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Glazed Cinnamon Rolls – Bread Machine

I remember the first time I made cinnamon rolls. It was a Christmas morning tradition in my family, but I was always relegated to dish duty, watching wistfully as my grandmother expertly rolled and sliced the dough. The aroma of warm cinnamon and melting butter that filled the house was intoxicating. Finally, I asked her to teach me. While her recipe was amazing, it took hours. This bread machine version captures that same comforting, deliciousness but cuts the work down significantly, letting you enjoy those precious moments even more.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (includes rising time)
Yields: 9 rolls
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

ROLLS

3/4 cup water, plus 2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 1/2 cups bread flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon bread machine yeast

FILLING

1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

GLAZE

1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1-2 tablespoons milk

Equipment Needed

Bread Machine
Measuring cups and spoons
9″x9″x2″ square pan (brownie pan)
Lightly floured surface
Plastic wrap
Small bowl
Whisk or fork

Instructions

Begin by placing the ingredients for the rolls into your bread machine in the following order: 3/4 cup water plus 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 2 1/2 cups bread flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and finally, 1 teaspoon bread machine yeast. Ensure the yeast doesn’t come into direct contact with the wet ingredients, particularly the salt, as this can inhibit its activation.
Start the bread machine on the dough cycle. This cycle typically mixes the ingredients, kneads the dough, and allows it to rise. The duration will vary depending on your bread machine model, but it usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Once the dough cycle is complete, carefully remove the dough from the bread machine. Place it on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a 9-inch square. Aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform baking.
In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. This will create the flavorful filling for your cinnamon rolls.
Spread 2 tablespoons softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. This will help the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere and add richness to the rolls.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered dough, covering the entire surface.
Starting from one edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Pinch the edge to seal the seam, ensuring the filling stays inside during baking. A tight roll is key to creating those beautiful cinnamon roll spirals.
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch slices. These will be your individual cinnamon rolls.
Place the sliced rolls in a greased 9″x9″x2″ square pan (brownie pan). Arrange them evenly, leaving a little space between each roll to allow for expansion during the second rise and baking.
Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for about 1 hour, or until they have doubled in size. For an even slower rise, you can place them in the refrigerator overnight if you’re planning to bake them for breakfast the next day. The cold environment will slow down the yeast activity, resulting in a more complex flavor.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning. The internal temperature should reach around 200°F (93°C).
While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1-2 tablespoons milk. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency. The glaze should be smooth and easily drizzled.
Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls. The heat will help the glaze melt slightly and coat the rolls evenly.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

For extra fluffy rolls: After the dough cycle is complete, gently punch down the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes before rolling it out. This helps release any excess air and creates a lighter texture.
Customize your filling: Add chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), raisins, or chocolate chips to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a more complex flavor and texture.
Ensure evenly-sized rolls: Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to cut the rolls. This prevents them from being squished and helps maintain their shape. Dental floss can also be used for extremely clean cuts!
Overnight Proofing: For a richer, tangier flavor, let the assembled rolls proof in the refrigerator overnight. Allow an extra 15-20 minutes of baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these glazed cinnamon rolls warm as part of a brunch spread, as a delightful dessert, or simply as a comforting treat. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea.

To store leftover cinnamon rolls, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 20-30 seconds, or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, until warmed through. You can also add a fresh drizzle of glaze before serving.

Nutritional Information

Estimated nutritional information per serving (based on 9 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	278 kcal	–
Total Fat	5.6 g	8%
Saturated Fat	3.3 g	16%
Cholesterol	13.8 mg	4%
Sodium	262 mg	10%
Total Carbohydrate	53.5 g	17%
Dietary Fiber	1.4 g	5%
Sugars	26.1 g	–
Protein	3.9 g	7%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative. Use a non-dairy milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk, for the glaze.
Spiced Rolls: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warmer, more complex flavor.
Cream Cheese Glaze: For a tangier glaze, substitute half of the milk with cream cheese, softened.
Maple Glaze: Replace the vanilla extract with maple extract and use maple syrup instead of milk for a rich, autumnal twist.
Orange Zest: Add orange zest to the dough and glaze for bright, citrusy notes.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A: Bread flour is recommended for its higher gluten content, which results in a chewier, more structured roll. However, you can use all-purpose flour in a pinch. The texture may be slightly softer.

Q: Can I freeze the dough before baking?
A: Yes, you can freeze the sliced rolls before the second rise. Place them in a freezer-safe container, and when ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then rise at room temperature for about an hour before baking.

Q: My cinnamon rolls are browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: Tent the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from burning.

Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of bread machine yeast?
A: Yes, you can. Just make sure to activate the yeast first by dissolving it in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. Then, add it to the bread machine with the other wet ingredients.

Q: How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
A: The rolls should be golden brown and the internal temperature should reach around 200°F (93°C). A toothpick inserted into the center of a roll should come out clean.

Final Thoughts

These bread machine glazed cinnamon rolls are a delightful way to bring warmth and sweetness into your home. The ease of using a bread machine makes this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and glazes to create your own signature version. I hope this recipe inspires you to bake up a batch and share the joy with friends and family. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Glazed Cinnamon Rolls – Bread Machine Recipe