No Knead Cinnamon Rolls

Just imagine waking up to the smell of warm cinnamon and sugar filling your house. 

There’s nothing better than warm and gooey cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven. And with our No Knead Cinnamon Rolls recipe, you can have them in only 1 hour without kneading!

Trust me; you absolutely can’t resist these warm, soft, and delicious cinnamon rolls loaded with rich flavors of melted butter, sugar, and fragrant spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

So say goodbye to laborious cinnamon roll recipes and hello to these easy and delicious cinnamon rolls.

Perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy some fluffy cinnamon rolls but without all that hard work, this recipe will fill your house with that warm aroma of cinnamon and sugar that makes everyone’s mouth water. 

Indulge in the ultimate breakfast treat with these irresistible Cinnabon-style cinnamon rolls!

Discover the secrets to creating perfectly soft and fluffy cinnamon goodness by following our quick and easy step-by-step video guide. You’ll be whipping up these impressive rolls in no time.

Reasons For Loving These HOMEMADE Cinnamon Rolls

• Perfect for beginner bakers. Since no kneading is required, this cinnamon roll recipe is more approachable and accessible for those who barely start making baking recipes.
• Saves time and effort. With a kneading step missing, this recipe is a great option when you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious homemade treat.
• Soft and fluffy texture. These cinnamon rolls will have an incredibly soft and fluffy texture thanks to the lack of kneading that allows the dough to rise naturally.
• It’s a timeless classic recipe. These cinnamon rolls are a timeless classic that will remind you about childhood and early mornings full of the smell of freshly baked goods made by your mother.
• A crowdpleaser. With their irresistible aroma and delicious taste, these no-knead cinnamon rolls will surely become a family and friend’s favorite.
• You can use customizable fillings. When you thought nothing could be better, here comes another: you can play with the fillings according to your preferences. You will find below a list with endless possibilities for filling these rolls.

Dough Basics

Before diving into the world of cinnamon rolls, make sure to know all the essential basic steps of dough-making. So here are some instructions and helpful tips to help you learn everything you need to know about making the best cinnamon rolls without kneading.

• Pay Attention To The Dry Ingredients. When making cinnamon dough or dough in particular, you should start by properly combining the dry ingredients. This means sifting the flour and salt together into one bowl to ensure no other residues will ruin our dough texture.
• Making The Yeast Mixture. Mixing the water with the instant yeast and 1 tsp of sugar is an important step in making dough since it activates the yeast and allows it to create carbon dioxide bubbles that make the dough rise and become fluffy.
• Combining Wet And Dry Ingredients. This is the final step that you should pay attention to. Use a wooden spoon when mixing wet ingredients with dry ones to obtain an even texture without lumps or chunks.

Ingredients Needed and Substitutions

Before you start making these no-knead cinnamon rolls, gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment is important. From flour and yeast to cinnamon and vanilla extract, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started. So grab your shopping list and start making some delicious cinnamon rolls!

Dough Ingredients

• Flour – This is the key ingredient in making no-knead cinnamon rolls. All-purpose flour has the perfect ratio of protein and gluten that helps you create a soft and tender texture in the dough. You can use bread flour for chewier rolls.
• Salt – Salt is an important ingredient in making no-knead cinnamon rolls since it helps enhance the dough’s flavor and balance out the sweetness of the filling.
• Water – Warm water activates instant yeast in making the no-knead dough. Be careful not to use boiled water.
• Instant Yeast – helps the dough rise quickly and evenly, resulting in fluffy cinnamon rolls.
• Sugar – In this recipe, sugar helps feed and activate the yeast and adds sweetness to the dough.
• Eggs- Eggs are a common ingredient in making no-knead cinnamon rolls and many other dough recipes, adding richness, flavor, and texture to the dough. 
• Milk – This ingredient adds moisture and richness to the dough, helping create a smooth and creamy consistency that is easy to work with.

