Easy From Scratch Cinnabon Copycat Cinnamon Roll Dough You Can Make In Your Bread Machine!
Hi! If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!
Cinnamon rolls have quickly become a staple breakfast in our home since moving from the UK to the U.S. They’re such a treat – from the quick canned versions at the grocery store to the big, bakery-style ones you dream about!
I’ve found that a lot of store-bought breads and doughs here are loaded with preservatives that I just can’t get used to.
And additionally as a military family on baby step 2 of our debt-free journey, going out for breakfast isn’t something we can splurge on very often.
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
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So I started experimenting to recreate that perfect, soft, slightly sweet cinnamon roll dough from scratch, and this version has become the one.
It’s made right in your bread machine, so it’s almost effortless, and the texture is just perfect for anything from classic cinnamon rolls to sweet rolls or even dessert twists.
I talk a lot about my bread machine here because it’s genuinely one of my favorite time-saving tools. I use my compact Cuisinart model that my parents gifted us when we moved, and it’s easily one of the best gifts I’ve ever received.
It runs like a little powerhouse and saves so much time on busy days. I was literally writing up this post while the dough cycle ran!
This recipe is also the first in a mini series I’m doing on how to stretch your grocery budget by using one homemade cinnamon dough base for multiple recipes.
This dough makes the perfect foundation for cinnamon rolls, breakfast braids, monkey bread, and even sweet doughnuts. Bookmark it, you’ll come back to it again and again!
Once you try this recipe, I doubt you’ll ever reach for the canned stuff again. It’s soft, buttery, reliable, and tastes like something from a cozy bakery.
As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
So roll up your sleeves and plug that bread machine in – let’s get to making the lightest fluffiest cinnamon roll dough you ever made!
Equipment
- Bread machine with a dough cycle
- Measuring jug
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Spoon
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Ingredients
This recipe makes 1 very large batch of cinnamon roll dough – Easily enough for 14 huge Cinnabon or bakery-style fluffy cinnamon rolls. Try halving the recipe if you don’t need to make as many as I do or if your bread machine can’t hold as much dough!
- 1 & ⅓ cups warm water
- ⅓ cup white sugar (about 5 tbsp)
- 3 tsp bread machine yeast (I’ll link mine below)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold butter, cubed
- 4 & ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Proof the yeast
Add warm water, sugar, and yeast into the pan of your bread machine and stir.
Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy and bubbly. You can cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel to help the process along.
If nothing happens, discard and start again with fresh yeast as it’s the key to your dough rising properly.
Step 2: Add the rest of your ingredients
Once your yeast is active, add the egg and cold cubed butter.
Then pour in the flour, but don’t mix.
Make a small well in the top of the flour and add your salt, covering it lightly with flour so it doesn’t hit the yeast too early.
Step 3: Run the dough cycle
Insert the pan back into your bread machine, select the Dough setting, and press start. That’s it! The machine handles all the kneading and rising.
Step 4: Shape and rise again
Once the cycle finishes, remove the dough from the pan. Roll it out, fill it, or shape it depending on what you’re making. Then cover it and let it rise again for about 30 minutes before baking.
Step 5: Baking guidance
For traditional cinnamon rolls, bake at 350°F for 18 to 20 minutes, or a little longer if you’re using a glass dish (I go up to 22 minutes for a 9 x 13 glass pan of cinnamon rolls).
This dough works beautifully for other recipes too, basically anywhere you’d use the store-bought cinnamon roll dough!
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes:
You can use this dough for cinnamon rolls, sticky buns, monkey bread, or even as a sweet base for fruit-filled rolls. It’s versatile, soft, and budget-friendly.
Troubleshooting:
- Dough didn’t rise? Check that your yeast was active and your water wasn’t too hot.
- Too sticky? Sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour at a time until smooth and elastic.
- Too dry? Add a teaspoon of water at a time while kneading.
Storage
This dough keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days after the dough cycle finishes. Just cover it well and let it come to room temperature before shaping.
To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then let rise for 30 minutes before baking.
Serving Ideas
This is such a versatile dough and there’s so many different recipes it’ll work with – check them all out HERE!
- Classic cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting
- Cinnamon twists or pull-apart bread
- Monkey bread for brunch
- Apple-filled sweet rolls
- Chocolate or Nutella swirl buns
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect base for all sweet rolls
- Budget-friendly and preservative-free
- Soft, rich, and buttery texture
- Made easily in your bread machine
- Freezer-friendly for busy mornings
FAQ
Can I make this without a bread machine?
Yes! Use a stand mixer with a dough hook and knead for about 7 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Is all-purpose flour the same as plain flour?
Yes. In the U.S. it’s called all-purpose flour, while back home in the UK it’s known as plain flour.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
You can refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Can I freeze the dough?
Definitely. This recipe makes a large batch, so I often freeze half. Wrap it well and freeze before the second rise. Thaw overnight, then let it rise before baking.
Why do I need to bake longer in a glass dish?
Glass retains heat differently, so the center can take longer to cook through. Add a few extra minutes to avoid underbaked rolls.
Bake Along With Me!
Here’s a step by step video of how to make the dough – straight from my kitchen this morning!
Basic Bread Machine Cinnamon Roll Dough Recipe!
November 10, 2025Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add warm water, sugar, and yeast into the pan of your bread machine and stir. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy and bubbly. If nothing happens, discard and start again with fresh yeast as it’s the key to your dough rising properly.
- Once your yeast is active, add the egg and cold cubed butter. Then pour in the flour, but don’t mix.Make a small well in the top of the flour and add your salt, covering it lightly with flour so it doesn’t hit the yeast too early.
- Insert the pan back into your bread machine, select the Dough setting, and press start. That’s it! The machine handles all the kneading and rising.
- Once the cycle finishes, remove the dough from the pan. Roll it out, fill it, or shape it depending on what you’re making. Then cover it and let it rise again for about 30 minutes before baking.Bake according to the recipe you're following.
Video
Notes
Storage
This dough keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days after the dough cycle finishes. Just cover it well and let it come to room temperature before shaping. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then let rise for 30 minutes before baking.What to make with this dough?!
Of course there’s the humble yet tasty cinnamon roll but HERE’s all the other recipes you can make with just this one simple dough!Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The Takeaway
Homemade dough doesn’t have to be hard. This bread machine cinnamon roll dough is a game changer. It’s soft, buttery, budget-friendly and has none of the chemicals or additives you get from canned store-bought dough.
It’s the perfect base for endless sweet bakes and one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make from scratch!
What to Try Next?!
Share & Rate This Recipe!
If you love homemade bread recipes as much as I do, share this one with your fellow bread machine fans!
Last update on 2026-02-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Any time I can use my bread machine to save time and allow me to do other tasks I am all for it! Delicious, especially the icing.
Thank you! Oh me too Melissa thank you – my bread machine is a lifesaver!