Easy No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls

Have you ever made homemade cinnamon rolls? They. Are. GOOD. As in capital G, capital O, capital O, capital D, good. But they’re definitely not quick. And we wouldn’t call them easy. There’s rising, and rolling, and more rising… and you know as well as we do that a cinnamon roll is a hard thing to wait for. That’s not to say they’re not worth that effort, but what if there was an easier way? What if instead of waiting hours to sink your teeth into that doughy, sticky, sweet, cinnamony roll, you only had 20 minutes of prep work ahead of you?

Well, friends, we’ve answered that call. Here is a homemade cinnamon roll that requires no yeast and no rising. It’s in the oven in just 20 minutes of effort (that’s less than an episode of your favorite TV show) and it’s still as satisfyingly soft, sweet, and cinnamony as you could ever want a doughy roll to be. As far as we’re concerned, these rolls are a dream come true.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No more waiting around for dough to rise! These no-yeast cinnamon rolls are quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for a spontaneous breakfast treat or a sweet snack without the hassle.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon
• Rolling pin
• Baking dish (8×11-inch)
• Wire rack
• Basting brush

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out dough
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cinnamon filling:

• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3-4 tablespoons milk or buttermilk
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and grease an 8×11-inch baking dish with butter. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine the filling ingredients: brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Mix until well blended and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. In a separate container, mix together the buttermilk, 4 tablespoons of the melted butter, and vanilla extract and pour over the flour mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir together until a scraggy mixture forms. Knead a few times with your hands until dough is smooth and divide into two equal portions.
4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and press or roll out each piece into an 8×12-inch rectangle. Sprinkle the cinnamon filling evenly over each piece of dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Using your hands, gently pat the filling into the dough.
5. Starting with the longest side nearest you (12-inch edge), roll the dough into a log. Pinch the ends closed and cut each log into 8 equal rounds, for a total of 16 rolls.
6. Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish and brush tops with remaining butter. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
7. While rolls bake, make the icing: In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Add milk or buttermilk until desired consistency is reached.
8. After removing from oven, let rolls cool in the pan on wire rack for 5 minutes. Drizzle icing over cinnamon rolls and serve while warm. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for the best rise.
• Don’t over-knead the dough; just enough to bring it together smoothly.
• Roll the dough tightly for beautifully swirled rolls.

Additional Tips or Variations

• Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
• For a twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

These cinnamon rolls are rich and satisfying, providing a delightful treat. Exact nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can try using whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, keeping in mind it might alter the flavor and rise slightly.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, refrigerate overnight, and bake them the next day.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Conclusion

If you’re craving cinnamon rolls but don’t have the time or patience for yeast, these Easy No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls are your perfect solution. Quick to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy, they’re a delightful treat for any occasion. Give them a try and let us know how they turn out in the comments below. We’d love to hear about your baking adventures!