1-Hour No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls: Quick, Easy & Delicious Homemade Breakfast Treat
There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. But let’s be honest, traditional cinnamon roll recipes can be a time-consuming affair, often requiring hours of waiting for yeast dough to rise. If you’re like me, someone who appreciates instant gratification, especially when a craving hits, then this recipe for 1-hour no-yeast cinnamon rolls is about to become your new best friend.
Forget the long waits and complex steps. These incredible cinnamon rolls are designed for speed and simplicity without sacrificing flavor or that wonderfully soft, fluffy texture you expect. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, generously slathered with rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, all within an hour of starting. It’s not a dream; it’s a reality with this quick and easy recipe!
Why You’ll Love These Quick & Easy No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls
My patience sometimes wears thin, especially when hunger strikes. There are moments when all I want is to satisfy a craving immediately, and waiting for dough to rise for hours just doesn’t fit into that picture. I’ve often found myself wishing for a shortcut in baking, particularly when it comes to irresistible treats like cinnamon rolls. That’s why I set out to create a recipe that delivers all the classic cinnamon roll goodness with minimal fuss and maximum speed.
These no-yeast cinnamon rolls are a game-changer for several reasons:
- No Waiting for Dough to Rise: This is the biggest selling point! Traditional cinnamon rolls rely on yeast, which needs time to activate and proof, adding several hours to your baking process. Our recipe uses baking powder as the leavening agent, meaning the dough comes together quickly and bakes immediately.
- Perfect for Beginners: If you’re new to baking or intimidated by working with yeast, this recipe is perfect. The dough is incredibly forgiving and easy to handle, ensuring success even for first-time bakers.
- Light, Soft & Fluffy Texture: Don’t let the “no yeast” fool you! Thanks to the magic of baking powder, these rolls achieve a delightfully light, soft, and fluffy texture that rivals their yeast-based counterparts.
- Packed with Flavor: From the tender dough sweetened with granulated sugar to the irresistible brown sugar and cinnamon filling, every bite is bursting with sweet, spicy goodness. And let’s not forget the decadent cream cheese frosting!
- Ready in One Hour: From mixing the dough to pulling warm, frosted rolls out of the oven, the entire process takes approximately 60 minutes. This makes them ideal for a spontaneous breakfast, a last-minute brunch, or whenever that cinnamon roll craving hits hard.
I admit, I was initially skeptical that taking such a shortcut could yield truly delicious results, but these easy cinnamon rolls absolutely exceeded my expectations. They are proof that you don’t need to spend all day in the kitchen to enjoy homemade perfection.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
One of the beauties of these quick cinnamon rolls is that they’re made with common pantry staples. You likely have most, if not all, of these ingredients on hand already, making them incredibly convenient to whip up anytime. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to make these delicious rolls in just one hour:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our dough. It’s crucial to measure your flour correctly. Spoon and level the flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents over-measuring, which can lead to a dense, dry dough.
- Sugar: We use granulated sugar to sweeten the dough, giving it a subtle sweetness that complements the filling. For the star of the show – the filling – we use light brown sugar. Brown sugar adds a deeper, more molasses-like flavor and a lovely caramel note that truly elevates the cinnamon rolls.
- Baking Powder: This is our “secret ingredient” and the key to making cinnamon rolls without yeast. Baking powder reacts with the liquid in the dough and the heat of the oven to produce carbon dioxide gas, which makes the rolls rise and become wonderfully fluffy and tender. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal results!
- Salt: A pinch of salt is essential in both the dough and the frosting. It balances out the sweetness, enhances all the other flavors, and prevents the rolls from tasting flat.
- Butter: You’ll need unsalted butter for the dough, filling, and frosting. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the total salt content in the recipe. Make sure the butter for the dough and frosting is softened to room temperature for easier incorporation, and the butter for the filling is melted.
- Milk: Any type of milk will work, but for the richest flavor and most moist texture, I recommend using full-fat milk (whole milk). It adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Cinnamon: The star spice! Two teaspoons are called for in the filling, but if you’re a true cinnamon connoisseur, feel free to add a little extra to suit your taste. Quality cinnamon makes a big difference here.
- Cream Cheese: For the ultimate cream cheese frosting, brick-style cream cheese is a must. It needs to be softened to room temperature so that it whips up smoothly and without lumps, creating a thick and creamy frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor in your frosting. It adds a lovely depth and warmth that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, this fine sugar is used to sweeten the frosting. Its fine texture ensures a smooth, non-grainy frosting that melts in your mouth.
How to Make 1-Hour Cinnamon Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these delightful quick cinnamon rolls is surprisingly straightforward, even for novice bakers. The entire process, from preparing the dough to frosting the warm rolls, is designed for efficiency and ease. Follow these simple steps to enjoy homemade cinnamon roll goodness in no time:
- Prepare the Dough: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the dough: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until well combined. Next, cut in the softened unsalted butter. You can use a pastry cutter, a fork, or even your fingertips to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the milk and stir until a soft, shaggy dough forms.
- Knead and Roll: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for about one minute, just enough to bring it together smoothly. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the rolls tough. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter until it forms a thick paste. This creates our irresistible sweet and spicy filling.
