Easy Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls with a Secret Ingredient
Sneak Preview: These easy bread machine cinnamon rolls, topped with creamy cream cheese icing, are a classic treat with a twist. The secret ingredient—a pinch of cloves in the filling—adds a warm, nostalgic flavor reminiscent of pecan twirls.

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Do you remember the pecan twirls we used to eat for breakfast as kids? They came in a foil pan with molded cups for each roll. Unrolling them was such fun—until pecans scattered everywhere, and someone had to sweep the floor.
I think I’ve cracked the secret flavor that made those twirls so unforgettable!
Why You’ll Want to Share This One
- Ground cloves in the filling (the secret ingredient) enhance the cinnamon flavor
- Beginner-friendly variation of classic dinner rolls
- Frosting combines powdered sugar, cream cheese, and coffee
- Dough can be made the day before
- Uses the DOUGH cycle of a bread machine, shaped by hand, baked in the oven
- Works with a bread machine (paid link), stand mixer, or by hand
Shared & Loved
“Each and every recipe of yours I make is effortless and fun. The end results are always delicious! I have never made homemade cinnamon rolls, and I am so proud of the results. Thank you!“– CHELSEA D.

Ingredients and Substitutions
- MILK:
- Whole milk preferred
- Substitute low-fat or nonfat dairy milk
- SUGAR:
- Granulated sugar
- Replace with honey or maple syrup (Check the moisture level with this surprising secret for making better bread with your bread machine)
- EGG:
- Large eggs (50 grams each)
- No need to warm the egg or milk when using a bread machine
- BUTTER:
- Unsalted butter or salted butter (reduce the salt by ¼ teaspoon)
- Substitute margarine or vegan butter
- Instead of warm butter, chop it up with a table knife. It will melt quickly as the paddles in your machine start to knead.
- FLOUR:
- Use unbleached or bleached all-purpose flour (my preference)
- For chewier rolls, use bread flour.
- YEAST:
- Use a bread machine or instant yeast
- See my post about yeast in a bread machine if you only have active dry yeast.
- NUTS OR RAISINS:
- Optional
- ½ cup of each added during kneading or sprinkled on top of cinnamon-sugar filling
Step-by-Step: How to Mix and Knead the Dough
① Weigh each ingredient for accuracy, or measure carefully using cups. Add ingredients to the bread machine pan in the order listed.
② Select the DOUGH setting and press START.
③ After 1 minute, open the lid to check that the paddles are turning and the dough is clumping. If not, adjust the pan or gently push ingredients into the mixing area.
④ Around 15–18 minutes in, check the dough again. It should stick to the sides, then pull away cleanly as it kneads.
⑤ If the dough is too dry and bouncing off the walls, add water 1 tablespoon at a time. If it’s too wet and sticking heavily, add flour the same way. Wait a few minutes between additions to let the dough fully absorb each adjustment.
⑥ Let the DOUGH cycle finish completely. Remove the dough to a lightly floured surface for shaping or resting.




How To Shape Cinnamon Rolls
⑦ Lightly knead the dough to press out air bubbles. Divide in half and form into smooth balls. Cover one while you work with the other.
⑧ Roll one dough ball into a 12 x 9-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
⑨ Spread with half the softened butter, then sprinkle with half the cinnamon-sugar mixture and nuts, if using.
⑩ Roll up tightly from the long edge. Pinch the seam and ends to seal.
⑪ Cut into 8 pieces with a sharp or serrated knife. Place rolls in the prepared pan.
⑫ Cover and let rise until puffy and touching.









How To Bake and Frost Sweet Cinnamon Yeast Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C) for about 15 minutes before you think the rolls will be ready to bake.
⑬ When the rolls are puffy and touching, bake at 375˚F (190˚C) for 20 minutes, or until the center reaches 190˚F (88˚C) on a quick-read thermometer.
⑭ Remove the rolls to a cooling rack, then transfer to a serving plate after a few minutes.
⑮ Mix frosting in a small bowl and spread over warm rolls. Serve immediately.



FAQ
- How long will cinnamon rolls stay fresh?
- Best on the day made. For longer freshness, try Tangzhong Cinnamon Rolls.
- Can I freeze bread machine dough?
- Yes. Freeze unshaped dough after the DOUGH cycle or shaped rolls before the final rise. Thaw, let rise, and bake as directed.
- Can I freeze baked rolls?
- Yes. Double-wrap and freeze for up to a month. Microwave briefly before eating.
- Can I make the dough the night before?
- Yes. Refrigerate dough after the DOUGH cycle or shape rolls first, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let rise before baking.
- Can I substitute for cream cheese frosting with coffee?
- Use butter, milk/cream, and vanilla for a simple frosting.
- Why did my cinnamon rolls pop up in the middle?
- Your pan was too small or the swirls were rolled too tightly. Push centers down gently after baking. Use a slightly larger pan next time.
Bonus: How To Make a Homemade Flour Shaker

Final Thoughts:
My mom used to buy pecan swirls at the day-old store. But, come to think of it…do they still have day-old bread stores? Oh, never mind, I’m starting to feel old. 🫣 I need a cinnamon roll to make me feel better.
If you decide to serve these rolls for brunch, think about adding Easy Sausage Kabobs to the menu. They’re easy to make and perfect with pancakes, waffles, or cinnamon rolls.
Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.