Cinnamon Filling Ingredients

• Butter – you will need butter for the dough and cinnamon filling. This ingredient adds a delicious buttery flavor and texture to the dough.
• Brown Sugar – You will need this type of sugar to make the cinnamon filling since it has a deeper flavor than white sugar and helps create a sticky and gooey texture.
• Cinnamon – This is one of the main ingredients that makes this recipe so special. So make sure you use good-quality cinnamon for the perfect warm and spicy flavor. Try a different flavor, and substitute the cinnamon with pumpkin or apple pie spice.

Icing Ingredients

• Cream Cheese – You will need full-fat softened cream cheese to create that creamy and luscious icing that completes perfectly with these cinnamon rolls.
• Powdered Sugar – This vanilla frosting calls for powdered sugar since it combines better than a coarse one.
• Vanilla Extract –  adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the dough and the filling.

How To Make No Knead Cinnamon Rolls

Now that we know all the ingredients needed to make these fluffy cinnamon rolls, let’s start baking.

Preparing The Cinnamon Roll Dough

Whisk together the lukewarm milk, instant yeast, and 1 tsp of sugar. Then let the mixture rest for 5 minutes.

Add the sifted flour to a large bowl, and make a well in the middle. Then, pour the yeast mixture, lightly beaten eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, milk, sugar, and salt. Stir using a wooden spoon until you obtain a sticky dough.

After all the ingredients are combined, you should obtain a sticky dough.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Prepare The Filling

Add the cinnamon and sugar to a large bowl and whisk until well combined. Then melt the butter in the microwave and set aside.

Fill And Roll The Dough

Roll the dough out onto a well-floured surface into a large 16×12-inch rectangle about 1/4 inch in thickness.

Brush the dough with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle with the sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Roll the dough into a log and slice it into 2-inch slices using a sharp knife or floss. Arrange the rolls in a baking pan lined with parchment paper or greased with butter.

Bake The Cinnamon Rolls

Let the rolls rest for another 10 minutes to rise until there is no more space between them.

Transfer the baking pan to the oven and bake for 20 minutes at 350 F degrees or until golden brown.

Make The Cream Cheese Icing

Meantime make the cream cheese icing by mixing the cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl until creamy and smooth. Then add the remaining ingredients and mix for 2 more minutes until there are no lumps.

Ice the cinnamon rolls right after they are removed from the oven, and enjoy. 

Tips For The Rising Process Of The Dough

At this point, you may wonder: Only 10 minutes for the rising process? Yes, this dough will rise in only 10 minutes if you are using the right technique.

• Using the Oven: Heat your oven to 200F for a couple of minutes, then turn it off, place the dough on the center rack, and close the door. Then, after 10 minutes, you will see that the dough has risen nicely and beautifully.
• Microwave: Heat 1 cup of water in your microwave for 4 minutes, then remove the water and place the dough in the microwave. Close the door and wait for a couple of minutes until the dough has risen.
• Warm environment: It’s important to let the dough rise in a warm room at 75-80F(24-27C) since the yeast loom in a warm environment.
• Cover with plastic wrap: Cover the bowl with the dough with plastic foil to prevent dryness and keep moisture locked inside during the rising process.
• Test the Dough: Poke the dough gently with your finger, and if the indentation remains, the dough is ready. Otherwise, it needs more time to rise.

Essential Tips For Success

• Measure Precisely: This step is important to ensure the right balance of dry to wet ingredients and create the perfect dough.
• Don’t overmix: This can lead to a tough and chewy dough. Remember that this is a no-knead recipe, so mix the ingredients until everything is fully incorporated without overworking it.
• Leave space between rolls. This will help the cinnamon rolls rise and bake evenly in the oven. If placed too close together, they may become difficult to separate without ruining their shape and won’t bake evenly.
• Keep an eye on them. Check the cinnamon rolls while they bake since they become golden brown when ready.

Topping Ideas

If you are tired of the same old cream cheese frosting, you can get creative and personalize these quick cinnamon rolls according to your preferences. Here are some delicious and interesting ideas:

• Vanilla Glaze: Make a simple vanilla glaze to perfectly complement the cinnamon flavor.
• Caramel Sauce: I love the sweet buttery flavor of the caramel sauce and paired with these fluffy cinnamon rolls, it’s a really delicious culinary sweet treat.
• Maple Glaze: Maple syrup’s rich and sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the warm spices from these cinnamon rolls.
• Chocolate Glaze:  Turn these cinnamon rolls into a delicious treat perfect for chocolate lovers by frosting them with a chocolate glaze.
• Powdered Sugar: If you like keeping things simple, choose a simple topping such as powdered sugar.

