There’s nothing quite like the smell of cinnamon rolls warming up your kitchen, especially when you can make them quickly and easily at home. These quick cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness, perfect for starting your day on a sweet note without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re craving a cozy breakfast or a comforting afternoon treat, this quick cinnamon rolls recipe will deliver delicious results in under an hour. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up these crowd-pleasing delights with everyday ingredients.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 60 minutes from start to finish.
- Uses simple pantry staples you probably already have.
- Soft and fluffy texture with gooey cinnamon filling.
- Perfectly balanced sweet glaze that isn’t too heavy.
- Great for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your quick cinnamon rolls come to life. The quantities are just right for 8 delicious rolls.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons whole milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 rolls
- Calories: Approximately 280 per roll
How to Make Quick Cinnamon Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the warmed milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until it forms a soft dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 12x8-inch rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut the log into 8 equal slices and place them cut-side down in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- Warm the milk slightly—not too hot—to activate the baking powder properly.
- Use softened butter for the filling to spread easily without melting the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly to ensure the cinnamon filling stays inside the rolls.
- Don’t overbake; the rolls should be lightly golden and soft inside.
- Make the glaze while rolls bake for easy finishing and extra sweetness.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover quick cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the rolls individually wrapped for up to two months.
To reheat, warm rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until soft and warm. Add extra glaze after reheating for an indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of baking powder?
This recipe relies on baking powder for quick rising, so swapping in yeast would change the texture and require longer rising times. For truly quick cinnamon rolls, stick with baking powder.
Is it possible to make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives. The texture will be similar, though slightly different in flavor.
Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?
You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours before baking. Let them come to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking as directed.
How do I make the cinnamon rolls extra fluffy?
Be careful not to overmix the dough and use warmed milk. Rolling the dough evenly and not too thick also helps achieve a soft, fluffy texture.
