no-bake cinnamon rolls — These no-bake cinnamon rolls are a fun, kid-friendly snack that turns simple ingredients (bread, butter and cinnamon sugar) into sweet pinwheel bites. No yeast, no oven, no fuss — perfect for rainy-day cooking activities with kids, quick after-school treats, or a party snack. The recipe is fast, safe, and teaches rolling and cutting skills.
Prep Time: 10 mins • Cook Time: 0 mins • Total Time: 10 mins • Servings: 4 (Yield: 4)
Ingredients
- 2 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (or 1½ tbsp sugar + ½ tsp ground cinnamon)
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon water (or more, to thin glaze)
Directions
Step 1
Flatten the bread: Place one slice of bread on a cutting board. Using a rolling pin or the heel of your hand, roll the slice until very flat and thin.
Step 2
Add butter and cinnamon sugar: Spread about 1 tablespoon softened butter evenly over the flattened bread. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar on top and press gently so it sticks.
Step 3
Roll tight: Starting at one long edge, roll the bread tightly into a log. Repeat Steps 1–3 with the second slice.
Step 4
Slice into rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut each bread log into 1-inch slices to create pinwheels. You should get 6 to 8 bite-size pieces per log; serve 4–6 pieces as a kid portion.
Step 5
Make a quick glaze: In a small bowl, whisk confectioners’ sugar with 1/8 tsp water (add more a drop at a time if needed) until a pourable glaze forms. Drizzle lightly over bread rolls.
Step 6
Serve and enjoy: Arrange on a plate and let kids dig in immediately — no baking required.
Cook’s Note
Swap white bread for whole wheat or brioche for richer flavor. For a nut-free twist, add a thin smear of sunflower seed butter before rolling. These are best eaten within an hour of assembly for optimal texture.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories 124 • Total Fat 6g • Saturated Fat 4g • Cholesterol 15mg • Sodium 126mg • Total Carbohydrate 17g • Dietary Fiber 0g • Total Sugars 5g • Protein 1g