Filling Ideas

If you are not a fan of the cinnamon flavor but still want to enjoy a fluffy and gooey roll, feel free to substitute the cinnamon filling with another one. Choose your favorite filling from the following list:

• Nutella. Who can’t resist Nutella? Skip the cinnamon filling, and spread a generous layer of Nutella over the dough before rolling it up.
• Apple Filling. Try a delicious fall twist by filling these rolls with chopped apples mixed with brown sugar and vanilla extract.
•  Cream Cheese Filling. Mix some softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract and spread it over the dough.
• Lemon Blueberry: If you want a fresh and tangy filling, try mixing lemon zest, blueberries, and sugar and create the best dessert for spring brunch.

Storage Tips

Now whether you’ve made a big batch of cinnamon rolls or just ended up with a few leftovers, you should know how to store them properly to keep them fresh and delicious for longer. So don’t let your work go to waste, and learn how to store these no-knead cinnamon rolls by following the next steps.

Room-Temperature: Once your cinnamon rolls have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container or bag for up to five days.

Tip: If you plan to eat them the next week, pop into the fridge so they stay moist and fresh a bit longer.

Freezer: This recipe is also freezer-friendly. So if there are any cinnamon rolls leftovers, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. 

Then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cinnamon Rolls

• Preheat your oven to 350F/180C, and place the cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then bake them for 5-10 minutes or until just heated through.
• You can also reheat them in the microwave for 30 seconds; just make sure not to overheat them, as they can become tough and chewy.

Tip: If you want to obtain that perfect soft texture when reheating these cinnamon rolls, I recommend wrapping them loosely with aluminum foil to help maintain the moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Here is an interesting thing about cinnamon rolls: According to a survey, they are one of the most popular breakfast pastries around, and more than 70% of people consume them at least once a week.

So, whether you enjoy them for an indulgent weekend brunch, sweet treat, or snack, here are some interesting ideas for serving these delicious fluffy pastries.

• With Glaze: These cinnamon rolls are often served with a sweet glaze or icing made from powdered sweetener, milk, and cream cheese.
• Fresh Fruits. Sliced strawberries, bananas, or raspberries are some great complements to these warm and sweet cinnamon rolls.
• Nuts: Add crunchy texture to these cinnamon rolls by serving them with chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
• Simple: Keep things simple and start your day with a warm and gooey cinnamon roll served with a cup of tea or coffee.

Troubleshooting

While making these no-knead cinnamon rolls is an easy and quick process, sometimes things can go wrong. But here we are with some common troubleshooting tips to help you perfect your recipe and avoid any accidents along the way.

1. The Dough Is Too Dry – Your dough may be too dry because you overmixed it or add it to much flour. This problem can be solved by adding more milk or water until the dough comes together.
2. The Dough Is Too Sticky – This happens when you undermix or overmix the dough. So pay attention to this step and mix until just well combined. And also, remember to dust the surface with flour when rolling the dough.
3. Dough Didn’t Rise: Ensure you are using fresh and good-quality yeast to prevent this. Also, ensure that the dough is in a warm and draft-free place while rising.
4. Browned Too Quickly – If your rolls turn out overly browned before it’s ready, cover them with foil or parchment paper during baking to help insulate them from direct heat sources.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Is The Best Substitute For Cinnamon In The Recipe?

Since cinnamon is the key ingredient in cinnamon rolls recipe, it may not be easy to find a perfect substitute with the same flavor. However, if you’re out of cinnamon or have an allergy, here are some alternatives that may work:

• Allspice: it has a similar warm, sweet flavor to cinnamon.
• Nutmeg: Nutmeg has a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can be used instead of cinnamon, but in a smaller amount since it can be quite strong.
• Cardamom: Loaded with warm, slightly sweet, and floral flavor can also be used instead of cinnamon but also moderately.

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• Banana Nut Muffins