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.
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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!
Give Cinnamon Rolls as a Holiday Gift!
These Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for the holidays, too! We love making them for Christmas breakfast, taking them to family get-together for brunch, or even giving them as homemade gifts!
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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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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.
Many thanks to reader, Sarah, who emailed this recipe to me. It’s a keeper!
Looking for more Bread Machine Recipes?
- My Favorite Homemade Bread Recipe
- My Sister’s Bread Recipe
- Homemade Breadsticks in the Bread Machine
- Homemade Pita Pockets
- Easy Italian Breadsticks
- Bread Machine Buttery Rolls
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Reader Interactions
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We love comments from readers, so chime in with your thoughts below! We do our best to keep this blog upbeat and encouraging, so please keep your comments cordial and kind. Read more information on our comment policy.
Annie says
Monthly staple here for over a decade. Yes, they are so much better than the frozen Rhodes type brand.
Much welcomed item for meal gifting too. – a requested favorite.
I could never get my dough to roll out as thin as the photo. So I made a few adjustments. I cut my rolls into 12 portions , put in a greased 9×13 pan,, cover and let rise about an hour (rise in fridge overnight too but also allow the pan to warm to room temp before placing in the oven). I bake at 350 for 18 minutes, and I also toss in 2 ice cubes before closing the oven door.
Jordan says
Yay! We are so glad you love them and that they are a regular part of your meal planning! Thanks for the tips. -Jordan, MSM Team
Ally says
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?
Olivia says
Yes! You can just refrigerate them overnight and cook them in the morning! I agree this recipe is so delicious!! -Olivia, MSM Team
Brandette says
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.
Olivia says
I’m so glad you love them!! I definitely agree!!! They are my favorite cinnamon roll recipe too! -Olivia, MSM Team
Melba says
So the cinnamon rolls don’t rise before baked
Olivia says
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
Angela Dunsmore Lampani says
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!
Jordan says
Yay! I’m so glad you loved these! -Jordan, MSM Team
Barb Busker says
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
Crystal Paine says
I usually do, but you can also freeze them unbaked.
Jordan says
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
Dawn Daybutch says
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 😋
Jordan says
Yay! I am so glad you love this recipe. It really is delicious! Enjoy! -Jordan, MSM Team
Cherlene Nerland says
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.
Jordan says
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed them! -Jordan, MSM Team
Jessica A. says
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!!
Crystal Paine says
Oh! What a great idea to do pumpkin spice!!
Nicole says
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!!!!
Csandst1 says
Either type of butter is fine
Neon Rollerskates says
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!
Meg says
So glad you enjoyed the recipe! -Meg, MSM Team
Bev says
I used bread flour and followed your recipe. Why did mine fall in the middle after baking? But they were yummy!
AngelaD says
First time ever making the Cinnamon roll.Wow awesome recipe! My kids and husband enjoyed it! Thank u!
Jordan says
Yay! I’m so glad it was a hit! -Jordan, MSM Team
Duck says
Are you using Instant Yeast??
Crystal Paine says
I’ve used multiple kinds of yeast in these with success.
Margaret says
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.
Crystal Paine says
I would just add a little flour and hand knead and then roll it out.
Mary says
These cinnamon rolls are great my girls loved them. Just making more today, I have added vanilla to this recipe.
Jordan says
Vanilla is always my go to secret ingredient in baking! Shhhh don’t tell any one. 😉 -Jordan, MSM Team
Autumn says
BEST ever. I have made this recipe 4 times since 4-1-20.
Meg says
YAY! So glad you love it! -Meg, MSM Team
Dianne says
These do not rise twice?
Crystal Paine says
The dough cycle on the bread machine usually has a double rise feature.
Sue Carver says
These look wonderful! Can you make the dough, refrigerate it overnight and then assemble and bake them the next morning?
Erin says
We have an older bread machine and after the dough cycle the dough was in a bunch of little balls and was dry?? Help!!!!
Crystal Paine says
I would recommend adding more liquid to it and see if that works.
Bridget says
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!
Crystal Paine says
It usually cycles through a mix and then rise and then mix and then rise sequence during that hour and a half.
Maggie Mullen says
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.
Crystal Paine says
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.
Robbie Bloom says
Leave it for the full cycle!
Jennifer Mroch says
Have you ever tried cutting this recipe in half just curious if it works as well?
Cecilia says
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
Jordan says
Yes they do freeze great! Click here to check out an article on how to freeze them! -Jordan, MSM Team
Orla V says
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.
Jordan says
Yay! We are so glad we can help during a difficult time! -Jordan, MSM Team
Jenny says
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!
