Prep Time: 20 minutesCook Time: 25 minutesTotal Time: 45 minutesServes: 9–12
These Easy Cinnamon Rolls No Yeast Required are a cozy, quick treat made from scratch without waiting time because they deliver that irresistible swirl of cinnamon‑sugar in a pillowy roll topped with creamy icing, and they’re ready in under an hour, perfect for breakfast, brunch or anytime you crave comfort baked straightaway.
Why Easy Cinnamon Rolls No Yeast Required are so satisfying
Easy Cinnamon Rolls No Yeast Required feel indulgent yet effortless because you skip the traditional yeast proofing and lengthy dough rising, instead using baking powder and soda to produce a soft, slightly fluffy dough that bakes into cinnamon‑filled spirals in minimal time. The dough comes together quickly, the cinnamon filling melts into pockets of sweet spice, and a simple icing drizzles over warm rolls for instant joy, making them ideal when you want homemade comfort without the wait.
Ingredients
For the rolls:
2 cups all‑purpose flour
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 large egg
¾ cup buttermilk or milk of choice
5 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
3 Tbsp butter, softened or melted
For the icing:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 Tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
The art of creating Easy Cinnamon Rolls No Yeast Required
Mastering Easy Cinnamon Rolls No Yeast Required is about balance between simplicity and flavor because the dough is quick to mix without kneading, the filling layers cinnamon and sugar into the rolled dough, and the icing finishes the warm rolls with creamy sweetness. The cinnamon swirl forms as you roll and slice, producing individual rolls that bake uniformly and eat moist and tender inside with a lightly golden crust. The icing seeps into each swirl when warmed—elevating this straightforward recipe into something bakery‑worthy without fuss.
Step‑by‑step instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F and grease a baking dish (9‑inch round or 9×13‑inch dish) with butter or nonstick spray, because proper heat and buttered surface ensure rolls bake evenly and release easily.
Professional Tip: Grease the dish with a little melted butter instead of spray for richer flavor and golden base texture.
Key Points: Preheat precisely, grease pan well, choose proper baking size. - In a medium bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt until uniform, because dry leaveners must be evenly distributed to activate properly and yield tender, risen rolls.
Key Points: Use accurate measurements, whisk thoroughly, set aside. - In a separate bowl beat the egg and buttermilk (or milk), then stir in the melted butter until blended, because combining wet ingredients before adding to dry ensures smooth dough without overmixing.
Professional Tip: Use cold buttermilk to keep the dough slightly firmer and easier to work with.
Key Points: Use room‑temperature egg, stir gently, avoid lumps. - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir just until a soft dough forms and no streaks of flour remain, because overmixing can lead to tough rolls rather than tender, flaky ones.
Key Points: Combine until just blended, prioritize texture, avoid over‑stirring. - On a lightly floured surface press and roll the dough into a rough rectangle about 10×14 inches, because even thickness and shape help create uniform rolls with consistent spirals.
Key Points: Flour surface to avoid sticking, roll or press evenly, maintain rectangle shape. - Spread softened or melted butter over the rectangle, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly, leaving a ½‑inch border, because thorough filling coverage ensures every roll spiral is flavorful when baked.
Key Points: Spread butter thoroughly, apply filling evenly, keep margins for sealing. - Starting with the long edge, roll dough tightly into a log and pinch seam to seal, then slice into 9–12 rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss, because tight rolling produces neat spirals and even sizing.
Key Points: Roll firmly, seal seam, cut cleanly. - Place rolls cut‑side up into prepared pan, leaving slight gaps so they expand during baking, because space allows heat to circulate and crowns each roll evenly.
Key Points: Arrange rolls with space, use proper pan, fill one layer. - Bake for about 22–26 minutes until rolls are puffed and golden‑brown on edges and tops, because accurate bake time ensures soft center without raw dough or dryness.
Professional Tip: Tent loosely with foil if tops brown too quickly.
