Before diving into the step-by-step magic of making these delightful cinnamon rolls, let’s talk about what goes perfectly alongside them. You can’t have cinnamon rolls in isolation, right? They thrive in the company of good friends—be it a chilly mug of coffee, a refreshing glass of orange juice, or a hearty scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Coffee adds a cozy touch. Imagine sitting at the breakfast table, the warm aroma of cinnamon wafting through the air, complemented by a rich cup of freshly brewed coffee.
Orange juice brightens up the palate. The citrus notes contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the rolls.
Ice cream? Yes, please! A scoop of vanilla ice cream on a slightly warm cinnamon roll takes dessert to a new level. Trust me, it’s a revelation.
Baking should be a delightful experience. More often than not, we think we need yeast to achieve that fluffy, cinnamon-filled cloud of goodness. But what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy cinnamon rolls without that pesky yeast? Trust me, I’m speaking from experience here. These easy homemade cinnamon rolls without yeast bring flavor and excitement without the wait.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly rainy day when I craved something indulgent but didn’t want a lengthy prep time. Just the mere idea of a warm, gooey cinnamon roll sent my taste buds into a frenzy, but waiting for dough to rise? No, thank you. So, I crafted a recipe that cuts out the yeast and all that waiting—all while still delivering the glorious taste we crave.
This fabulous recipe gives you soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls that are done in a fraction of the time. Using baking powder for leavening, these rolls are straightforward and approachable, even for those who might find themselves intimidated in the kitchen. You don’t have to know the science of yeast fermentation. You just need to mix, roll, and bake!
Let’s break down the magic of these cinnamon rolls.
Quick Prep Time: Unlike traditional yeast rolls, these can go from ingredients to oven in a mere 10 minutes. Who doesn’t want instant gratification?
Reliable Rise: Baking powder acts quickly. It simplifies the leavening process, giving you soft and fluffy rolls without the need for proofing time.
Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday ingredients that most of us already have in our pantries. There’s no need for special trips to gourmet stores.
Indulgent Flavor: Even without yeast, these cinnamon rolls pack a flavorful punch. The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and buttery goodness offers that comforting taste we all adore.
You might have these ingredients hiding in your kitchen:
For the Dough:
For the Filling:
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
*If you don’t have buttermilk, simply mix a tablespoon of vinegar with regular milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Let’s get our hands doughy and create these rolls step by step. It’s simpler than it sounds, I promise!
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Then, add in the melted butter and buttermilk. Crack the egg and pour in the vanilla extract.
Use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine everything into a soft dough. It should come together nicely but stay slightly sticky. If it’s too sticky, you can add a bit more flour.
Dust your countertop with flour. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick, approximately 12x15 inches.
In a small bowl, blend the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, ensuring an even coating.
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder. Don’t rush—take your time to get a nice tight roll, which helps keep the filling intact.
Using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss (yes, it’s a trick I learned from an online baking community), slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces. Place each roll in the prepared baking dish, cut side up.
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing. Mix together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the icing generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Here’s a collection of nuggets to ensure your baking goes smoothly:
Prep the Dough Ahead of Time: You can make the dough ahead and keep it in the refrigerator for a few hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix until ingredients are just combined. Overworking can lead to tough rolls.
Water Temperature Matters: For the best flavor, use melted butter that’s cooled. Hot butter can affect how the dough rises.
Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to experiment a bit with spices in the filling. A pinch of cardamom can add a lovely twist!
Use an Offset Spatula: It makes spreading the filling much easier and you’ll get a thin, even layer.
Here’s a rough breakdown for one serving (assuming 12 rolls total).
Calories: 320
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 1g
This is a general guide and may vary based on specific ingredient brands used and portion sizes.
If there are any rolls left (and that’s a big ‘if’!), store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep for about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. To enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
Let’s look at some delightful companions to your cinnamon rolls.
Fresh Fruit Salad: The bright, fruity flavors enhance the sweetness of the rolls. A mix of berries, melons, and citrus makes a refreshing side.
Bacon or Sausages: A bit of savory protein balances the sweetness of the rolls. It’s like having brunch without feeling guilty!
Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits beside the rolls offers a creamy, crunchy counterpart that uplifts your dining experience.
No worries! Life happens. Here are some alternatives:
Butter Substitutes: Coconut oil or vegetable oil work well in lieu of regular butter if you’re in a pinch.
Buttermilk Alternatives: As mentioned, if you don’t have buttermilk, mix a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with regular milk.
Egg Replacement: For a vegan option, use chia seeds or flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of seeds + 2.5 tablespoons of water). This will set and work as an egg substitute.
Brown Sugar Swap: If you don’t have brown sugar, use white sugar mixed with a little molasses if you have it. It replicates the flavor and moisture brown sugar has.
So there you have it! An easy homemade cinnamon rolls without yeast recipe that promises satisfaction with minimal fuss. The aroma of these rolls filling your kitchen will draw everyone in.
As I’ve discovered, baking these rolls is not just about the end result; it’s the fun and joy of creating something delicious that brings people together. Whether you're enjoying them by themselves, with friends, or alongside a freshly brewed coffee, these cinnamon rolls will become a cherished recipe in your home.
Try them out, share the love, and let me know how your baking adventure turned out! I can’t wait to hear your story.
Baking should be a delightful experience. More often than not, we think we need yeast to achieve that fluffy, cinnamon-filled cloud of goodness. But what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy cinnamon rolls without that pesky yeast? Trust me, I’m speaking from experience here. These easy homemade cinnamon rolls without yeast bring flavor and excitement without the wait.
Servings 12
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Here’s a collection of nuggets to ensure your baking goes smoothly:
Prep the Dough Ahead of Time: You can make the dough ahead and keep it in the refrigerator for a few hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix until ingredients are just combined. Overworking can lead to tough rolls.
Water Temperature Matters: For the best flavor, use melted butter that’s cooled. Hot butter can affect how the dough rises.
Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to experiment a bit with spices in the filling. A pinch of cardamom can add a lovely twist!
Use an Offset Spatula: It makes spreading the filling much easier and you’ll get a thin, even layer.
Susan Roberts is a California-based registered dietitian and the creator of Sweet Mama’s Kitchen, where she shares simple, comforting, and nutritious home-cooked recipes. As a busy mom, she focuses on easy, wholesome meals that bring joy to the table without sacrificing flavor. Susan’s passion lies in helping others create delicious, family-friendly dishes with love and confidence.