Soft Cinnabon-Style Cinnamon Rolls Topped With the Perfect Not-Too-Sweet Cream Cheese Frosting!
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!
Now that we’ve got our basic Cinnabon Copycat Bread Machine Cinnamon Roll Dough ready to go, it’s time to put it to work in the best way possible – by making a full batch of big, fluffy, bakery-style cinnamon rolls that fill the whole house with that cozy smell of butter, sugar, and cinnamon!
Cinnamon rolls became such a comfort food for us after moving from the UK to the States.
They’re soft, sweet, and just feel like home on a Saturday morning. But as a military family on baby step 2 of our debt-free journey, frequenting bakeries or Cinnabon counters isn’t really in the budget.
Still, that didn’t stop me from trying to recreate that same indulgent, gooey experience right here in my kitchen here at home.
This recipe uses the same base dough we made in the bread machine here — and honestly, that’s what makes this recipe so simple and reliable.
Once your dough cycle finishes, you’ve already done the hardest part. From there, it’s just about layering on a rich brown sugar cinnamon filling, rolling them up, and baking them until golden and fluffy.
And the frosting? Oh, it’s dreamy. It’s creamy and smooth with the perfect balance of butter, cream cheese, and vanilla. Not too sweet, not too heavy, just that perfect frosting that melts beautifully over warm rolls.
If you like your cinnamon rolls extra gooey (like the true Cinnabon kind), I’ve got a trick for you: pour a few tablespoons of cream or half and half into the bottom of the baking pan just before the second rise.
It creates that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels downright luxurious for a fraction of the cost of store-bought.
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!
living frugally and fully
free tips and resources to make the most of what you have
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 grab that dough from your bread machine, get your cinnamon and brown sugar ready, and we’ll make the fluffiest, most indulgent cinnamon rolls you’ve ever tasted, all from scratch!
Why You’ll Love Using a Bread Machine In Your Kitchen!
If you’re new here, you’ll quickly learn that I am such a fan of using a bread machine for dough. It has been one of the biggest helps in my kitchen, especially during busy or overwhelming seasons.
My parents gifted me this little Compact Cuisinart Bread Machine recently when I moved from the UK to the States after getting married, and it has worked like a little powerhouse ever since!
It kneads beautifully. It rises dough evenly. It keeps everything contained in one pan so I am not dealing with flour across every surface of the kitchen.
And on days where the house feels chaotic or I am juggling too much, I can add the ingredients, press the dough button, and let it get on with the work while I focus on everything else.
It takes away so much of the guesswork and makes homemade bread, pizza dough, cinnamon rolls, soft rolls, and sweet bakes feel much simpler.
It has also been a real blessing for our budget. Homemade dough costs pennies compared to store prepared versions and certainly compared to eating out. As a military family on baby step 2 of our debt free journey, little savings like that matter across an entire month.
If you have ever felt intimidated by bread making, this is your gentle nudge to give it a try. A dough cycle handles all the kneading for you.
You get soft, reliable, fluffy dough without standing over a counter for ages or worrying if things rose the way they should. It makes homemade cooking feel doable, even on days that are far from calm.
There are so many beginner friendly ideas to help you feel confident and excited about homemade dough!
Equipment
- Bread machine (for the dough)
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or dental floss for cutting rolls
- 9 x 13 baking dish
- Measuring jug
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Mixer
- Spatula
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Ingredients
Dough:
1 full batch of our Basic Bread Machine Cinnamon Roll Dough click for recipe and instructions
For the Filling:
- ½ cup softened or melted butter (soft enough to spread)
- 1 & ½ cups brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon(or 1 tbsp cinnamon + 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice for a cozy fall twist)
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar (icing sugar if you’re in the UK)
- 1 to 2 tsp vanilla extract (measure with your heart!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare your dough
Use one batch of your Bread Machine Cinnamon Roll Dough.
Once the dough cycle finishes, remove it from the pan and lightly flour your surface.
Roll it into a rectangle roughly 18 x 12 inches.
Step 2: Spread the filling
Spread your softened or melted butter evenly across the dough, reaching right to the edges. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the top, pressing gently so it sticks.
