Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Make easy cinnamon rolls from scratch in 90 minutes with my quick-rise dough baked to fluffy gooey perfection and drizzled with delicious glaze! This Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe is perfect for breakfast or brunch and will impress everyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe allows you to whip up fresh cinnamon rolls in just 90 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Fluffy Texture: The quick-rise dough yields soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls that are sure to please your taste buds.
- Customizable Flavors: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add nuts and raisins to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family breakfast, holiday brunch, or a cozy weekend treat, these cinnamon rolls fit right in.
- Delicious Glaze: Drizzling them with a sweet glaze takes these rolls to the next level of indulgence.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Baking pan (13 x 9 inches)
- Cooking spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently.
- Rolling pin: Helps to roll out the dough evenly for perfect cinnamon rolls.
- Baking pan: A sturdy pan ensures even baking and easy transport from oven to table.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 Cup Milk (any variety)
- 1/4 cup Butter or Coconut Oil (melted and cooled)
- 3 cups All Purpose Flour (plus more for mixing) (approx 400g)
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 (.25 oz) packet Instant Yeast (aka Rapid Rise or Quick Rise) or 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
For the Filling
- 1/4 cup (softened) Butter or (melted) Coconut Oil
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (or more as desired)
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 2 cups (228 g) Powdered Sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons Milk (I use almond milk)
How to Make Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Warm the MILK to 120-130°F according to the INSTANT YEAST package instructions.
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter or coconut oil, sugar, sea salt, and instant yeast. Stir lightly.
- Gradually add in all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead and Rise
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough back into the bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- After rising, roll out the dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick on a floured surface.
- Spread softened butter or melted coconut oil over the dough.
Step 4: Add Filling Ingredients
- Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the dough.
- Evenly distribute cinnamon across the brown sugar layer.
Step 5: Roll Up & Cut
- Carefully roll up the dough tightly from one long side to another.
- Slice into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
Step 6: Bake Your Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place sliced rolls into a greased baking pan, cover with a towel, and let them rise for another 20 minutes.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 7: Prepare Glaze & Serve
- While baking, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth for glaze.
- Once baked, drizzle warm glaze over cinnamon rolls before serving.
Enjoy these delightful quick cinnamon rolls fresh from your oven!
How to Serve Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Serving your Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe is all about enhancing the delightful flavors and textures of these warm, gooey treats. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cinnamon rolls.
Classic with Glaze
- Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the warm rolls for a sweet finishing touch.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Spread a rich cream cheese frosting on top for a tangy contrast that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
Fresh Fruit Topping
- Add slices of fresh strawberries or bananas on top for a refreshing twist and added flavor.
Nuts and Spices
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts along with a dash of extra cinnamon for added crunch and depth.
Ice Cream Side
- Serve warm cinnamon rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Coffee Pairing
- Pair your rolls with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to complement the warm spices beautifully.

How to Perfect Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe
To achieve the ultimate cinnamon roll experience, follow these helpful tips.
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Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast packet. Fresh yeast ensures optimal rise and fluffiness.
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Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten, which gives your rolls a fluffy texture.
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Warm Environment: Let the dough rise in a warm place, like near an oven or in a sunny area. This promotes better yeast activity.
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Do Not Overbake: Keep an eye on the oven timer. Overbaking can lead to dry rolls; they should be golden brown when done.
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Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add chocolate chips or raisins along with or instead of brown sugar and cinnamon for different flavor profiles.
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Store Correctly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Complement your delicious Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe with these delightful side dishes. They add variety and balance to your breakfast or brunch spread.
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Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and nutrients, making it a perfect light side dish.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries for a creamy and crunchy contrast that pairs well with sweet rolls.
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Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein, balancing out the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
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Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon adds a savory touch that contrasts nicely with sweet flavors.
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Hash Browns: Golden brown hash browns bring crispy texture and heartiness to your brunch table.
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Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds makes for a nutritious companion to cinnamon rolls.
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Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado spread on toasted bread offers healthy fats and complements the sweetness of the rolls nicely.
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Pancakes: Light pancakes drizzled with syrup can enhance the breakfast experience with additional sweetness and variety.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making cinnamon rolls can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Ignoring Yeast Freshness: Always check the expiration date on your yeast. Using old yeast can prevent your rolls from rising properly.
- Measuring Flour Incorrectly: Scoop your flour directly from the bag; this can pack it down and result in too much flour. Use the spoon and level method instead for accuracy.
- Overworking the Dough: Kneading is important, but overdoing it can make rolls tough. Stop kneading when the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Skipping the Rise Time: For best results, let your dough rise until it doubles in size. Skipping this step can lead to dense rolls.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even baking and fluffy cinnamon rolls.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe
- Wrap cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual rolls for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a roll in a covered skillet on low heat for a few minutes until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe fluffier?
To achieve fluffier rolls, ensure your dough rises adequately before baking. Also, using fresh yeast helps improve texture.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour; however, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly as whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast instead, but allow for longer rising times as active dry yeast takes longer to activate.
Can I customize my Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the filling for added flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe offers a delightful treat that is both easy and delicious. With its fluffy texture and sweet glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. You can also customize it with various fillings or toppings according to your taste! Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm, gooey goodness of homemade cinnamon rolls with this Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe. Ready in just 90 minutes, these delightful treats are made from scratch using a quick-rise dough that yields soft and fluffy rolls. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, they can be customized with your favorite fillings and topped with a sweet glaze. Whether you’re hosting family or enjoying a cozy morning alone, these cinnamon rolls will impress everyone at your table. Enjoy them fresh from the oven for an irresistible start to your day!
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1/4 cup softened butter for filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 cups powdered sugar for glaze
- 2–3 tablespoons milk for glaze
Instructions
- Warm the milk to about 120°F. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Let the dough rise in a covered bowl for approximately 30 minutes in a warm spot.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter over it, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll up tightly from one long edge and slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Place in a greased baking pan to rise again for about 20 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown. Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and milk; drizzle over warm rolls.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (63g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg