Quick and Easy Cinnamon Rolls Without Yeast

a close up shot of a slice of No yeast Cinnamon Rolls on a plate

Just as gooey and delicious but requiring none of the extra work, these no-yeast cinnamon rolls are the perfect idea for a sweet breakfast.

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Prep Time20

Cook Time25

Total Time45

Servings

Table of Contents

Ingredients For No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls
How To Make This Cinnamon Roll Recipe
How To Serve
Storage and Reheating Tips
More Cinnamon Roll Recipes
JUMP TO RECIPE

If you’re craving soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls but don’t have the time or patience for yeast dough, these no-yeast cinnamon rolls deliver indulgence with ease. The dough comes together in minutes — no waiting for it to rise — and the rolls bake up soft and fluffy in no time. Each bite bursts with cinnamon and brown sugar, all topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese icing that melts into every swirl.

a close up shot of a slice of No yeast Cinnamon Rolls on a plate with a bite taken out of it

Our #1 Tip For This Recipe: Avoid overworking the dough—mix it just until combined and handle it gently. This keeps the dough tender and ensures your cinnamon rolls bake up soft and fluffy, even without yeast.

Ingredients For No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls

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DAIRY:

Whole milk
Unsalted butter
Cream cheese

PANTRY STAPLES:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Granulated sugar
Light brown sugar
Cinnamon
Salt
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

No yeast Cinnamon Rolls raw ingredients that are labeled

Substitutions

ICING: You can substitute your favorite vanilla glaze for the cream cheese icing in this quick cinnamon rolls recipe. However, the cream cheese icing holds up to these cinnamon rolls, making them extra indulgent.

Flavor Variations

Why This Recipe Works Without Yeast

Instead of yeast, this recipe relies on baking powder as the leavening agent. Baking powder reacts with the other ingredients to create tiny bubbles of carbon dioxide, causing the dough to rise and bake into a tender, airy texture.

The recipe also uses whole milk and unsalted butter to keep the dough rich and moist, ensuring the rolls stay soft and flavorful even without the structure that yeast typically provides.

These key ingredients work together to deliver the indulgent experience you’d expect from traditional cinnamon rolls, but with a fraction of the effort.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

These quick and easy no-yeast cinnamon rolls are wonderfully soft, offering a slightly different texture than traditional cinnamon rolls.

While they don’t have the big, pillowy rise of a yeast dough or the same spreading effect in the oven, they shine in their own way.

These rolls are incredibly delicious, with all the warm, comforting flavors you love, and they come together in a fraction of the time. Perfect for when you want a quick, satisfying version of a favorite breakfast treat!

How To Make This Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Preparing Dough: Avoid Overmixing

Mixing the dough just until the ingredients are combined is key to achieving soft, tender cinnamon rolls. Overworking the dough activates the gluten in the flour too much, which can make the rolls dense, chewy, and tough—a texture more suited for bread than pastries.

To prevent this:

Use a light hand when combining the wet and dry ingredients, stopping as soon as the dough comes together. It’s okay if the dough looks slightly shaggy.
Unlike yeast doughs, no-yeast doughs don’t need kneading to develop structure. Minimal handling keeps them soft and flaky.
A stand mixer or overzealous stirring can lead to overmixing. A spatula or clean hands offers better control.

PRO TIP:

This dough is very easy to work with. It may be a bit sticky, but please resist the temptation to add more flour to the dough.

This will make the dough tough and similar to a scone texture and not the soft and light texture of these rolls.

milk mixture poured into the flour mixture in a bowl

Tips for Perfectly Swirled Rolls

By following these tips, you’ll have beautifully shaped, evenly baked cinnamon rolls with a perfect swirl in every piece:

1. Roll the Dough Evenly:
Using a rolling pin, gently roll the dough out to an even thickness. This ensures the rolls bake uniformly, preventing some from being too thick and undercooked while others are thin and overdone. Work on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking, and try to maintain a rectangular shape for easier rolling and slicing.

2. Spread the Filling Evenly:
For a balanced flavor in every bite, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture all the way to the edges—don’t leave gaps. This will give each roll a consistent, gooey center that everyone loves.

3. Make Clean Cuts:
When it’s time to slice the dough into rolls, avoid pressing down too hard, as this can flatten the rolls and pinch the layers together. Use a very sharp blade and a gentle sawing motion to minimize squishing.

Don’t Overbake

Baking time is crucial for soft, tender cinnamon rolls. Keep an eye on them in the oven and look for golden-brown tops as your cue to pull them out.

To test for doneness, you can gently press the center of a roll—if it springs back lightly, they’re ready. Always follow the recommended baking time, but check a few minutes early just to be safe.

PRO TIP:

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cinnamon rolls at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Icing

The cream cheese icing is the crowning glory of these no-yeast cinnamon rolls, and with a few simple tips, you can make it absolutely irresistible. Here’s how to achieve a smooth, creamy frosting that melts perfectly over your warm rolls:

Soften Your Ingredients
For the silkiest icing, make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. Softened ingredients blend together easily, preventing lumps and ensuring a velvety texture.

Sift the Powdered Sugar
Take a moment to sift the powdered sugar before adding it to your mixture. This step removes any clumps and gives your icing a smooth, professional finish.

Adjust the Consistency

Thicker Icing: If you prefer a more spreadable, thick frosting, reduce the amount of milk or leave it out entirely.
Thinner Glaze: For a drizzle-friendly consistency, add milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired texture.

Boost the Flavor
Don’t skip the vanilla extract! It adds a rich, sweet depth that takes your icing to the next level. For an extra indulgent touch, try swapping in almond extract.

How To Serve

Once your no yeast cinnamon rolls have come out of the oven, you can frost the top of the rolls while they are warm with the cream cheese icing. This helps it seep into the nooks and crannies of the swirls for extra flavor in every bite.

Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to apply it evenly.

You can also add a pinch of cinnamon sprinkled onto the top of your frosted cinnamon rolls for a garnish.

Serve At Breakfast

Cinnamon rolls are the quintessential treat for holidays, birthdays, and cozy weekends. The smell of cinnamon and brown sugar wafting through the house is the perfect way to set the mood for a special morning.

For these kind of busy mornings, no-yeast cinnamon rolls are the ultimate lifesaver. With no waiting for dough to rise, you can whip them up in no time. They’re perfect for treating yourself or your family without spending hours in the kitchen.

In addition, they pair beautifully with other breakfast and brunch recipes:

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole: This hearty slow cooker casserole combines hash browns, bell peppers, onions, sausage, bacon, and cheese, all bound together with eggs. It can be prepared overnight for convenience. Plus, it frees up your oven for other dishes.
Breakfast Crescent Ring: A visually appealing dish made with crescent rolls filled with eggs, sausage, peppers, and cheese. It’s both delicious and easy to share, making it a great addition to your breakfast spread.
Sheet Pan Breakfast: This all-in-one meal includes roasted potatoes, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs, all prepared on a single sheet pan. It’s a straightforward and flavorful option to serve alongside your cinnamon rolls.

Serve As A Dessert

While cinnamon rolls are often thought of as a breakfast or brunch treat, they make an absolutely show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

While many enjoy cinnamon rolls as a casual treat eaten by hand, for dessert, they’re often plated individually and eaten with a fork and knife, giving them a more refined touch.

Serve with sliced apples, a fruit preserve, or fresh berries to complement the sweetness of the roll and add a refreshing contrast.

Drink Pairings

MORE CINNAMON ROLL RECIPES

Breakfast Casseroles

Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Quick Breads

Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread Recipe

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftover Cinnamon Rolls

Refrigerator: Place the rolls in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. This prevents them from drying out. They can be kept in the fridge for up to four days.
Freezer: Cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months.

Reheating Cinnamon Rolls

Adding Moisture: To revive leftover rolls, especially if they’ve dried out a bit, drizzle a little milk or cream over them before reheating in the oven. This will help restore their softness.
Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 15-20 second intervals until warm and soft.
Oven: For a more even reheating, preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes.

a close up shot of No yeast Cinnamon Rolls in a bowl

No-yeast cinnamon rolls—soft, buttery, and swirled with gooey cinnamon-sugar goodness, all ready in a fraction of the time. They’re proof that you don’t need hours of rising or fancy ingredients to create something irresistibly delicious. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you’re craving a little indulgence, these rolls are all about maximum flavor with minimal fuss

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use self rising flour instead of all purpose flour?