- Assemble the Rolls: Brush the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough rectangle. This helps the filling adhere and adds another layer of moisture and flavor. Then, generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar filling over the buttered dough, making sure to spread it almost to the edges, leaving a small border uncovered.
- Roll and Cut: Carefully roll the dough from one long side into a snug log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or, for perfectly clean cuts, unflavored dental floss, to cut the log into eight equal pieces.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Arrange the cut cinnamon rolls in a greased 9-inch round baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll as they will expand slightly during baking. Bake them in a preheated oven until they are golden brown on top and cooked through, usually between 18-22 minutes.
- Whip Up the Frosting: While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, using a stand mixer or a hand-held mixer, beat together softened unsalted butter, softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency – thick enough to cling to the rolls but spreadable.
- Frost and Enjoy: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. This allows them to set slightly but keeps them warm for frosting. Generously spread the homemade cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls. The frosting will melt slightly into the warm rolls, creating an unbelievably delicious treat. Serve immediately and try not to eat the whole batch yourself – you’ve been warned!
Can I Prep These 1-Hour Cinnamon Rolls in Advance?
While these quick and easy cinnamon rolls are designed for rapid baking, their leavening method (baking powder instead of yeast) means they behave differently if prepped ahead. If you assemble them the night before and refrigerate them, they won’t rise significantly in the oven the next morning. The baking powder’s leavening power is activated more immediately when it comes into contact with liquid and heat, unlike yeast which continues to produce gas over time.
For the best texture and rise, I highly recommend either baking and serving them on the same day you prepare them, or, if you need to prep ahead, bake them the night before and then store them properly (see storage tips below). You can gently reheat them in the morning. This ensures they maintain their delightful fluffiness.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
- Cutting Made Easy: For perfectly clean and even cuts, the easiest way to slice your cinnamon roll log is with unflavored dental floss. Simply slide a piece of floss under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to cut through the dough. You can find it for about $1 at any grocery store, and it creates a much cleaner cut than a knife, preventing the rolls from getting squished.
- Dairy for Flavor & Moisture: For the most flavorful and moist results, I recommend using full-fat cream cheese for the frosting and whole milk for the dough. The higher fat content contributes significantly to both the taste and the tender texture of your finished cinnamon rolls.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Since this is a no-yeast dough, it relies on baking powder for lift. Overworking the dough can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough cinnamon rolls. Knead just enough to bring the ingredients together, about one minute.
- Perfectly Softened Butter and Cream Cheese: For the frosting to come out thick and creamy without lumps, ensure both your butter and cream cheese are truly softened to room temperature. This makes them easier to cream together smoothly.
- Storage is Key: Since the delicious cream cheese frosting contains dairy, it’s essential to store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and safe to eat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your homemade 1-hour cinnamon rolls tasting their best, proper storage is crucial, especially with the cream cheese frosting. Once the rolls have completely cooled (or at least cooled enough that the frosting won’t completely melt off), transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. This will prevent the frosting from spoiling and keep the rolls fresh.
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, you can easily reheat them. For a single roll, microwave for 15-30 seconds until warm and soft. For multiple rolls, place them on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This low temperature helps to warm them gently without drying them out. They’ll taste almost as good as freshly baked!
Delicious Variations to Try
While these classic 1-hour cinnamon rolls are perfect as is, you can easily customize them to suit your preferences or seasonal ingredients:
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to your cinnamon filling for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Swirl: Sprinkle a handful of mini chocolate chips along with the cinnamon-sugar mixture before rolling for a chocolatey twist.
- Orange Zest Frosting: Add a teaspoon of fresh orange zest to your cream cheese frosting for a bright, citrusy zing that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.
- Cardamom Spice: For a different spice profile, add a half teaspoon of ground cardamom to your cinnamon filling.
- Maple Glaze: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, or just want another option, you can make a simple maple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a tablespoon of maple syrup.
More Easy & Delicious Roll Recipes!
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Grandma’s Cinnamon Rolls
- Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls
- Strawberry Rolls
One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
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Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams) unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk
Filling:
- 1 cup (200 grams) light or dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter melted and divided (set aside 1 tablespoon)
Frosting:
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter softened
- 3 ounces (85 grams) brick-style cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup ( 60 grams) confectioners sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) milk (or as needed to thin frosting out)
Instructions
Make the cinnamon rolls:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 9-inch cake pan well with cooking spray and set aside.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in softened butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then add in milk and stir just until the dough has formed into a shaggy ball. Do not overmix.
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For the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons of the melted butter until well combined and paste-like. Reserve the extra 1 tablespoon of melted butter to spread onto the dough.
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On a clean and lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about one minute until it’s smooth. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle (approximately 12×18 inches or similar, about 1/4″ thick). Spread the remaining tablespoon of melted butter evenly onto the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Evenly distribute the prepared filling onto the buttered dough, making sure to leave a little room at the edges uncovered.
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Carefully roll the dough up tightly from one long side into a log. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the dough log into 8 equal pieces.
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Place each cinnamon roll into the prepared 9-inch cake pan, leaving a little extra room between each one (they will expand slightly while baking).
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Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes before frosting.
Make the frosting:
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Meanwhile, using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, beat together the softened butter, softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Slowly add in one tablespoon of milk at a time, beating until it has reached your desired consistency (thick but spreadable).
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Evenly distribute the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Adapted from Food.