Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the best parts of traditional cinnamon rolls and speeds up the process to get them on your table faster. With a quick-rise dough that only requires 45 minutes of proofing, you get the same soft, fluffy texture that you'd expect from a more time-consuming recipe. The rolls are stuffed with cinnamon sugar and finished with a smooth glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Whether you're making them for breakfast, brunch, or a treat, these cinnamon rolls are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

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

For the dough:

• 1 cup milk, any variety

• ¼ cup butter or coconut oil, melted and cooled

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for mixing), approx. 400g

• ¼ cup sugar

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• 1 packet (0.25 oz) instant yeast (or 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast)

For the filling:

• ¼ cup softened butter or melted coconut oil

• ½ cup brown sugar, or more as desired

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

For the glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 2-3 tablespoons milk (almond milk works well)

Directions

1. Prepare the dough: Warm the milk to 120-130°F (49-54°C), as per instant yeast package instructions. Coat a 13x9 pan with cooking spray and set aside.

2. Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour (reserving ¼ cup for kneading), sugar, instant yeast, salt, milk, and melted butter/oil. Stir the mixture until it forms a shaggy dough.

3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer on low speed for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add the reserved flour as necessary to prevent the dough from sticking.

4. Rest the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes.

5. Prepare the filling: Roll the dough into an 18x12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Brush the dough with butter or oil, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the surface.

6. Roll the dough: Roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the edges to seal. Use dental floss to cut ½-inch off each end to create neat edges. Slice the log into 12 uniform rolls.

7. Proof the rolls: Arrange the rolls cut-side-up in the prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, until doubled in size.

8. Preheat the oven: During the last 15 minutes of proofing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

9. Bake the rolls: Uncover the rolls and bake them for 25 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked through.

10. Make the glaze: While the rolls are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth and at your desired consistency.

11. Finish the rolls: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes 12 cinnamon rolls.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Proofing Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegan: Substitute the milk and butter for plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter or coconut oil.

• Frosting alternative: Instead of the glaze, top your rolls with cream cheese frosting for a rich, tangy finish.

• Add-ins: You can mix in chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) or raisins into the filling for extra texture and flavor.

• Spiced up: Experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves into the filling for a spiced twist on your cinnamon rolls.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: To restore their fluffy texture, reheat the cinnamon rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm.

FAQs

How do I know if my dough is ready to bake?

The dough should be smooth and elastic, and after proofing, it should have doubled in size. You can test by gently pressing a finger into the dough—if the indentation remains, it's ready.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast. If using active dry yeast, bloom it in 110°F water before mixing it with the other ingredients and allow the dough to fully proof before shaping.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls the night before?

Yes, prepare the dough and fill it as instructed, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, allow the rolls to come to room temperature and rise before baking.

Can I freeze the dough or the rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping. Just freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use almond flour or other gluten-free flour?

Gluten-free flours won't work the same way in this recipe. If you're following a gluten-free diet, look for a specific gluten-free flour blend made for baking.

How can I make the rolls fluffier?

Ensure the dough rises well before baking, and avoid overworking the dough. Proof the rolls in a warm environment to help them rise properly.

Can I double the recipe for more rolls?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and use two 13x9-inch pans. The baking time should remain about the same.

Why does my glaze melt when I put it on the rolls?

To avoid the glaze melting, let the rolls cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over them. Warm rolls, not piping hot, are the best for glazing.

Can I use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, coconut sugar is a great alternative to brown sugar, giving a slightly different but still delicious flavor.

How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

To adjust the thickness, simply add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze, or more milk for a thinner consistency.

Conclusion

This quick cinnamon roll recipe is perfect for anyone who loves fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls but doesn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With a simple dough, a delicious filling, and a quick baking time, you can have warm, gooey cinnamon rolls ready in just 90 minutes. Whether you enjoy them as a sweet breakfast or as a treat for your next brunch, these cinnamon rolls will quickly become a family favorite!