The magic of these no knead cinnamon rolls lies in their simplicity and irresistible texture. With no mixer or overnight rise required, they’re perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Soft, golden spirals laced with cinnamon sugar and topped with a silky cream cheese glaze—what more could you ask for?
Ideal for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or anytime you’re craving a cozy treat, these rolls come together with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The forgiving dough, rich filling, and luscious glaze make this a keeper recipe that your friends and family will beg you to make again (and again). One bite and you’ll understand the hype!
Full Recipe:
For the Dough:
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1 tbsp dry yeast
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70g (1/3 cup) caster sugar (or white sugar)
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1/2 cup (125 ml) warm water
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600g (4 1/2 US cups) plain/all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 cup (250 ml) lukewarm milk (whole or low-fat)
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50g (3.5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
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2 large eggs, beaten
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Extra flour for dusting (about 1/4 cup)
For the Filling:
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90g (6 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup (220g) brown sugar, packed
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2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
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90g (3 oz) cream cheese, softened
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50g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 1/4 cups (150g) powdered sugar
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2–3 tbsp milk (any kind)
Directions:
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Combine yeast, 2 tsp of the sugar, and warm water in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
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In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well and add milk, butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
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Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1.5 hours until tripled in size.
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Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for filling.
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Dust a work surface with half the extra flour, pour dough onto surface, sprinkle the rest on top, and gently knead until pliable and no longer sticky.
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Roll dough into a rectangle (11×19 inches). Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
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Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 pieces. Arrange in a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan.
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Cover with a towel and let rise again for 40 minutes until almost doubled.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the tray after 16 minutes.
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Remove from oven, cool for 1 hour on a rack.
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Beat glaze ingredients together, adjusting with milk for drizzling consistency. Spoon over warm rolls and serve!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 360 kcal | Servings: 12
No Knead Cinnamon Rolls: A Simple and Delicious Delight
Making homemade cinnamon rolls doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to indulge in warm, soft, and buttery cinnamon rolls without the need for hours of preparation or special equipment, the No Knead Cinnamon Rolls recipe is the answer. This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone who craves fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls with minimal effort. The best part? It doesn’t require any kneading, a stand mixer, or an overnight rise. Let’s explore why these cinnamon rolls are a game-changer and why you should make them today!
The Magic Behind No Knead Cinnamon Rolls
The secret to these No Knead Cinnamon Rolls lies in the dough. Traditional cinnamon rolls require a good deal of kneading, proofing, and sometimes even overnight resting. However, this no-knead version simplifies everything. By using a simple mix-and-wait method, the dough rises beautifully without the need for hands-on work. This technique is perfect for anyone who enjoys homemade cinnamon rolls but doesn’t want to spend too much time or effort on the process.
No Knead Cinnamon Rolls are made with a basic dough that is mixed, allowed to rise, and then rolled out into a rectangle. The rolls are then filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture and baked to golden perfection. The dough remains light and fluffy, even without the usual kneading process. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings, weekend baking, or anytime you want a quick and indulgent treat.
Why No Knead Cinnamon Rolls Are the Best Option for Home Bakers
One of the biggest advantages of the No Knead Cinnamon Rolls is how easy and forgiving they are. Many traditional cinnamon roll recipes call for precise measurements, kneading, and rising at specific temperatures. However, this no-knead version is a lot more forgiving and still produces fantastic results. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and allows for some flexibility without compromising the final outcome.
Another key benefit is the texture of the rolls. Despite skipping the kneading process, the dough turns out incredibly soft and fluffy. The use of warm milk, melted butter, and eggs ensures that the dough is rich and tender, while the addition of cinnamon and brown sugar gives these rolls the perfect level of sweetness and flavor. You’ll end up with cinnamon rolls that are light, airy, and incredibly satisfying, with a slightly sticky glaze that adds the finishing touch.
The Rise Time: How to Ensure Perfect Cinnamon Rolls Every Time
One of the critical steps in making No Knead Cinnamon Rolls is allowing the dough to rise. Even though the recipe doesn’t require kneading, the dough still needs to rise to develop the right texture. The first rise happens after mixing the dough. You’ll want to cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours or until it has tripled in size.
