By
Expert baker and published author, Carroll Pellegrinelli shares her knowledge of bread baking and desserts.
Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process
Updated on 03/11/24
Tested by
Tested byDanielle Centoni
Danielle is a James Beard Award-winning food writer and editor based in Portland, Oregon.
Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process
(175)
Write a Review
Trending Videos
Prep: 25 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Kneading and Rising Time: 2 hrs
Total: 2 hrs 50 mins
Servings: 15to 18 servings
Cinnamon rolls are great for breakfast, brunch, and even dessert. However, they can be labor and time intensive. Using a bread machine cuts the effort in half since it makes and kneads the dough so you don't have to.
From there, you roll it out, sprinkle on the cinnamon-sugar filling, roll it up into a log, and cut into buns. Let the cinnamon rolls rise one more time and then bake until puffed up and golden brown. Drizzle with the vanilla icing for that signature finish and serve warm for an indulgent treat.
What You'll Need to Make This Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
"Using the bread machine to make and proof the dough really saves time and effort. I dumped the ingredients in, hit start and didn't have to think about it for an hour and a half. The dough was beautifully puffy and easy to work with. The rolls turned out fluffy and tender." —Danielle Centoni
A Note From Our Recipe Tester
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 cup milk, warmed (105° to 110°)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 large egg, beaten
3 1/3 cups bread flour, more for the work surface
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
2 teaspoons active dry yeast(or 1 1/2 teaspoons bread machine/rapid rise yeast)
For the Filling:
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, more for the pan
2/3 cup nuts,lightly toasted and finely chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 to 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 to 1 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Icing:
1 cup confectioners' sugar, more as needed
1 to 2 tablespoons milk, more as needed
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Steps to Make It
Make the Dough
Gather the ingredients.
Add the ingredients to yourbread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer (for example, wet ingredients, dry ingredients, yeast). Program the appliance for the dough cycle.
When the cycle is done, place the dough onto a floured surface. Knead the doughfor about 1 minute, then let it rest for 15 minutes.
Make the Filling and Shape
Roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 15 by 10 inches.
Brush the melted butter over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
Mix the chopped nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the dough.
Starting on the long side, roll the dough up tightly. Press the edges to seal forming a 15-inch long, evenly shaped roll.
With a knife or 8-inch piece of unwaxed dental floss, cut the entire roll into 1-inch pieces.
Rising and Baking the Dough
Grease a 13 x 9-inchbaking pan.
Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 375 F.
Place the rolls cut-side down in the pan. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until they double in size, 30 to 45 minutes.
Bake the rolls until golden, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Make the Icing and Frost
Gather the ingredients.
Combine 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, and the vanilla in a bowl. Stir the mixture until smooth. If too thin or too thick, add more confectioners' sugar or milk, respectively, until the desired consistency is reached.
Cool the rolls in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Drizzle with the icing, and serve warm from the pan.
What Is the Difference Between a Cinnamon Roll and a Cinnamon Bun?
While cinnamon rolls and cinnamon buns are close pastry cousins, the biggest difference is the icing. Cinnamon rolls are commonly topped with a generous smear of sweet vanilla icing, while buns are often not. However, the two names are frequently used interchangeably to describe a cinnamon roll.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
---|---|
224 | Calories |
9g | Fat |
32g | Carbs |
5g | Protein |
Show Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 15to 18 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 224 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 9g | 11% |
Saturated Fat 4g | 20% |
Cholesterol 25mg | 8% |
Sodium 125mg | 5% |
Total Carbohydrate 32g | 12% |
Dietary Fiber 1g | 5% |
Total Sugars 12g | |
Protein 5g | |
Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
Calcium 36mg | 3% |
Iron 0mg | 3% |
Potassium 88mg | 2% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
Rate This Recipe
I don't like this at all.It's not the worst.Sure, this will do.I'm a fan—would recommend.Amazing! I love it!Thanks for your rating!