Few things compare to the warm, gooey comfort of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. The combination of fluffy dough, rich cinnamon sugar filling, and creamy icing creates a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Traditionally, making cinnamon rolls from scratch requires yeast, kneading, and hours of rising time—but what if you could have homemade cinnamon rolls in under an hour?
That’s where Quick Cinnamon Rolls come in. These no-yeast cinnamon rolls offer the same soft, buttery texture and deliciously spiced swirls without the hassle of waiting for dough to rise. They’re perfect for lazy weekend mornings, last-minute desserts, or satisfying sudden cravings.
This article will explore why these cinnamon rolls are a must-try, expert baking tips, creative variations, serving suggestions, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this fail-proof recipe guarantees sweet, golden perfection every time.
Why Quick Cinnamon Rolls Are a Must-Try
1. No Yeast, No Waiting—Just Instant Satisfaction
Traditional cinnamon rolls rely on yeast, requiring proofing and rising—a process that can take several hours. This quick recipe skips the yeast altogether, using baking powder as a leavening agent, which allows the dough to rise in the oven without any waiting time.
2. Foolproof and Beginner-Friendly
You don’t need to be a master baker to make these cinnamon rolls. Since there’s no yeast involved, there’s no risk of the dough failing to rise. The simple dough comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for first-time bakers or those short on time.
3. Soft, Fluffy, and Loaded with Cinnamon Flavor
Despite skipping the yeast, these rolls turn out incredibly soft, buttery, and tender. The swirls of brown sugar and cinnamon caramelize in the oven, creating a gooey, spiced filling that pairs beautifully with the fluffy dough.
4. Ready in Under an Hour
From mixing the dough to icing the freshly baked rolls, this recipe takes less than 45 minutes. That means you can have homemade cinnamon rolls on the table faster than a trip to the bakery.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re making them for a cozy breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a midnight snack, these cinnamon rolls are versatile and always a hit. Serve them fresh out of the oven for the best experience.
6. Customizable to Suit Any Taste
While the classic version is delicious on its own, this recipe is highly customizable. You can add nuts, fruit, chocolate chips, or even different types of frosting to create your own twist on this beloved treat.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square baking dish.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk, melted butter, and egg, then mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead lightly for 1–2 minutes on a floured surface.
- Roll and Fill:
- Roll dough into a 12×10-inch rectangle.
- Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Shape the Rolls:
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut into 9–12 equal pieces.
- Arrange rolls cut-side up in the baking dish.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly while preparing the icing.
- Prepare the Icing:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until creamy.
- Finish and Serve:
- Spread icing over warm rolls and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (Per Roll – Approx. 9–12 Rolls Per Batch):
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
Expert Tips for Making the Best Quick Cinnamon Rolls
1. Don’t Overwork the Dough
Since this dough doesn’t contain yeast, kneading too much can make it tough. Mix only until the ingredients come together and knead lightly to keep the dough soft and tender.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Cold ingredients can make the dough stiff and difficult to roll out. Make sure to use room temperature milk, butter, and eggs for a smooth and easy-to-work dough.
3. Roll the Dough Evenly for Consistent Baking
To ensure evenly baked rolls, roll the dough into a uniform rectangle. This helps create consistent layers of cinnamon filling and prevents some rolls from being too thick or undercooked.
4. Use Dental Floss for Clean, Even Slices
A sharp knife can sometimes squish the dough and distort the shape of the rolls. Instead, use unflavored dental floss—simply slide it under the rolled dough, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice cleanly.
5. Bake Until Golden Brown, Not Just Until Set
For that perfect golden crust and soft interior, bake until the rolls turn a deep golden brown rather than just until they look set. This ensures a crisp, caramelized top and fluffy inside.
6. Ice While Warm for the Best Texture
Spreading the icing while the rolls are still warm allows it to melt into the swirls, creating a rich, gooey glaze that coats every bite.
Creative Variations of Quick Cinnamon Rolls
1. Nutty Cinnamon Rolls
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for an extra crunch and depth of flavor.
2. Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the rolls before serving for a decadent twist.
3. Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Spread thinly sliced apples over the filling before rolling up the dough for a warm, fruity variation.
4. Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips inside the cinnamon filling for a sweet, chocolatey upgrade.
5. Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice in the filling and mix pumpkin purée into the dough for a fall-inspired version.
6. Maple Glazed Cinnamon Rolls
Swap the cream cheese icing for a maple glaze made with powdered sugar, butter, and maple syrup for a warm, caramelized topping.
Best Ways to Serve Cinnamon Rolls
1. Classic with Coffee or Tea
Cinnamon rolls and a hot cup of coffee or tea are a match made in heaven. The warm, spiced flavors pair perfectly with a steaming latte or chai tea.
2. Topped with Ice Cream
For a dessert-style twist, serve warm cinnamon rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast of warm and cold textures.
3. Holiday Brunch Favorite
These cinnamon rolls are perfect for holiday mornings—pair them with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a complete brunch spread.
4. With a Side of Whipped Cream
For an extra indulgent treat, serve cinnamon rolls with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make These Cinnamon Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them overnight, then bake fresh the next morning.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
3. Can I Freeze Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes! Baked cinnamon rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat before serving.
4. What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese for the Icing?
You can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract as a substitute.
5. Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan version.
6. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Cinnamon Rolls?
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes for a fresh-baked texture.
- Microwave: Heat in 10-second intervals until warm.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Recipe
Quick Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect solution when you’re craving something warm, sweet, and homemade without the long wait. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd favorite.
Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast, a special occasion, or just because, this recipe ensures fluffy, gooey cinnamon rolls in record time.
So why wait? Preheat your oven, roll out the dough, and enjoy the magic of homemade cinnamon rolls today!
Print
Best Quick Cinnamon Rolls for Cozy Evenings!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 rolls 1x
Description
Soft, gooey, and ready in just 40 minutes, these Quick Cinnamon Rolls deliver all the flavor of classic cinnamon rolls without the hassle of yeast. Topped with a rich cream cheese icing, they’re the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Satisfy your cravings in a flash with this simple and delicious recipe!
Ingredients
For the Dough
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¾ cup whole milk, ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted), 1 large egg.
For the Cinnamon Filling
½ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened).
For the Cream Cheese Icing
4 ounces cream cheese (softened), 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed).
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round or square baking dish.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, melted butter, and the egg, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Roll: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead gently for 1–2 minutes. Roll it into a 12×10-inch rectangle.
- Spread and Fill: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture, covering the surface.
- Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, forming a log. Use dental floss or a sharp knife to cut the log into 9–12 equal pieces.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the rolls cut-side up in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Icing: While the rolls bake, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until creamy.
- Ice and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese icing generously on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- To keep the dough tender, avoid over-kneading.
- For a lighter topping, substitute the cream cheese icing with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk.
- Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
- Add-ins like chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips can be sprinkled over the filling for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
