of the work!
I made this vegan by using oat milk, earth balance and aquafaba for the egg. It is delicious and no one would know.
Thanks for the tip! -Jordan, MSM Team
I just came across this recipe, it sounds so easy. I can’t wait to try it but I do have a question. After you cut the cinnamon rolls and put them in the pans do you not let them rise before cooking them? And also how thick do you cut them?
You can cut them as thick as you’d like. I do it differently every time depending upon the size I’m looking for. And you can let them rise or you can bake them right away. I usually let them rise a little (maybe 20-30 mins).
Can u use quick instant yeast
I think you should be able to. Let me know if it works!
Did you reduce the amount of Rapid Rise Yeast? How much did you use?
This might be a stupid question… When putting the ingredients in the bread machine “in the order listed”, do you start with the milk first and yeast on top? Or yeast first (on the bottom) and milk on top?
Milk first 🙂
This recipe is wonderful! We have been making it for holiday breakfasts for years!
Oh yay! That makes me so happy!
Have you ever made these a few days in advance? I want to have them for Christmas morning. I know I can make them the day before, but could I do it 2 or even 3-4 days in advance? Will they blow up in the fridge??
I just made them for our Christmas gathering today… and I made it ahead a few days ago and froze them unbaked.
Wondering if this has been tried with Almond Milk? I am dairy free at the moment, but it seems like the first Cinnamon Roll Recipe I’ve seen that is easy to convert.
I think it could, but I’ve not tried it. Let me know if you do.
Yes!! Almond milk works perfect for the dough and frosting!!
I also was wondering if there are any adjustments if you don’t use a bread machine. Thanks!
There shouldn’t be.
Mine looks dry as it’s mixing. Is it supposed to? The bread maker is having a hard time mixing. It’s like cement. 🙁 What did I do wrong ? Lol
Hmm, I’m not sure… did you double check that you put in all the liquid and didn’t put in too much flour?
I’ll try again. Maybe my milk wasn’t measured properly. I used a measuring cup that I have never used before. :/
This looks delicious. Do you mix the butter, brown sugar and cinnamon together or do you spread the better on and then top with the brown sugar/cinnamon mixture?
I usually spread the butter on and then top with brown sugar/cinnamon.
Can you use bread machine flour? Or only all purpose?
I haven’t tried it with bread flour. Let me know if you do!
If you put them in the fridge do you let them rise before or after you put them in?
I believe that once you’ve prepared the dough you just cover it and place it in the fridge. You then take it out and bake the next morning! Hope that helps! -Jordan, MSM Team
Have you tried cooking them in a crockpot?
No, I’ve not. Let me know if you try!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/4fN5ppW6nqs6W5bs8
I roll not so tight, as a chef/cook for 41 yrs for convenience I always used frozen bread dough. Made this in my bread machine wow perfect!!!
Oh yum!! Thank you for sharing the photo!
I have been using my old machine lately for honey oat bread – so good! The recipes I have tried with canola oil have had a bit of an off taste to me. Would this recipe work with 3 T. melted butter instead?
I think it would! Let me know if you try it.
I make it with the 3T melted butter comes out fine.
I’m getting ready to try this recipe, but want to be certain I’ve got this right. There’s no rise time? Just checking so I don’t mess them up 🙂
You can let them rise, but you don’t have to!
Great recipe! My family thinks they are awesome!
Yay! So glad your family loved them! -Jordan, MSM Team
Also – what kind of yeast do you use? Bread machine yeast? Thank you for posting this yummy recipe!
I use the yeast I get in bulk from Sam’s Club.
These look delicious! Do you use all purpose flour?
Yes, you can use all purpose. I typically use unbleached.
I also want to know if these need to rise before baking? Thanks! Looking forward to trying this. I have a cinnamon roll crazed teen.
I typically do let them rise, but if I’m in a hurry or in a time crunch, I have just baked them right away!
I’ve made these cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning for about 10 years now!!! It always works out perfectly and my family insists I make these every year. A delicious tradition 😋
Yummy! So glad to hear they make everyone so happy! -Jordan, MSM Team
That makes me so happy!
These look yummy! Two quesstions: any adjustments needed tko mak3 them without a bread machine, and do they have to rise a few minutes before baking?
Haven’t made these in years because I don’t have a bread machine any longer. Made them for my son’s birthday breakfast this morning with my Kitchenaid and dough hook. Just kneaded it for about 5 minutes. Delicious as always! Thanks for reposting this recipe!!
I love to cook. Unfortunately, I am not all that great at baking(too many rules and regulations for me). HOWEVER, I tried this years ago when you first posted it. This recipe is so easy, even for an amateur baker like me. It has totally redeemed me with my kids. I may not be able to make something as simple as a pancake but the kids love Mamma’s cinnamon rolls thanks to you, Crystal!! Glad to see you posting it again to share with all of your new readers. Ladies, don’t be afraid to try this recipe out. It’s definitely a winner!
Oh yay! I love to hear that you’ve found this recipe to be easy and simple — and that it has brought so much joy to your kids!
Can you use active yeast? Do we put it in with milk and wet ingredients?
Yes. We use either one.
I’m yet another long time reader who has been using this recipe since 2011. Love it! Thanks for sharing then and again.
This makes me so happy!
This has been my go to recipe since you first posted it. We make it for all the special occasions. I was just getting ready to pull out your recipe to whip up several batches for all of our children’s ministry volunteers at our church later this month. Thanks for sharing!
YAY! This makes me SO happy to hear!
This is my favorite cinnamon roll recipe, and I’ve used it so much ever since you first posted it! In fact, it’s the recipe all our kids vote for unanimously every year on Christmas morning. 🙂
Oh yay! That makes me so happy to hear!
I am curious if you have ever frozen them unbaked? Them thaw and bake. I think they would be ok?
I have and it worked!
Can gluten free flour or oat flour be used for this recipe?
Let us know if you try it!
We’ve also been making this recipe for about 10 years since you first posted it! Everyone loves, loves, loves these! They’re my go-to for neighbor Christmas presents, and also the main reason I am still keeping my bread maker 😉 Thanks for posting so many years ago! (side note- we live at a high altitude (just under 7000′) and they still turn out perfect!)
I love that you give these as neighbor gifts!
It says “roll into a large rectangle.” An approximate size or thickness of the dough would be helpful.
I do it differently depending upon the size of cinnamon rolls I want to make. 😉 But I’d say a good thickness would be something like 1/4th to 1/2-inch.
Is the amount of filling listed before or after doubling?
I typically just eyeball the filling and don’t measure anything because I’ve made these so many times, but what is listed is not doubled. So if you want a lot of filling, I’d recommend doubling it. It might feel too cinnamon-y if you use two whole Tablespoons of cinnamon, though, unless you really like cinnamon! 🙂
I have used this recipe of yours for years — it is a crowd favorite !!!
YAY! That makes me so happy!
So no kneading or proofing required?
Not if you make the dough in the bread machine — it does all of that for you!
These are absolutely amazing!! Made a batch for my almost 90 year old momma and her care takers as well as hubby. They were wonderful!!
So glad you love them! -Meg, MSM Team
This is my go to cinnamon roll recipe!!! Love this!!
YAY! That makes me so happy!
I have my dough in my bread machine now. I have a question so we don’t have to let the dough rise? And then when we cut out the cinnamon rolls we don’t have to let them rise again? Hopefully you’ll see this I don’t know how long ago you posted LOL.
I believe it will rise as part of the bread machine process.
Yes it worked I have not used that bread machine in years. I have now officially made cinnamon rolls three times since then. Thanks for your answer