Key Points: Monitor bake time, avoid over‑browning, test with slight spring back. - While rolls bake, whip together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and enough milk to reach spreadable consistency in a bowl, because warm rolls and freshly made icing combine beautifully for ultimate creaminess.
Key Points: Mix until smooth, adjust thickness, prepare while rolls bake. - Remove rolls from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before spreading or drizzling icing over each, because warm rolls absorb icing better and become gooey‑but‑stable as they cool slightly.
Key Points: Cool briefly, apply icing while warm, serve promptly.
Professional tips
Because precision brings bakery‑level results:
• Use cold buttermilk or milk to control dough softness.
• Don’t overmix the dough—stir until just combined.
• Roll tightly for clear spiral layers.
• Cut with dental floss to prevent squashing rolls.
• Serve rolls warm to enjoy soft centers and melty icing.
Creative variations
• Add finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.
• Mix in raisins or chocolate chips along cinnamon swirl for extra indulgence.
• Substitute half the sugar in dough with maple syrup or honey for subtle sweet twist.
• Replace cream cheese icing with maple glaze to echo flavors in pumpkin‑maple breakfast treats.
• Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or allspice into the filling for added spice depth.
Pairing ideas
Easy Cinnamon Rolls No Yeast Required pair wonderfully with familiar breakfast or brunch components because their buttery, spiced richness complements both savory and refreshing beverages—serve alongside light bites like frittatas or egg bowls from savory‑sides, dips or spreads from flavored‑dips and marinades, or fruit smoothies and chilled drinks from refreshing‑beverages. They also make a cozy addition to a brunch board that includes fresh salad or snack‑style bites from snacks & appetizers or crisp fruit salads in the salads section.
Discover more
If you love this quick roll recipe, explore more sweet treats in the dessert recipes category. To complement your brunch spread, browse perfect sides or savory snack options in the snacks & appetizers section. For lighter morning ideas that pair with cinnamon‑spiced dishes, check out breakfast favorites.
Storage guidelines
Store leftover Easy Cinnamon Rolls No Yeast Required in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days because the icing and dough maintain softness best outside the fridge. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to four days—warm slightly before serving to restore tenderness. You can freeze individual rolls wrapped well for up to three months; thaw and warm before icing to preserve texture.
Science behind Easy Cinnamon Rolls No Yeast Required
The chemical leaveners—baking powder and baking soda—react immediately when wet, releasing carbon dioxide bubbles that expand during baking and create a tender, fluffy dough because there’s no yeast fermentation. Buttermilk contributes acid to activate baking soda and adds moisture and tanginess. Soft butter in the dough and melted butter or spread in the filling yield layered softness and buttery flavor pockets. The warm icing melts slightly into the spirals, binding sugar and dairy into creamy sweetness that enhances texture and taste.
Troubleshooting
If dough is too sticky: add a tablespoon of flour at a time but avoid over‑flouring which leads to dry rolls.
If rolls are doughy in centers: increase bake time by a few minutes and check with toothpick.
If icing is too runny: add more powdered sugar; if too thick, thin with a splash of milk.
If rolls spread too much: slice thick and tuck them closer in the pan or place in muffin tin for shape control.
Additional inspirations
Looking for more quick breakfast ideas or sweet spirals? Visit the dessert recipes category for similar treats, try snack‑style bites in snacks & appetizers or explore savory sides at perfect sides to balance sweetness. Refresh your brunch with crisp salads from the salads section or complement with light dips from flavored‑dips and marinades.
Conclusion
Easy Cinnamon Rolls No Yeast Required bring homemade warmth to your table quickly and easily because you skip yeast and waiting, yet still enjoy soft, cinnamon‑swirled rolls topped with creamy icing. The dough is straightforward, the filling melts into every bite, and the end result is irresistibly comforting. Whether for breakfast, brunch or a cozy treat session, these rolls deliver that cinnamon roll magic in half the time.
