There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. These rolls are a delightfully soft, pillowy indulgence, swirled with a luscious cinnamon-butter filling, and topped with a creamy, dreamy cream cheese icing. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that makes my heart sing! I often whip these up for family brunches, holiday gatherings, or just because I want to pamper myself with a little comfort.
When it comes to convenience in the kitchen, these Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls come together surprisingly fast. Ideal for busy weekends or lazy mornings, you can simply toss the ingredients in your bread machine and let it do the heavy lifting! Plus, if there are any leftovers (a big “if,” I assure you), they keep wonderfully and make for an indulgent breakfast for days to come.
WHY I LOVE THE BEST BREAD MACHINE CINNAMON ROLLS WITH CREAM CHEESE ICING
What’s not to love about these rolls? They hit that sweet spot of indulgent yet incredibly easy to make, requiring only minimal hands-on time and using the magical skills of your bread machine. The flavor profile is a warm embrace of cinnamon and sweetness, with that elegant glaze of cream cheese icing elevating these rolls to a true winner at my table. Trust me, they will be the star of your brunch and may even steal the spotlight at your next gathering!
THE BEST BREAD MACHINE CINNAMON ROLLS WITH CREAM CHEESE ICING INGREDIENTS
The magic of this recipe truly lies in the harmony of the ingredients. From the buttery richness to the warm aroma of cinnamon, each element plays a crucial role in creating the perfect roll. Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
CORE INGREDIENTS AND THEIR ROLES:
- 1/2 CUP BUTTER, MELTED: This adds richness and flavor, making the rolls tender and moist.
- 1 CUP WARM MILK: Provides the necessary moisture and helps activate the yeast.
- 2 TEASPOONS SALT: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1/3 CUP SUGAR: Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast for that perfect rise.
- 2 EGGS, BEATEN, ROOM TEMPERATURE: Enrich the dough and contribute to its structure.
- 4 CUPS BREAD FLOUR: This is the foundation of our rolls, creating the ideal texture.
- 2 1/4 TEASPOONS ACTIVE DRY YEAST: Our leavening agent; it helps the dough rise beautifully.
- 1/2 CUP BUTTER, ROOM TEMPERATURE: This cinnamon butter filling adds a gooey, sweet element that makes these rolls irresistible.
- 2 TABLESPOONS CINNAMON: The star spice that brings that comforting, warm flavor.
- 3/4 CUP BROWN SUGAR: Adds depth and richness to the filling.
- 4 OUNCES CREAM CHEESE, ROOM TEMPERATURE: Forms the base of the decadent icing.
- 1/4 CUP BUTTER, ROOM TEMPERATURE: Needed for the cream cheese icing to keep it smooth and spreadable.
- 1 TEASPOON MILK OR CREAM: Gives the icing a drizzle-ready consistency.
- 1/2 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT: Adds a lovely aromatic note to the icing.
- 1 CUP POWDERED SUGAR: Sweetens the icing and yields that classic cream cheese topping we all adore.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TIPS
Need a swap? You could easily use whole milk in place of 2% for a richer dough. If you’re out of active dry yeast, instant yeast will work just as beautifully (just add it to the dry ingredients without proofing!). For a different flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling. Remember, though it won’t be quite as rich, you can scale back on the sugar if desired.
If your dough seems a bit stiff, give it a resting period (10 minutes) to relax the gluten—trust me, this helps! And if you find that rolling out the dough is tricky, just stretch it gently with floured hands until you reach that glorious rectangle shape you need.
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- Bread machine (a must-have!)
- Rolling pin
- Clean work surface
- 13×9 baking pan
- Sharp knife or dental floss
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls (for icing)
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST BREAD MACHINE CINNAMON ROLLS WITH CREAM CHEESE ICING
Let’s dive into creating these incredibly soft Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps. Follow along, and you’ll have a delicious sweet treat in no time! We’re aiming for fluffy, gooey rolls with an irresistible cream cheese glaze.
Add the Base Ingredients to Your Bread Machine
First, grab your melted butter, warm milk, salt, sugar, and eggs. Toss them into your bread machine. This layer is crucial because it hydrates the yeast and starts the magic!
Layer the Dry Ingredients
Next, add your flour, ensuring it covers up the wet ingredients completely. Then, make a little well in the center of the flour mound and sprinkle the yeast right on top. Make sure it’s not touching the salt, as we want that yeast to remain active and happy!
Let the Bread Machine Work Its Magic
Now, set your bread machine to the “dough” cycle and let it work its magic (usually about 90 minutes). This is when the yeast does its thing, and your kitchen will start to smell like heaven!
Prepare to Roll
Once that dough cycle is done, lightly flour a clean work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Using floured hands and a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 12×18 rectangle. Remember, do NOT overwork the dough; let it stretch gently, and if it fights you, let it rest for a bit.
Spread the Cinnamon Butter Filling
Now it’s time to apply the Cinnamon Butter Filling. Whip together butter and cinnamon until smooth, then spread generously over the rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border at the top farthest from you. This filling is what dreams are made of!
Sprinkle the Brown Sugar
Next, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over that glorious cinnamon butter. Can you smell the sweetness already? This step is key; it’s going to add that gooey, caramel-like layer to each bite.
Roll it Up Tight
Starting with the long side closest to you (the side at 6 o’clock), tightly roll the dough away from you into one large cylinder. Pinch the seam closed and give it a gentle massage into an even shape.
Slice into Perfect Rolls
Using a sharp knife or dental floss, make cuts in the dough cylinder to create 12 rolls. I find it easiest to cut the roll in half, trim the ends, and then cut each half into 6. Those perfectly shaped rolls are going to explode with flavor!
Let ‘Em Rise Again
Place the rolls evenly in a prepared 13×9 baking pan that you’ve sprayed with cooking spray. Cover with plastic wrap, a kitchen towel, or foil, and let them rise in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes until they’ve plumped up by at least 50%. It’s so worth it!
Bake and Glaze
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Bake those cinnamon rolls on the middle rack for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown on top. Once they come out, let them cool for 15-20 minutes, then spread your delectable cream cheese icing over the tops.
HOW TO STORE THE BEST BREAD MACHINE CINNAMON ROLLS WITH CREAM CHEESE ICING
These cinnamon rolls maintain their quality beautifully at room temperature for up to two days in an airtight container. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for about 3-4 days, or even freeze them for 2-3 months. If freezing, just thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave for about 15 seconds to get that fresh-baked feel again!
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to protect the yeast.
- If you’re in a humid climate, you might need slightly less flour; start with less and add more gradually.
- Be gentle when rolling out the dough; the texture is sensitive!
- Let the cream cheese icing come to room temperature if it’s chilled for a smoother consistency.
- Don’t skip the second rise; it adds an airiness to the rolls.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Pair with fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
- Serve with a side of crispy bacon for a sweet and savory combo.
- Enjoy with freshly brewed coffee or a rich latte.
- Drizzle extra icing on top for an indulgent treat.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
These cinnamon rolls are an absolute game-changer, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy they bring. Happy baking!
