Go Back

Quick No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls - Soft, Sweet, and Ready Fast

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • For the dough: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup buttermilk (cold), plus 1–2 tablespoons if needed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the filling: 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional add-ins: Chopped pecans, mini chocolate chips, orange zest, or a smear of softened cream cheese in the filling.

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment for easy cleanup.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
  3. Cut in the butter: Add cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with pea-size bits.
  4. Add the wet ingredients: Stir in buttermilk and vanilla with a fork until the dough just comes together. If it’s dry, add 1–2 tablespoons more buttermilk. Do not overmix.
  5. Bring the dough together: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently 4–6 times to smooth it out. It should be soft but not sticky.
  6. Roll it out: Pat or roll the dough into a rectangle, about 10x12 inches and 1/4-inch thick. Trim edges if you want cleaner rolls.
  7. Make the filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Brush the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge.
  8. Roll and slice: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut 8–10 even rolls.
  9. Pan and bake: Arrange rolls in the prepared pan, slightly touching. Bake 18–22 minutes, until puffed, lightly golden on top, and the centers look set.
  10. Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk or cream, vanilla, and a tiny pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. Adjust with more liquid or sugar as needed.
  11. Finish and serve: Let rolls cool 5 minutes. Drizzle generously with glaze and serve warm.