Homemade Cinnamon Rolls (Bread Maker Friendly)

There’s nothing quite like warm, homemade cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen with that cozy, rich smell of butter, cinnamon, and vanilla. These cinnamon rolls are extra fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and unbelievably easy because the bread maker does all the heavy lifting. If you’ve ever wanted bakery-quality cinnamon rolls at home—this is the recipe.

This batch makes 12 big, soft cinnamon rolls, perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or a sweet treat with family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bread maker friendly – no hand kneading, no stress.

• Extra soft and gooey thanks to warm heavy cream poured over the rolls before baking.

• Perfect rise from activated yeast and warm Carnation milk.

• Flavorful and rich with sour cream in the dough for moisture and tenderness.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 ¼ cup warm Carnation evaporated milk

• 4 tsp fast-acting yeast

• ½ cup softened butter

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup sour cream

• 4 – 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

• 1 ½ tsp salt

For the Filling

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

• ⅓ cup softened butter

For Pouring Over Before Baking

• ¾ cup warm heavy cream

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 3 tbsp butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation

1. Activate the Yeast

To get the fluffiest cinnamon rolls, start by activating the yeast:

1. Pour the warm Carnation milk into a glass bowl.

2. Sprinkle the fast-acting yeast over the top.

3. Stir gently.

4. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and foamy.

2. Add Ingredients to the Bread Maker

Add ingredients in this exact order:

1. Dry ingredients first:

   • Flour

   • Sugar

   • Salt

   
   

2. Wet ingredients:

   • Softened butter

   • Eggs

   • Sour cream

   
   

3. Finish with:

   • The milk + yeast mixture

   
   

Select the dough cycle on your bread maker.

Let the machine knead and complete the first rise for you.

3. Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough cycle is complete:

1. Lightly flour your countertop.

2. Roll the dough into a 16x12-inch rectangle.

4. Add the Filling

1. Combine the softened butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.

2. Spread the mixture evenly over the dough

3. Lightly press it into the dough so it sticks.

5. Roll and Slice

1. Roll the dough tightly from the long side.

2. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a serrated knife or unwaxed dental floss.

3. Place rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each one.

6. Pour the Warm Cream

The secret to gooey, bakery-style rolls:

Warm the heavy cream slightly (just warm to the touch—never hot).

Pour ¾ cup warm heavy cream evenly over the rolls.

7. Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–28 minutes, or until golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.

8. Cream cheese frosting

Whisk together cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth.

Spread over warm rolls so it melts into the swirls.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

• If the dough feels sticky in the bread maker, add up to ½ cup extra flour gradually.

• Let ingredients come to room temperature (except the warm milk and cream).

• For extra gooey rolls, drizzle an additional tablespoon of heavy cream halfway through baking.

• Allow rolls to cool for 10 minutes before frosting—they’ll hold their shape better.

❤️ Enjoy Your Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, rich, and perfect for sharing—if you’re willing to share! Save this recipe for holiday mornings, Sunday brunch, or anytime you want something warm and comforting from your kitchen.