The Ultimate Guide to Quick Cinnamon Rolls: Ready in 45 Minutes!

Have you ever craved warm, gooey cinnamon rolls but didn’t want to wait hours for the dough to rise? You’re not alone! Traditional cinnamon rolls require patience and planning, but our quick cinnamon rolls recipe delivers all the flavor and satisfaction in just 45 minutes. Perfect for busy mornings, unexpected guests, or sudden sweet tooth emergencies, these rolls prove that delicious doesn’t have to be time-consuming.

These quick cinnamon rolls skip the yeast entirely, using baking powder and baking soda as leavening agents instead. The result? Soft, fluffy rolls with that classic cinnamon-sugar swirl and creamy frosting that will have everyone asking for seconds. The best part? No special equipment required—just basic kitchen tools and ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Let’s dive into how you can create these crowd-pleasing treats in less time than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite show!

Why You’ll Love These Quick Cinnamon Rolls

Before we get to the recipe, let’s talk about why these no-yeast cinnamon rolls deserve a spot in your recipe collection:

• Time-Saving Marvel: Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
• No Special Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have
• Beginner-Friendly: Simple instructions anyone can follow
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or anytime treats
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with different fillings and toppings
• Family-Approved: Kids and adults alike will ask for more
• Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and reheat when needed

Traditional cinnamon rolls are delicious, but when time is of the essence, this recipe delivers all the comfort and flavor without the wait. The secret lies in the baking powder-based dough that creates a tender, slightly biscuit-like texture that perfectly complements the sweet cinnamon filling.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

One of the beauties of this recipe is its simplicity. You won’t need any fancy equipment or special tools to make these easy cinnamon rolls. Here’s what to gather:

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium bowl (for mixing filling)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or dental floss (for cutting rolls)
• 9-inch round cake pan or 8×8 square baking dish
• Whisk or fork
• Spatula
• Parchment paper (optional, but helpful)

Having these basic kitchen tools ready before you start will make the process even quicker and smoother. The parchment paper isn’t strictly necessary, but it does make cleanup easier and helps prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan.

Ingredients for Quick Cinnamon Rolls

For the Dough:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)

The ingredients list might look lengthy at first glance, but most of these items are baking staples. The buttermilk adds tanginess and helps create a tender texture in these quick rolls. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease your baking pan.

2. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Combine the wet ingredients in a separate container: buttermilk, melted butter (slightly cooled), and vanilla extract.

4. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture.

5. Stir gently until just combined. The dough will look shaggy and soft—that’s exactly what you want! Overmixing will result in tough cinnamon rolls.

6. Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead very gently just 3-4 times until it comes together. Remember, this isn’t yeast dough—minimal handling is key for tender rolls.

Preparing the Filling

1. Mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl until well combined.

2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 14×8 inches. Don’t worry about getting perfect edges—rustic is charming!

3. Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.

4. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter, gently pressing it in with your hands to help it adhere.

Rolling and Baking

1. Starting with the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. For the best results, go slowly and keep the roll as tight as possible without stretching the dough.

2. Pinch the seam to seal it closed.

3. Cut the log into 9-12 even pieces (depending on how large you want your rolls). A sharp serrated knife works well, but unflavored dental floss can create even cleaner cuts: simply slide the floss under the log, cross the ends at the top, and pull to slice through.

4. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in your prepared baking pan, leaving a little space between each for expansion.

5. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown on top. If the rolls are browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.

Making the Frosting

1. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

2. Add the powdered sugar gradually, mixing until incorporated.

3. Stir in the vanilla extract and enough milk to achieve your desired consistency.

4. Spread the frosting over the warm (not hot) cinnamon rolls before serving.

Tips for Perfect Quick Cinnamon Rolls Every Time

These professional tips will elevate your homemade cinnamon rolls from good to exceptional:

• Keep ingredients cool but not cold: Room temperature ingredients blend more easily, but you don’t want your butter so warm that it melts completely.

• Don’t overwork the dough: Unlike yeast dough, this quick dough develops gluten rapidly. The less you handle it, the more tender your rolls will be.