Step 3: Roll it up
Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut into even slices (about 12 to 14 rolls depending on how thick you like them).
Step 4: Arrange and rise
Place the rolls in a greased 9 x 13 pan. For that classic ooey-gooey Cinnabon texture, pour 2–3 tablespoons of cream or half and half into the base of the pan before the second rise.
Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let them rise in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes until doubled in size.
Step 5: Bake
Bake at 350°F for 18 to 22 minutes until golden on top and fluffy inside. If you’re using a glass dish, you may need to add a few extra minutes.
Step 6: Make the frosting
Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, adjusting to your preferred sweetness and consistency.
Step 7: Frost and serve
Spread the frosting generously over warm rolls so it melts slightly into the crevices. Serve immediately for maximum gooeyness!
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes:
- The pumpkin spice variation is amazing for fall and holiday mornings.
- If you like your rolls extra sticky, you can add a drizzle of honey to the filling.
- The frosting also doubles beautifully as a dip for leftover rolls.
Troubleshooting:
- Rolls not rising enough? Check that your dough was fully proofed before shaping.
- Dry texture? Next time, add a splash of cream before baking or reduce bake time by 2 minutes.
- Frosting too thick? Add a teaspoon of milk or cream and mix again.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds before serving.
Serving Ideas
- Perfect with morning coffee or a brunch spread.
- Make them mini for bake sales or freezer snacks.
- Add chopped pecans for a nutty crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?!
- Big, fluffy, bakery-style rolls made right at home
- The perfect Cinnabon-style frosting
- Budget-friendly and family-approved
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
- Customizable with seasonal flavors
FAQ
Can I freeze these rolls before baking?
Yes! Prepare and shape the rolls, then freeze them before the second rise. Thaw overnight in the fridge and let them rise before baking.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Definitely. Store it in the fridge up to 3 days and bring to room temperature before spreading.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone for a richer texture or omit it for a simple butter glaze.
Can I bake these the night before?
Yes. Bake, cool, and frost them lightly, then reheat in a low oven the next morning.
Bake Along With Me!
Here’s a step by step video of how to make the dough part of the recipe – straight from my kitchen this morning!
Fluffy Large Cinnabon Copycat Cinnamon Rolls Made With a Bread Machine!
November 11, 2025Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Use one batch of your Bread Machine Cinnamon Roll Dough. Once the dough cycle finishes, remove it from the pan and lightly flour your surface. Roll it into a rectangle roughly 18 x 12 inches.
- Spread your softened or melted butter evenly across the dough, reaching right to the edges.Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the top, pressing gently so it sticks.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut into even slices (about 12 to 14 rolls depending on how thick you like them).
- Place the rolls in a greased 9 x 13 pan. For that classic ooey-gooey Cinnabon texture, pour 2–3 tablespoons of cream or half and half into the base of the pan before the second rise. Cover the rolls loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let them rise in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes until doubled in size.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 18 to 22 minutes until golden on top and fluffy inside. If you’re using a glass dish, you may need to add a few extra minutes.
- Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, adjusting to your preferred sweetness and consistency.
- Spread the frosting generously over warm rolls so it melts slightly into the crevices. Serve immediately for maximum gooeyness!
Video
Notes
- The pumpkin spice variation is amazing for fall and holiday mornings.
- If you like your rolls extra sticky, you can add a drizzle of honey to the filling.
- The frosting also doubles beautifully as a dip for leftover rolls.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds before serving.
Related Recipes
- Cinnamon Dough Recipe: here’s our Basic Bread Machine Cinnamon Roll Dough recipe and instructions
- Frosting: Cinnabon Cream Cheese Copycat Frosting Recipe
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The Takeaway
These Fluffy Cinnabon Copycat Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect reward for slow mornings and cozy weekends.
Made from scratch with your bread machine dough, they’re rich, soft, and completely worth the wait. Once you try this version, you’ll never buy bakery rolls again!
What to Try Next?!
Share & Rate This Recipe!
If this recipe becomes your family’s weekend favorite, share it with a friend who loves cinnamon rolls as much as we do!
Last update on 2026-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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