No, self-rising flour isn’t a good substitute because it already contains baking powder and salt, which can throw off the recipe’s precise leavening balance. This may result in rolls that don’t rise properly or taste overly salty. For the best texture and flavor, stick with all-purpose flour as called for in the recipe.

Can these be put together the night before and then baked in the morning?

No, these no-yeast cinnamon rolls are best made and baked immediately. Since the dough relies on baking powder for leavening, it doesn’t hold up well overnight. The baking powder activates as soon as the wet and dry ingredients are combined, so waiting to bake the rolls can result in a dense, less fluffy texture. For the best results, prepare, assemble, and bake them fresh.

More Cinnamon Roll Recipes

Cinnamon Rolls (No Yeast)

5 from 18 votes

Just as gooey and delicious but requiring none of the extra work, these no-yeast cinnamon rolls are the perfect idea for a sweet breakfast.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Servings

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Ingredients

Cinnamon Rolls

⅔ cup whole milk
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2¼ cups all-purpose flour, divided
2½ teaspoons baking powder
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup light brown sugar
2½ teaspoons cinnamon

Cream Cheese Icing

2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8-inch round baking pan or 9-inch pie pan with baker’s spray. Set aside.
In a medium-sized measuring cup with a spout, add the whole milk and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Heat in the microwave for 1 to 1½ minutes on high or until the butter has melted and the milk is warm but not boiling. Mix together and allow to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir to combine.
Using a spatula, slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the flour mixture. You will gently stir the dough together until all the milk is absorbed by the flour. Lightly flour your hands. Using your hands, you can lightly knead the dough to form a ball inside the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl of dough with a damp paper towel or tea towel, and allow the dough ball to rest for 10 minutes while you prepare your cinnamon filling.
In a small bowl, stir together the light brown sugar and cinnamon. In a small dish, melt the remaining two tablespoons of unsalted butter. Set aside.
On a clean counter or rolling mat, add the remaining ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and spread it out to roll out your dough. Using a rolling pin, which has been lightly floured, roll your dough out into a 10×12-inch rectangle.
Using a pastry brush, brush the 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter onto the entire surface of the dough. Evenly sprinkle the entire surface of the dough with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Roll the dough from the 12-inch long side into a log. Carefully trim off each end of the log so that you have a nice even log of cinnamon roll dough.
Slice your cinnamon rolls evenly into 12 rolls. These should be about an inch wide per roll.
Gently place each roll into the prepared 9-inch round baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the no yeast cinnamon rolls are just lightly golden on the edges. You do not want to overbake your cinnamon rolls.

Cream Cheese Icing

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream together, with a handheld mixer on medium-low speed, the cream cheese, unsalted butter, and salt for 1 minute or until there are no lumps.
Add the vanilla extract and whole milk to the cream cheese mixture and beat for an additional 30 seconds until completely incorporated.
With the mixer on low, beat in the powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. You may need to add an additional 1 to 2 teaspoons of whole milk to thin out your frosting if it is too thick to spread.
Once your no-yeast cinnamon rolls have come out of the oven, you can frost your cinnamon rolls while they are warm with the cream cheese icing. You can use a pinch of cinnamon to sprinkle onto the top of your frosted cinnamon rolls for a garnish if desired.

Notes

Due to the nature of these being quick and easy cinnamon rolls without yeast, they are the texture of a soft and tender dough, but they will not have that big fluffy, pillowy texture that a traditional cinnamon roll has. They also will not rise and spread like a traditional roll. However, these no yeast cinnamon rolls are very delicious and are a great quick version of a favorite breakfast treat.
This dough is very easy to work with. It may be a bit sticky, but please resist the temptation to add more flour to the dough. This will make the dough tough and similar to a scone texture and not the soft and light texture of these rolls.
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cinnamon rolls at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

Nutrition

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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls – Easy