No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

There is something irresistibly cozy about waking up to soft, warm cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven, and this No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is a perfect way to enjoy that comfort without any waiting for dough to rise. These cinnamon rolls come together quickly thanks to baking powder and baking soda, yet deliver tender, fluffy layers bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness, all topped with a luscious cream cheese icing that balances sweetness and tang perfectly. Whether you’re making a special weekend breakfast or a delightful treat any time of day, this recipe proves that incredible cinnamon rolls don’t always need yeast or hours of prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these cinnamon rolls shine, you’ll rely on a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together magically. Each one is chosen not just for taste but for texture and that signature soft crumb we all love in cinnamon rolls.

• Butter (melted): Brushing the pan and adding to the dough gives the rolls a rich flavor and helps create a golden crust.
• Flour (2 1/2 cups, spooned and leveled): The base for the dough; spooning and leveling ensures the perfect amount for the right texture.
• White sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds just a touch of sweetness to the dough without overpowering the flavors.
• Baking powder (1 1/4 teaspoons): The key leavening agent that helps the rolls rise quickly and get fluffy.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder to give a nice lift and tender crumb.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon plus a dash in filling and icing): Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors beautifully.
• Buttermilk (1 1/4 cups plus 1/4 cup for icing): Adds moisture and a subtle tang, contributing to tender crumb and cheerfully rich icing.
• Brown sugar (1 cup packed): The star of the filling, creating that classic deep caramel-cinnamon flavor.
• Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The soul of the rolls, fragrant and warm in every bite.
• Cardamom (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For an exotic twist that adds complexity and aroma.
• Butter for filling (3 tablespoons melted): Makes the cinnamon sugar stick and adds richness to the swirl.
• Butter to drizzle (2 tablespoons): Keeps the tops moist and helps caramelize the edges.
• Cream cheese (2 ounces softened): Essential for that tangy, creamy icing that makes every bite heavenly.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the icing for perfect drizzle consistency.

How to Make No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the microwave, then use a pastry brush to coat a 9-inch round cake pan or a 10-inch cast iron skillet, making sure to cover the center and the sides. This buttery layer prevents sticking and adds flavor to the crust as your rolls bake.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This mix forms the foundation for your dough’s structure and sweetness.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add 1 1/4 cups of buttermilk. Stir them together gently to mix the warm butter evenly throughout the buttermilk, creating a luscious, moist base for your dough.

Step 4: Bring Dough Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Then, transfer the slightly sticky dough onto a generously floured surface. Flour your hands and knead the dough just 2 to 5 times until it comes together into a rough ball—no intensive kneading needed here. This light knead ensures your rolls remain tender.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Using your hands, pat the dough into approximately a 12 by 9-inch rectangle. This shape makes it easy to layer on the cinnamon filling evenly before rolling.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Filling

Mix 1 cup packed brown sugar, cinnamon, a dash of salt, and the optional cardamom in a small bowl. Stir in 3 tablespoons melted butter, making a fragrant, sticky mixture that will become the signature filling of these rolls.

Step 7: Assemble Rolls

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly across the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border on the edges. Press the mixture lightly into the dough so it adheres well. Then, starting at the long end, carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder. Pinch the seams closed to keep all that luscious filling inside.

Step 8: Cut and Arrange

With a sharp serrated knife, cut the dough into 8 equal rolls. Place one roll in the center of your prepared pan, then arrange the remaining rolls around it. This classic spiral pattern lets each roll bake beautifully and evenly.

Step 9: Butter and Bake

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle it evenly over the tops of the rolls. Bake in the hot oven for 24 to 26 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the rolls feel set when you gently shake the pan. The buttery drizzle keeps the crust soft and adds a hint of caramelization that makes these rolls swoon-worthy.

Step 10: Cool and Prepare Icing

Once baked, let the rolls cool for a couple of minutes. Use a knife to loosen the edges in the pan to prepare for unmolding. Meanwhile, beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add 1/4 cup buttermilk, continuing to beat until lumps disappear. Add 2 cups powdered sugar and beat until silky and spreadable. Adjust with more buttermilk if you prefer a thinner drizzle.

Step 11: Invert and Ice

Place a rimmed plate or a parchment-lined baking sheet nearby. Carefully invert the pan to release the rolls, now upside down on your plate, revealing the gooey swirls. Drizzle the cream cheese icing generously over the top while the rolls are still warm so it melts into all the nooks and crannies.

Step 12: Serve Warm and Enjoy

These No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe taste best warm and fresh. Grab a glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage, then dig in and enjoy the soft, buttery, cinnamon-packed joy!

How to Serve No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Garnishes

Give your cinnamon rolls a little extra flare with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cream cheese icing. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also elevate the experience, making the rolls look as delightful as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples to cut through the sweetness with refreshing juiciness. A cup of strong coffee or chai tea beautifully complements the warm spices and creamy glazing for a well-rounded breakfast or snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn these rolls into a pull-apart party centerpiece by baking them in a larger pan so they stick together but pull apart easily. You can also serve individual rolls in mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, cozy vibe or place them on skewers and drizzle icing in a zigzag pattern for an eye-catching dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, just make sure to bring them back to room temperature or warm them up gently before serving.

Freezing

These rolls freeze wonderfully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. When frozen, they maintain their softness and flavor for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat rolls gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds covered with a damp paper towel to keep the moisture in. Add additional cream cheese icing after reheating to bring back that freshly made magic.

FAQs

Can I make this No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the butter and cream cheese with vegan alternatives, and use a plant-based buttermilk substitute like almond milk mixed with a splash of vinegar. The texture might shift slightly but the overall deliciousness will remain.

Why no yeast?

This recipe skips yeast to keep it quick and easy—no rising time needed. Baking powder and soda create a tender, soft dough that’s perfectly satisfying without the wait.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Yes! Toss in chopped nuts or raisins with the cinnamon sugar filling for added texture and bursts of flavor. Just sprinkle them evenly before rolling up the dough.

How critical is the buttermilk?

Buttermilk brings a slight tang and tenderizes the dough, but if you don’t have any, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice—let it sit a few minutes before using.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

While the dough is best used fresh for softness, you can prepare it and keep it refrigerated for a few hours before shaping and baking. Just bring it slightly to room temperature to make rolling easier.

Final Thoughts

This No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen creations that feels both easy and indulgent. Perfect for those mornings when you want the comfort of homemade cinnamon rolls without the fuss of yeast, this recipe delivers every time. I truly hope you give it a try and discover how simple ingredients and a little love can turn into warm, cinnamon-swirled happiness on a plate.

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