Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls (Copycat)

These bread machine cinnamon rolls give you that soft, gooey, bakery-style roll without spending the whole morning kneading dough. The machine does the heavy lifting, mixing and proofing the dough while you mix up the tangy cream cheese frosting. The secret is a box of instant vanilla pudding mix, which keeps the rolls incredibly tender and moist. Once they come out of the oven golden and swirled, you'll see why this easy cinnamon roll recipe is a favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

• The bread machine handles all the kneading and rising, so you get perfect, airy dough without any hand mixing.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix in the dough makes the rolls extra soft and keeps them moist for days.
• The tangy cream cheese frosting, brightened with lemon juice, balances the sweet brown sugar cinnamon filling perfectly.

Key Ingredients for These Copycat Cinnamon Rolls

• Instant vanilla pudding mix: This is the key to the tender, soft texture. It also adds a subtle vanilla flavor. If you don't have it, you can substitute with a tablespoon of vanilla extract and an extra tablespoon of flour, but the rolls won't be as soft. Look for the small 3.4-ounce box.
• Bread flour: Higher protein content gives the rolls structure and chew. You can use all-purpose flour in a pinch, but the rolls will be slightly less chewy. Measure by spooning into the cup and leveling off.
• Cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest frosting. Let it soften to room temperature before mixing so it blends smoothly without lumps. If you're in a hurry, microwave it for 10 seconds.

Equipment You’ll Need for Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

• Bread machine (with a dough cycle)
• Rolling pin
• 9x13-inch baking dish or similar
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer for the frosting
• Rubber spatula for spreading the filling
• Sharp knife or dental floss for slicing the rolls

Tips for Making the Best Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

• Use instant vanilla pudding mix, not cook-and-serve, or the dough will be too thick.
• When rolling out the dough, use a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking, and aim for a 17 by 10 inch rectangle.
• Heat the filling for just 10 seconds in the microwave so it spreads easily without melting the butter completely.
• Cut the log into 1-inch slices with a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for clean, even rolls.
• Let the rolls rise in a warm, draft-free spot until they double in size; this can take 45 minutes to an hour.
• Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown, and don't overbake or they'll dry out.

Pro Tips for Perfect Copycat Cinnamon Rolls

• For a tighter swirl, roll the dough from the wide end and pinch the seam firmly to seal before slicing.
• If your bread machine has a "dough only" cycle, use it; otherwise, set the machine to the standard dough setting and check the dough after 10 minutes to see if it needs a little more flour or water.
• To get that Cinnabon-style gooey center, spread the filling all the way to the edges, leaving just a thin border to seal.
• If you're adding walnuts and raisins, press them lightly into the filling so they stay in place when you roll.
• For a shiny top, brush the baked rolls with a little melted butter right out of the oven.

Variations for Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

• Swap the walnuts for pecans or omit them entirely.
• Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the filling for a citrus twist.
• Replace the cream cheese frosting with a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup.
• Use half whole wheat flour and half bread flour for a heartier roll.

Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Toppings for Cinnamon Rolls

• Extra cream cheese frosting, warmed slightly for a drizzle
• Chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted for extra crunch
• A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or cinnamon sugar

What to Serve with Cinnamon Rolls

• A hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk
• Fresh fruit salad or a side of scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast

How to Store Leftover Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Once the rolls are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting will soften the rolls slightly, which is part of their charm. If you stack them, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to keep the frosting from sticking.

How to Freeze Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

You can freeze these cinnamon rolls either baked or unbaked. To freeze baked rolls, let them cool completely, skip the frosting, and wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They'll keep for up to 2 months. To freeze unbaked rolls, arrange the cut slices in a greased baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze before the final rise. When you're ready to bake, let them thaw and rise in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature and bake as directed.

How to Reheat Cinnamon Rolls So They Stay Soft

To reheat a single roll, microwave it for 20 to 30 seconds until warm and the frosting is soft. For a larger batch, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. This revives the soft texture without drying out the rolls. If you froze them without frosting, add a fresh layer after reheating.

Source recipe: Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls (Copycat) (SnapChef ID 6e81bea5-faf3-4049-b807-9b6e3fa43143). Nutrition is estimated per serving.

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Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls (Copycat)

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Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

10 min

Total Time

20 min

Servings

24 servings

Calories

366 kcal

Scale: 1x2x3x · − 24 servings +

US Metric

Cook Mode

Ingredients

Copy list

• 1 cup milk
• 1 beaten egg
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 4 tablespoons water
• 1/2 box instant vanilla pudding (3.4 ounce box)
• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
• 1/2 cup butter softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup raisins optional
• 8 ounces butter
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pound powdered sugar

Directions

1. 1
   Place all of the cinnamon roll dough ingredients in your bread machine in the order recommended by your machine's manufacturer.
2. 2
   Set the machine to run the dough cycle.
3. 3
   When the cycle is finished, remove the dough and knead it enough to punch down.
4. 4
   Roll out the dough to a 17 X 10-inch rectangle.
5. 5
   Place butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix well.
6. 6
   Heat the filling in the microwave for 10 seconds to make it spreadable.
7. 7
   Spread the filling over the rolled-out dough with a rubber spatula. Get as close to the edges as possible.
8. 8
   Sprinkle nuts and/or raisins over the dough, if using.
9. 9
   Starting with the widest end, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the edge to seal.
10. 10
    Cut the log into 1-inch slices.
11. 11
    Place the slices cut-side down in a lightly greased baking dish with sides.
12. 12
    Put the dish in a warm draft-free place and allow the dough to rise until double.
13. 13
    Bake at 350 for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown.
14. 14
    Place softened butter and cream cheese in a bowl. Mix together with a mixer.
15. 15
    Add lemon juice, vanilla, and blend well.
16. 16
    Slowly add in the powdered sugar, beating with a mixer, until all powdered sugar is incorporated.
17. 17
    Spread the frosting on the cinnamon rolls when they have cooled slightly.

Tap a step number to check it off as you cook.

Nutrition Facts per serving · estimated

Amount per serving

Calories 366 kcal 18% DV

Protein 4 g 8% DV

Total Fat 18 g 23% DV

Total Carb. 48 g 17% DV

Fiber 1 g 4% DV

Sugars 30 g

Sodium 220 mg 10% DV

% Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet (FDA).