Quick Cinnamon Rolls for Busy Mornings

There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen on a busy morning. Whether you’re rushing to get the kids ready for school, preparing for a long workday, or simply craving a cozy start to your day, these quick cinnamon rolls are the perfect solution. Unlike traditional recipes that require hours of waiting and multiple rises, this version is designed to give you soft, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth rolls in a fraction of the time.

Inspired by classic bakery flavors and the timeless joy of homemade treats, this recipe brings a touch of indulgence to everyday mornings. Growing up, weekends always meant the scent of cinnamon and sugar drifting through the house, making it impossible to resist sneaking a warm roll straight from the oven. This quick cinnamon roll recipe captures that same sense of comfort and nostalgia, making it easy for anyone—even beginners—to enjoy a bakery-style treat at home without the wait.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1–2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the Greek yogurt until a soft dough forms.

3. Roll Out the Dough:
   Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a rectangle about 10×12 inches. Try to keep it as even as possible for uniform rolls.

4. Prepare the Filling:
   In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top, ensuring it covers the entire surface.

5. Form the Rolls:
   Starting at one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the log into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean edges.

6. Bake the Rolls:
   Arrange the rolls in the prepared pan, leaving a small gap between each for expansion. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden on top and cooked through.

7. Prepare the Glaze:
   While the rolls are baking, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Gradually add milk until you reach your desired glaze consistency—smooth and pourable, but not too thin.

8. Glaze and Serve:
   Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for 5–10 minutes. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for the best taste, though they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Tips for Perfect Quick Cinnamon Rolls

• Use Cold Butter for Fluffiness: Cold butter in the dough creates little pockets that melt while baking, resulting in a tender, flaky texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to dense rolls. Mix just until the ingredients come together.

• Even Rolling: Rolling the dough evenly ensures the rolls bake at the same rate. Slightly uneven rolls can lead to some pieces cooking faster than others.

• Adjust Cinnamon-Sugar Filling: Feel free to increase or decrease the sugar and cinnamon ratio based on your preference for sweetness and spice.

• Optional Add-Ins: Chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips can be sprinkled over the filling before rolling for an extra touch of flavor.

Variations to Try

1. Maple Glaze Cinnamon Rolls: Replace the cream cheese glaze with a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar and pure maple syrup.

2. Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add finely chopped apples to the cinnamon-sugar filling for a fruity twist.

3. Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls: Mix ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice into the filling for a seasonal flavor.

4. Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the buttered dough before adding cinnamon sugar.

5. Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.

Why These Cinnamon Rolls Work for Busy Mornings

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. Unlike yeast-based recipes, there’s no need for multiple rises or complicated timing. Greek yogurt adds moisture and a subtle tang, while baking powder and soda provide enough lift to create soft, fluffy rolls in under an hour from start to finish.

Even on the busiest mornings, you can enjoy a homemade, bakery-style breakfast that feels indulgent but doesn’t require advanced baking skills. Pair a warm roll with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk for a complete, satisfying breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, roll it out, add the filling, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, slice and bake the rolls as directed. They may need an extra 2–3 minutes in the oven if cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely. After assembling the rolls but before baking, wrap the pan tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes, by using dairy-free yogurt, vegan butter, and a plant-based cream cheese for the glaze. The texture will remain soft and delicious.

How can I reheat leftover rolls?
Wrap leftover rolls in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes until warm. Alternatively, microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds, then drizzle with fresh glaze.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast: Serve fresh out of the oven with coffee or tea for a classic morning treat.

• Brunch: Pair with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or yogurt parfaits for a balanced brunch spread.

• Snack: Cinnamon rolls aren’t just for mornings—they make an indulgent afternoon snack with a glass of milk or hot chocolate.

• Gift: Bake a batch and wrap them in parchment or a decorative tin to gift to friends, neighbors, or colleagues. Homemade cinnamon rolls always make a thoughtful and delicious gift.

Storing and Shelf Life

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Make sure to reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain softness. Avoid leaving them uncovered, as the glaze can dry out and the rolls may become firm.

If freezing, store in a tightly sealed container or wrap individually in plastic wrap before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm directly from frozen.

Healthier Adaptations

While this recipe is a sweet indulgence, you can make small tweaks to align with healthier eating habits:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half or all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.

• Less Sugar: Reduce the brown sugar in the filling slightly to cut down sweetness without losing flavor.

• Low-Fat Yogurt: Use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of full-fat for a lighter dough.

• Optional Toppings: Swap cream cheese glaze for a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a lighter option.

Why Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Are Worth the Effort

Nothing beats the aroma, warmth, and taste of homemade cinnamon rolls. They transform an ordinary morning into a moment of indulgence and comfort. Even with busy schedules, this quick version proves that you don’t need hours or professional baking skills to enjoy soft, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth rolls.

Baking these cinnamon rolls at home not only fills your kitchen with inviting scents but also creates memories. Kids love helping roll out the dough, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, and drizzle glaze. It’s a simple way to connect with loved ones, pass down family traditions, and make any morning feel special.

Final Thoughts

Quick cinnamon rolls are the perfect solution for anyone seeking a comforting, homemade treat without the time commitment of traditional recipes. With simple ingredients, a straightforward method, and a gooey cream cheese glaze, you’ll have soft, flavorful rolls that rival your favorite bakery. Whether for a hectic weekday, a lazy weekend morning, or a special brunch, this recipe brings warmth, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia to every bite.

Don’t wait for the weekend to indulge—try this recipe today and experience the joy of homemade cinnamon rolls in under an hour. Your mornings deserve a little sweetness, and these quick cinnamon rolls deliver exactly that.

Quick Cinnamon Rolls for Busy Mornings

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 rolls 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

There’s nothing quite like starting the day with warm, soft, and sweet cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. Perfect for busy mornings, this recipe is quick, simple, and delivers bakery-style rolls in under an hour. Inspired by the comforting aroma and flavors of homemade treats, these cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and topped with a creamy glaze, making them the ultimate breakfast indulgence.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1–2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in Greek yogurt to form a soft dough.

• Roll dough on a lightly floured surface into a 10×12-inch rectangle.

• Spread softened butter over dough and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.

• Roll dough tightly from one long side and pinch the seam to seal. Cut into 8 equal rolls.

• Place rolls in the prepared pan, leaving space between each. Bake 18–22 minutes until lightly golden.

• While baking, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Add milk gradually to reach a pourable glaze consistency.

• Let rolls cool 5–10 minutes, then drizzle with cream cheese glaze and serve warm.

Notes

• • Rolls are best served warm.

  • Adjust cinnamon-sugar mixture to taste.

  • Use dental floss to slice dough for cleaner, even rolls.

  • Optional add-ins: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Michelle Davis