Quick Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. But let’s be honest—traditional cinnamon rolls can be a bit of a time suck. All that kneading, rising, and waiting? Sometimes you just want that sweet, gooey deliciousness now. That’s exactly where this quick cinnamon rolls recipe comes in. No yeast. No long rise times. Just soft, warm rolls in under an hour that are sure to impress.
If you’re the kind of person who loves fresh-baked goodies but doesn’t have the patience (or time) to wait around for dough to rise, you’re in the right place. This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from ingredients to final glaze. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro looking for a shortcut, these rolls will hit the spot.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
To get started, here’s everything you need for these mouthwatering cinnamon rolls.
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk (preferably whole milk, but any kind works)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
For the Glaze/Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
You probably already have most of these pantry staples at home. No need to run to the store or look for obscure ingredients—this recipe is all about simplicity and speed.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes the process so much smoother. Here’s what you’ll want to have ready before starting:
- Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or dough cutter
- Baking dish (8×8-inch works great)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Optional: A pastry brush to help spread butter evenly across the dough.
How This Recipe Saves Time
Ever wonder how cinnamon rolls can go from idea to plate in under an hour? It’s all about the smart shortcuts.
The No-Yeast Shortcut
Traditional cinnamon rolls use yeast, which means you have to wait for the dough to rise (sometimes multiple times). This recipe skips yeast entirely and instead uses baking powder for the rise. That means no proofing and no waiting—just mix, roll, bake, and enjoy.
Ready in Under an Hour
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 40–45 minutes. That includes prep time, baking, and even adding the glaze. Perfect for busy mornings, last-minute guests, or those sweet cravings that just won’t wait.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Quick Cinnamon Rolls
Let’s break it down so you can have warm, gooey cinnamon rolls in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is ready when your rolls are, so there’s no waiting later on.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, and egg. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until a soft dough forms.
If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour. If too dry, add a splash of milk. Don’t overmix—stop once the dough comes together.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface. Turn out the dough and roll it into a rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Try to keep it as even as possible so all your rolls bake the same.
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread the softened butter all over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
Gently press the mixture into the butter with your hands or the back of a spoon to help it stick.
Step 5: Roll and Slice the Dough
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Once rolled, slice it into 9–12 equal pieces depending on your pan size and desired roll thickness.
Place each roll cut-side up into your greased baking dish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The tops should be lightly golden, and the centers cooked through but soft. Don’t overbake—no one likes dry cinnamon rolls.
Step 7: Make and Add the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Once the rolls come out of the oven, let them cool for 5–10 minutes, then drizzle the glaze generously over the top.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls Every Time
Even though this recipe is designed to be quick and easy, a few smart tricks can take your cinnamon rolls from good to unbelievably good. Here’s how to make sure yours come out soft, flavorful, and bakery-quality—without spending hours in the kitchen.
1. Don’t Overmix the Dough
Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the rolls tough instead of soft and fluffy. You’re aiming for a slightly sticky, shaggy dough—don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Cold eggs or milk can mess with how the dough comes together and how evenly it bakes. Let your milk and egg sit out for 10–15 minutes before mixing. It helps the dough stay soft and easier to work with.
3. Flour Your Surface—But Not Too Much
A lightly floured surface keeps the dough from sticking as you roll it out, but too much flour can make the dough dry and hard. Sprinkle just enough to prevent sticking and roll gently.
4. Press the Filling Into the Dough
After you spread the cinnamon-sugar filling, lightly press it into the dough using your hands or a spatula. This helps keep the filling in place when you roll up the dough, so you don’t lose all that gooey goodness.
5. Check Your Oven Temperature
Every oven is a little different. If you’re not sure yours runs true to temperature, use an oven thermometer. Baking too hot can cause the outside to brown before the inside is done.
Mistakes to Avoid
Making cinnamon rolls isn’t hard—but there are a few common mistakes that can turn your quick bake into a frustrating experience. Here’s what to watch out for:
1. Overworking the Dough
Yes, it’s worth repeating. Kneading or mixing the dough too long makes it tough. The key is gentle handling—treat it like a delicate biscuit dough, not bread.
2. Using Cold Butter in the Filling
Softened butter is key to getting a smooth, spreadable layer. Cold butter won’t spread evenly and may tear your dough. If your butter is too firm, microwave it for a few seconds until it’s soft but not melted.
3. Cutting Uneven Slices
If your cinnamon rolls are different sizes, they’ll bake unevenly—some may be doughy while others are overdone. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to make clean, even cuts.
4. Skipping the Glaze
You might be tempted to skip the glaze if you’re in a hurry, but don’t! It adds that classic gooey sweetness and finishes the rolls perfectly.
Optional Add-Ins
Want to personalize your cinnamon rolls? You totally can! Here are some fun add-in ideas to elevate the flavor and texture of your rolls.
1. Nuts
Chopped walnuts or pecans make an amazing crunchy addition to the filling. Just sprinkle a handful over the cinnamon-sugar layer before rolling.
2. Raisins or Dried Cranberries
If you’re a fan of fruity cinnamon rolls, raisins or dried cranberries are perfect. They add a sweet and tangy pop to each bite. Soak them in warm water for 5 minutes first to make them plumper and juicier.
