Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

If there’s anything that can get people running toward the kitchen faster than saying “cinnamon rolls,” it’s this phrase: “maple cinnamon rolls.” And, in fact, no one will even have to hear the name of these mini maple cinnamon rolls because the house will be filled with their delightful aroma. Using a bread machine to form the dough makes this recipe simple and reliable. It’s an absolute pleasure for the nose and the palate.

While they’re a wonderful autumn treat or a perfect breakfast goodie during the holidays, these bread machine cinnamon rolls are sure to become a year-round favorite in your home. So let’s gather our ingredients and fire up that bread machine.

Ingredients for Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

• Whole milk: Make sure to use whole milk for these rolls, not 2% or skim. The whole milk ensures they will have that delightful, perfectly chewy consistency.
• Maple syrup: You can’t have maple cinnamon rolls without maple syrup. It adds sweetness and the distinct maple flavor that makes these a perfect pastry.
• Butter: The butter should be softened when you use it. Softening butter can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour-plus of sitting out at room temperature, depending on how cold your fridge is and the ambient temperature in your kitchen.
• Egg: The single large egg should also be at room temperature, so get it out of the fridge when you take out the butter.
• Bread flour: Bread flour is best for this recipe, as it yields the best texture for dough. Only swap in all-purpose flour if absolutely necessary.
• Active dry yeast: Use one package of active dry yeast for these maple cinnamon rolls. That’s the equivalent of 1/4 ounce if you’re scooping your yeast from a jar.

Topping:

• Brown sugar: As always, when using brown sugar in baking, make sure it’s packed down as you measure it.
• Bread flour: The bread flour here acts as a thickener, helping the topping achieve a rich and creamy texture.
• Ground cinnamon: Just 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon is all you need to impart spice flavor throughout these mini muffins.
• Butter: Here you actually want the butter cold, so make sure to keep this portion separate from the softened butter and in the fridge before you use it.

Maple icing:

• Confectioners’ sugar: Plenty of confectioners’ sugar helps ensure the maple icing is super sweet, as it should be. These rolls are a treat, after all, not an everyday eat.
• Butter: The third usage of butter in this recipe calls for the butter to be melted. So again, plan ahead and keep the butter portions separate.
• Maple syrup: Another 3 tablespoons maple syrup provide the grace note in this recipe. It truly is a maple lover’s dream.
• Whole milk: Use between 1 and 2 teaspoons whole milk for the icing, adding a bit more milk in small portions to achieve the thickness you prefer.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the dough in a bread machine

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In the bread machine pan, place the milk, maple syrup, softened butter, room-temperature egg, salt, bread flour and yeast in the order suggested by the manufacturer, following a basic dough recipe. Select the dough setting. Check the dough after five minutes of mixing, and add 1 to 2 tablespoons water or bread flour as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 2: Flatten the dough

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When the bread machine cycle is complete, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, then roll it into two 12×7-inch rectangles.

Step 3: Make the crumble

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In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Then, cut in the chilled butter, working until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Roll the dough

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Sprinkle half this mixture over each dough rectangle, then roll up the dough jelly-roll style, starting from a long side. Pinch the seams to seal the tubular rolls.

Step 5: Cut the dough into slices

Cut each roll into 12 slices, then place the slices cut side down in one greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Cover the pan and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled, about 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 6: Bake the cinnamon rolls

Bake the rolls until they’re golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Let them cool on a wire rack for five minutes.

Step 7: Make the icing

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Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, syrup and enough milk to achieve your desired consistency. Spread the icing over the warm rolls.

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Bread Machine Cinnamon Roll Variations

• Make full-size rolls: If you prefer a heftier maple cinnamon roll, simply roll out a single larger rectangle of dough and cut it into 12 rolls instead of making 24. The baking time will be a bit longer for the larger rolls, so plan to add on 5 to 10 minutes.
• Leave out the maple: This bread machine cinnamon roll recipe will produce delicious rolls if followed without the maple syrup—after all, not everyone is a maple fan. Consider swapping in a basic syrup to keep up the sweetness or a bit more milk so the consistency holds.
• Use vegan butter: A vegan-friendly butter substitute like Earth Balance works just fine in this recipe, but make sure to control its temperature, as you would with real butter.

How to Store Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are best hot and fresh, though they can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to four, sealed in airtight packaging in both cases.

Can you freeze mini maple cinnamon rolls?

These rolls can be frozen and enjoyed later heated up in the oven. If you’ve already iced them, freeze them uncovered on a plate or cookie sheet for several hours, then seal them in airtight wrapping. This will help preserve the icing.

Bread Machine Cinnamon Roll Tips

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Can I make these rolls without a bread machine?

To make this bread machine cinnamon roll recipe without a bread machine, dissolve the yeast in warm milk (110° to 115°F). Then, in a large bowl, combine the maple syrup, butter, egg, salt, yeast mixture and 1 cup flour. Beat this on medium speed for two minutes, then stir in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough (the dough will be sticky). Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it until it’s smooth and elastic, six to eight minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to grease the top, then cover it and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled, which will take about one hour. Punch the dough down, then proceed with the recipe as directed.

What should I serve with these rolls?

While these maple cinnamon rolls make a wonderful accompaniment to any breakfast or brunch, they’re also perfect served with nothing but a cup of coffee or tea—a mid-morning snack worth pausing to enjoy.

Can I use the bread maker’s time-delay function?

While it’s handy for many recipes, we recommend that you do not use a bread machine’s time-delay feature for these rolls; the dough’s consistency will be off if the dough is not made fresh.