Name: Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 3/4 cup milk; 4 tbsp butter, melted (divided); 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 2–3 tbsp milk (for glaze); 4 oz cream cheese (optional, for frosting)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cinnamon rolls are beginner-friendly and come together much faster than traditional yeast-based rolls. They’re warm, gooey, and bursting with cinnamon flavor, making them irresistible. Perfect for holidays, weekend breakfasts, or whenever you’re craving a sweet treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Sugar
Milk
Butter, melted
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (for glaze)
Cream cheese (optional for frosting)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add milk and melted butter to form a soft dough.
Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle.
Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into rolls.
Place rolls in the prepared dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and a little milk for glaze (or use cream cheese for frosting).
Drizzle glaze over warm rolls and serve.

Servings and timing

Serves 8–10.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Cream Cheese Frosting: Use cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar for a rich topping.
Nutty Rolls: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add finely chopped apples inside the filling.
Pumpkin Spice Rolls: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice mix.
Overnight Version: Prepare ahead, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 4–5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 325°F until warm. Freeze baked rolls (without glaze) for up to 2 months, then thaw and glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, refrigerate it overnight, and bake the next day.

Do I need yeast for this recipe?

No, this easy version uses baking powder instead of yeast.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, crescent roll or biscuit dough works for an even quicker option.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter and milk.

How do I keep cinnamon rolls soft?

Store in an airtight container and don’t overbake them.

Can I add glaze while they’re hot?

Yes, adding glaze to warm rolls makes it melt beautifully.

What’s the best pan to use?

A round cake pan or 9×13-inch baking dish works best.

Can I freeze unbaked rolls?

Yes, freeze before baking, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Can I make mini cinnamon rolls?

Yes, just roll the dough thinner and slice into smaller pieces.

Why are my rolls dry?

They may have been overbaked or didn’t have enough filling.

Conclusion

Easy Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect way to enjoy homemade bakery-style treats with minimal effort. With their soft, fluffy texture, gooey cinnamon filling, and sweet glaze, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cinnamon rolls will quickly become a family favorite