It’s essential to allow enough time for the dough to rise properly. If you’re in a hurry, you can create a warm environment to speed up the process. For instance, placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven (turned off) or in a sunny spot in your kitchen can encourage the yeast to activate and help the dough rise faster.
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out and prepare the cinnamon rolls. Don’t rush this step! A good rise ensures a soft and fluffy texture, so be patient and let the dough do its magic.
How to Perfectly Roll and Shape the Cinnamon Rolls
After the dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out. This step can sometimes be tricky, but with a little flour to help prevent sticking, it’s easy to manage. The dough should be rolled into a rectangle that is approximately 11 x 19 inches. Then, you’ll brush it with melted butter and sprinkle it generously with a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Once the dough is filled, roll it up tightly into a log shape, ensuring that the edges are sealed well. After that, cut the dough into 12 equal-sized pieces, and place them in a baking pan. Make sure to leave enough space between each roll to allow for expansion during the second rise.
A key tip for shaping your rolls is to roll the dough tightly but not too tightly. If rolled too loosely, the rolls may not hold their shape when baking, while overly tight rolls could result in uneven cooking. Just aim for a gentle, even roll that will allow the dough to bake up beautifully.
The Second Rise: Why It’s Crucial for Soft Cinnamon Rolls
After you’ve shaped your cinnamon rolls and placed them in a baking pan, they’ll need a second rise. This rise should be done in a warm place, just like the first one. The dough should almost double in size during this time. The second rise is crucial for getting soft, fluffy rolls that aren’t too dense.
Allow the rolls to rise for about 40 minutes, but don’t rush this step. Patience is key for achieving the best texture. Once the rolls have risen, they are ready to be baked.
Baking Your No Knead Cinnamon Rolls to Perfection
Once your rolls have risen, it’s time to bake them. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the cinnamon rolls for about 20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top, and the middle rolls have a hollow sound when tapped.
If you want an extra touch of buttery goodness, brush the rolls with a little melted butter after they come out of the oven. This will help give the tops a nice sheen and enhance the flavor.
The Cream Cheese Glaze: The Finishing Touch
No cinnamon roll is complete without a delicious glaze, and the cream cheese glaze that tops these No Knead Cinnamon Rolls is the perfect complement. The glaze is rich, smooth, and has just the right balance of sweetness and tang. Made with softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of milk, it’s easy to whip up and drizzle over the warm rolls.
The glaze should be spooned generously over the rolls once they’ve cooled for about an hour. This gives them a beautiful, glossy finish and adds a luscious creaminess that contrasts wonderfully with the cinnamon filling.
Tips for Making the Best No Knead Cinnamon Rolls
Warmth is Key: Both the dough and the environment need warmth to rise properly. Be sure to allow your dough to rise in a warm space, and keep an eye on the temperature of your liquids—too hot or too cold can affect yeast activation.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Allowing the dough to rise properly is essential for achieving soft, fluffy rolls. Be patient and give it the time it needs.
Customize the Filling: While cinnamon and brown sugar are classic choices, you can get creative with your filling. Try adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even a sprinkle of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Make Ahead Option: If you want to prepare the rolls ahead of time, you can refrigerate them after the first rise and bake them the next day. This is a great option for a hassle-free breakfast or brunch.
Why You Should Try These No Knead Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re looking for a cinnamon roll recipe that’s quick, easy, and yields incredible results, this No Knead Cinnamon Roll recipe is a must-try. It’s perfect for anyone who loves cinnamon rolls but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The dough is simple to prepare, the rolls are easy to shape, and the result is a soft, fluffy, and delicious treat that’s sure to impress.
This recipe is forgiving, making it ideal for beginner bakers or those who are short on time but still want to enjoy the magic of fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls. Whether for a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion, these rolls are guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends.
Conclusion
No Knead Cinnamon Rolls are an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves homemade cinnamon rolls but doesn’t have the time or inclination to knead dough or wait for long rises. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy soft, fluffy, and flavorful cinnamon rolls without the fuss. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced pro, this recipe is easy to follow and produces delicious results every time. Try it out for yourself, and you’ll never look at store-bought cinnamon rolls the same way again!