3. Chocolate Chips
Want to make your rolls extra decadent? Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips to the filling. They’ll melt into gooey pockets of chocolate inside the rolls—total dessert vibes.
Glaze Variations
The classic vanilla glaze is great, but if you want to switch things up, here are some fun glaze options:
1. Cream Cheese Frosting
Mix 2 oz of softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tbsp milk, and ½ tsp vanilla extract. It adds a tangy, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
2. Maple Glaze
Combine 1 cup powdered sugar with 1 tbsp maple syrup and 1–2 tbsp milk. A pinch of cinnamon makes this extra warm and cozy.
3. Citrus Glaze
For a refreshing twist, replace the milk in your glaze with fresh orange juice or lemon juice. Add a little zest for an extra pop of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon rolls are pretty versatile—whether you’re having them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they always hit the spot. Here are a few serving ideas to make your rolls shine.
- With Coffee or Tea: A warm cinnamon roll and a hot cup of coffee? Absolute perfection.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Serve with strawberries, blueberries, or bananas for a balanced breakfast.
- With Ice Cream: For a dessert version, warm up the rolls and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Heaven.
Want to go extra fancy? Dust with powdered sugar and serve on a pretty plate. Instagram-worthy and delicious.
Storage Instructions
Let’s face it—cinnamon rolls are best fresh out of the oven. But if you’ve got leftovers (lucky you), here’s how to store them so they stay soft and tasty.
Room Temperature:
Keep them in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back the gooey texture.
Refrigeration:
If you want to store them longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temp or warm slightly before eating.
Freezing:
Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds or pop in the oven at 325°F for 10–12 minutes.
How to Make This Recipe Ahead of Time
Want fresh cinnamon rolls in the morning without waking up early? Good news—you can totally make these ahead of time. Here’s how to prep your quick cinnamon rolls so all you need to do later is pop them in the oven.
1. Prepare the Dough and Filling
Follow the recipe as usual—mix the dough, roll it out, spread the filling, and roll it up into a log. Then, slice your cinnamon rolls and place them in your greased baking dish.
2. Refrigerate Overnight
Instead of baking them right away, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This gives you a head start and still delivers fresh, warm rolls in the morning.
3. Bake in the Morning
When you’re ready to bake, let the rolls sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes while the oven preheats. This helps take the chill off so they bake more evenly.
Bake as usual and glaze after baking. You’ll have hot, gooey cinnamon rolls without the morning hassle!
Healthier Swaps for Ingredients
Trying to lighten up your baking? You can still enjoy these delicious cinnamon rolls with a few smart swaps. Here are some easy substitutions that won’t ruin the flavor.
1. Use Whole Wheat Flour
Substitute half (or even all) of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for more fiber and a nuttier flavor. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so you may need to add an extra splash of milk to keep the dough soft.
2. Reduce the Sugar
You can reduce the sugar in both the dough and the filling by 25–30% without affecting the taste too much. Using coconut sugar or maple sugar is another option for a more natural sweetness.
3. Swap Butter for Coconut Oil or Greek Yogurt
Want a dairy-free or lower-fat option? Use melted coconut oil instead of butter. You can also replace part of the butter with plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost and fewer calories.
4. Lighter Glaze Options
Instead of a sugary glaze, you can drizzle a small amount of honey, maple syrup, or a yogurt-based glaze for a less sweet topping that still adds flavor.
Even with healthier tweaks, these cinnamon rolls stay soft, fluffy, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are a lot of cinnamon roll recipes out there, but here’s why this one stands out:
- No yeast required – No rising time, no stress.
- Ready in under 1 hour – From craving to eating in 45 minutes or less.
- Simple ingredients – No need for fancy ingredients or hard-to-find tools.
- Totally customizable – Add-ins, glaze flavors, and healthier swaps? Go for it!
- Perfect for beginners – Easy steps, no kneading, no special techniques needed.
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The smell alone will have everyone running to the kitchen.
FAQs about Quick Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
1. Can I make this recipe without milk?
Yes! You can substitute any non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and unflavored for the best results.
2. How long do cinnamon rolls stay fresh?
They’re best eaten the same day, but you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 4–5 days. Reheat for a few seconds in the microwave to soften them back up.
3. Can I make the dough the night before?
Absolutely. Prepare and slice the rolls, place them in your baking dish, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking in the morning.
4. What’s the best way to reheat them?
Microwave individual rolls for 10–15 seconds, or reheat a whole batch in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–12 minutes. Cover with foil to keep them moist.
5. Can I freeze these after baking?
Yes! Let them cool completely, wrap individually in plastic, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
You don’t have to be a professional baker—or have hours to spare—to enjoy soft, gooey cinnamon rolls. This quick cinnamon rolls recipe is proof that amazing things can happen in under an hour with just a few pantry staples and a little love. No yeast, no long waits, no fancy equipment—just pure, delicious comfort in every bite.
So next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the store-bought version and whip up a batch of these homemade cinnamon rolls. Trust me—once you try them, you’ll never go back.
