Quick cinnamon rolls deliver warm, comforting bakery flavor without yeast or proofing — perfect when you need fresh cinnamon rolls in under an hour. This quick, no-yeast cinnamon roll recipe yields soft, tender rolls finished with classic cream-cheese frosting.
Prep Time: 20 mins • Cook Time: 20 mins • Total Time: 40 mins • Servings: 9
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra)
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup whole milk
Filling
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, divided
Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush an 8-inch square baking dish with 1 tbsp melted butter.
Step 2
In a large bowl whisk together flour, 2 tbsp sugar, baking powder, and salt. Rub 3 tbsp softened butter into the flour with your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3
Pour milk into the flour mixture and stir with a spatula until a soft dough forms.
Step 4
Turn dough onto a floured surface and roll into a 10-inch square. Brush surface with remaining 2 tbsp melted butter.
Step 5
Combine white sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle 1 tbsp of the cinnamon mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish, then evenly over butter-brushed dough.
Step 6
Roll the dough into a log from one long edge; slice into 9 equal rolls (≈1-inch each) and place cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
Step 7
Bake 20–25 minutes until puffy and lightly golden.
Step 8
For the frosting, beat powdered sugar, cream cheese, ¼ cup softened butter, and vanilla until smooth. Spread on hot rolls and serve immediately.
Cook’s Note
To keep the rolls extra tender, cover with foil for first 10 minutes of baking, then remove to finish browning. Serve same day for best texture.
Nutrition Facts (per roll)
Calories 234 • Total Fat 9g • Saturated Fat 5g • Cholesterol 22mg • Sodium 259mg • Carbs 36g • Protein 4g