P. Robertsen says
I made this vegan by using oat milk, earth balance and aquafaba for the egg. It is delicious and no one would know.
Jordan says
Thanks for the tip! -Jordan, MSM Team
Norma says
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?
Crystal Paine says
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).
Rose ann says
Can u use quick instant yeast
Crystal Paine says
I think you should be able to. Let me know if it works!
Heidi M. says
Did you reduce the amount of Rapid Rise Yeast? How much did you use?
Stephanie says
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?
Crystal Paine says
Milk first 🙂
Suzanne says
This recipe is wonderful! We have been making it for holiday breakfasts for years!
Crystal Paine says
Oh yay! That makes me so happy!
Rachel says
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??
Crystal Paine says
I just made them for our Christmas gathering today… and I made it ahead a few days ago and froze them unbaked.
Amanda says
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.
Crystal Paine says
I think it could, but I’ve not tried it. Let me know if you do.
Jk says
Yes!! Almond milk works perfect for the dough and frosting!!
Jennifer says
I also was wondering if there are any adjustments if you don’t use a bread machine. Thanks!
Crystal Paine says
There shouldn’t be.
Paula says
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
Crystal Paine says
Hmm, I’m not sure… did you double check that you put in all the liquid and didn’t put in too much flour?
Paula says
I’ll try again. Maybe my milk wasn’t measured properly. I used a measuring cup that I have never used before. :/
Rebecca says
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?
Crystal Paine says
I usually spread the butter on and then top with brown sugar/cinnamon.
Martha says
Can you use bread machine flour? Or only all purpose?
Crystal Paine says
I haven’t tried it with bread flour. Let me know if you do!
Rebecca says
If you put them in the fridge do you let them rise before or after you put them in?
Jordan says
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
SARAH JANE FRIEND says
Have you tried cooking them in a crockpot?
Crystal Paine says
No, I’ve not. Let me know if you try!
randy says
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!!!
Crystal Paine says
Oh yum!! Thank you for sharing the photo!
Vicki says
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?
Crystal Paine says
I think it would! Let me know if you try it.
Alissa says
I make it with the 3T melted butter comes out fine.
Jamie Harmon says
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 🙂
Crystal Paine says
You can let them rise, but you don’t have to!
Linda says
Great recipe! My family thinks they are awesome!
Jordan says
Yay! So glad your family loved them! -Jordan, MSM Team
Kim says
Also – what kind of yeast do you use? Bread machine yeast? Thank you for posting this yummy recipe!
Crystal Paine says
I use the yeast I get in bulk from Sam’s Club.
Kim says
These look delicious! Do you use all purpose flour?
Crystal Paine says
Yes, you can use all purpose. I typically use unbleached.
Nancy Olson says
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.
Crystal Paine says
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!
Cindy says
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 😋
Jordan says
Yummy! So glad to hear they make everyone so happy! -Jordan, MSM Team
Crystal Paine says
That makes me so happy!
Jay Kay says
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?
Cammie says
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!!
Mylynda Levine-Smith says
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!
Crystal Paine says
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!
Janna says
Can you use active yeast? Do we put it in with milk and wet ingredients?
Mylynda Smith says
Yes. We use either one.
B says
I’m yet another long time reader who has been using this recipe since 2011. Love it! Thanks for sharing then and again.
Crystal Paine says
This makes me so happy!
Nikki says
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!
Crystal Paine says
YAY! This makes me SO happy to hear!
Liz says
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. 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Oh yay! That makes me so happy to hear!
Jennie says
I am curious if you have ever frozen them unbaked? Them thaw and bake. I think they would be ok?
Crystal Paine says
I have and it worked!
Kathy says
Can gluten free flour or oat flour be used for this recipe?
Crystal Paine says
Let us know if you try it!
Kim says
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!)
Crystal Paine says
I love that you give these as neighbor gifts!
Fred says
It says “roll into a large rectangle.” An approximate size or thickness of the dough would be helpful.
Crystal Paine says
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.
Kayren says
Is the amount of filling listed before or after doubling?
Crystal Paine says
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! 🙂
Renee says
I have used this recipe of yours for years — it is a crowd favorite !!!
Crystal Paine says
YAY! That makes me so happy!
Jessie H. says
So no kneading or proofing required?
Crystal Paine says
Not if you make the dough in the bread machine — it does all of that for you!
Carlene Hansen says
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!!
Meg says
So glad you love them! -Meg, MSM Team
Bethany says
This is my go to cinnamon roll recipe!!! Love this!!
Crystal Paine says
YAY! That makes me so happy!
Frankie says
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.
Karen says
I believe it will rise as part of the bread machine process.
Frankie says
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