• Use a bench scraper: If the dough is sticking, a bench scraper helps lift it without adding too much extra flour, which can make the rolls tough.

• Even filling distribution: Take an extra minute to ensure your cinnamon-sugar mixture is evenly distributed across the dough for consistent flavor in every bite.

• Sharp knife or dental floss: Using a very sharp knife or unflavored dental floss helps create clean cuts without squishing the rolls.

• Preheat properly: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking to ensure even cooking.

• Watch closely while baking: Quick cinnamon rolls can go from perfectly golden to over-browned rapidly, so keep an eye on them starting at the 15-minute mark.

Variations to Try

One of the greatest things about this quick cinnamon roll recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some delicious variations to experiment with:

Different Fillings:

• Apple Cinnamon: Add ½ cup of finely diced apples to the filling
• Orange Cranberry: Mix in 1 tablespoon of orange zest and ⅓ cup dried cranberries
• Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle ½ cup mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar layer
• Nutty: Add ⅓ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the filling
• Pumpkin Spice: Replace half the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a fall flavor

Alternative Frostings:

• Simple Glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla
• Maple Frosting: Substitute maple syrup for the vanilla in the cream cheese frosting
• Coffee Glaze: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the frosting
• Citrus Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese frosting
• Brown Butter Frosting: Use browned butter instead of regular butter for a nutty flavor

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

These quick cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but there are several ways to store them or prepare ahead:

Room Temperature:

Store completely cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

Refrigerator:

Frosted rolls can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Allow to come to room temperature or gently reheat before serving.

Freezer Options:

• Freeze Unbaked Rolls: Prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
• Freeze Baked Rolls: Fully bake but don’t frost the rolls. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes before frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free? A: Yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use a non-dairy milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice added to create a buttermilk substitute. For the frosting, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.

Q: My dough seems too sticky. What should I do? A: Add additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough is manageable. However, be careful not to add too much flour as this can make the rolls dense.

Q: Can I prepare these the night before? A: Yes! Prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking.

Q: Why didn’t my rolls rise much? A: These quick cinnamon rolls won’t rise as dramatically as yeast-based versions. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh (less than 6 months old) for best results.

Q: Can I double this recipe? A: Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and divide the dough in half before rolling out to make it more manageable.

Perfect Pairings for Your Quick Cinnamon Rolls

These easy homemade cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with:

• A hot cup of coffee or tea
• Cold milk
• Hot chocolate
• Fresh fruit salad
• Scrambled eggs (for a sweet and savory breakfast)
• Yogurt parfaits
• Bacon or breakfast sausage

The contrast between the sweet rolls and savory breakfast items creates a balanced meal that satisfies both sweet and salty cravings.

Why This Recipe Works

Understanding the science behind these no-yeast cinnamon rolls helps appreciate why they work so well:

• Baking powder and baking soda create carbon dioxide bubbles when they interact with the acidic buttermilk, providing the necessary lift without yeast.
• Buttermilk not only activates the leavening agents but also adds tenderness to the dough through its acidic properties.
• Minimal mixing keeps the gluten development low, resulting in tender rather than chewy rolls.
• Higher baking temperature (425°F) helps create a quick rise and golden exterior while maintaining a soft interior.

The resulting texture is slightly different from traditional yeast rolls—these quick cinnamon rolls have a tender, slightly biscuit-like quality that many people actually prefer, especially when time is of the essence.

Conclusion

These quick cinnamon rolls prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy freshly baked, homemade treats. In just 45 minutes, you can create warm, gooey cinnamon rolls that will fill your home with an irresistible aroma and satisfy your sweet cravings without the wait.

Perfect for busy weekday mornings, weekend brunches, or last-minute desserts, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your collection. The no-yeast approach means you can have these rolls whenever the mood strikes, without planning ahead or waiting for dough to rise.

Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving cinnamon rolls but short on time—you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can enjoy this classic treat. And once you master the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with the variations to make it your own signature dish!

Remember, sometimes the quickest recipes become family favorites, not just because they’re convenient, but because they’re genuinely delicious. These quick cinnamon rolls are definitely one of those recipes—proving that good things don’t always have to come to those who wait!