5-Ingredient Cinnamon Rolls Quick Recipe

If you’ve ever craved warm, gooey cinnamon rolls but didn’t have the time or ingredients for a full yeast dough, this recipe is made for you. These 5-ingredient cinnamon rolls come together fast, require no yeast, no rising time, and use simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Perfect for busy mornings, last-minute brunch ideas, or holiday breakfasts where you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is all about simplicity without sacrificing the soft, tender texture you expect from a good cinnamon roll. They bake up golden, fluffy, and full of sweet cinnamon flavor. Whether you’re new to baking or just want a quick treat, this no-fuss recipe delivers warm comfort in under 30 minutes.

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Why This 5-Ingredient Cinnamon Roll Recipe Works

Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Reward

You only need five basic ingredients—flour, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and milk. No complicated steps, and no specialty items.

No Yeast Required

Because the dough uses a fast alternative, there’s no waiting for the dough to rise. These rolls go straight into the oven.

Quick Prep Time

From mixing to baking, the entire recipe takes about 25–30 minutes.

Beginner-Friendly

The dough is easy to handle, forgiving, and perfect for anyone intimidated by yeast baking.

Perfect for Small Batches

These rolls are ideal when you want enough for a cozy breakfast without making an entire pan of traditional cinnamon rolls.

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Ingredients You Need for 5-Ingredient Cinnamon Rolls

You truly only need five core ingredients. Optional icing is not counted, but included if you want a sweeter finish.

Main Ingredients

• All-purpose flour

• Milk (any non-alcoholic milk works—regular or plant-based)

• Unsalted butter

• Brown or granulated sugar

• Ground cinnamon

Optional Glaze Ingredients

• Powdered sugar

• A splash of milk

• Vanilla extract (optional)

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How to Make 5-Ingredient Cinnamon Rolls

These rolls are so quick and simple that the entire method relies on just a few key motions: mixing, rolling, filling, slicing, and baking.

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and milk until the dough comes together smoothly. It should feel soft but not sticky. Add a bit more flour if needed.

Knead Gently

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead briefly. This step helps the dough become flexible and easy to roll out.

Make the Cinnamon Filling

Mix softened butter, cinnamon, and sugar together. The mixture should resemble a spreadable paste.

Roll Out the Dough

Shape the dough into a rectangle with a rolling pin. Keep an even thickness so the rolls bake uniformly.

Spread the Filling

Cover the surface of the dough with the cinnamon-butter mixture, leaving a small border on the edges.

Roll and Slice

Roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into even pieces—usually 6–8 rolls depending on thickness.

Bake

Place the rolls into a lightly greased small baking dish and bake until golden and soft.

Glaze (Optional but Delicious)

Mix powdered sugar with a few drops of milk until smooth and drizzle over the warm rolls.

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Tips for Perfect Quick Cinnamon Rolls

Don’t Overwork the Dough

Because this dough does not contain yeast, over-kneading can make it tough. A light knead is all you need.

Spread Softened Butter, Not Melted

Soft butter sticks to the dough better and keeps the filling from spilling out.

Keep the Roll Tight

Rolling tightly ensures beautiful spirals and even baking.

Bake in a Snug Dish

A small dish helps the rolls stay soft by keeping their sides touching as they bake.

Add Glaze While Warm

The glaze melts slightly into the rolls, giving them that classic gooey top.

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Flavor Variations You Can Try

You can keep this recipe simple or customize it to create your own unique cinnamon roll twist.

Vanilla Sugar Rolls

Replace cinnamon with vanilla bean or vanilla sugar for lightly sweet rolls.

Chocolate Swirl Rolls

Add cocoa powder or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips inside the filling.

Maple Cinnamon Rolls

Swap sugar for maple syrup or add a touch of maple extract to the glaze.

Nut-Topped Rolls

Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the filling or over the top after baking.

Brown Sugar Caramel Rolls

Use dark brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor without adding extra ingredients.

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What Makes These Rolls So Soft?

Even without yeast, the combination of milk and a gentle dough makes these rolls soft and tender. The butter softens the layers while the sugar draws out moisture that helps create that gooey center everyone loves.

Avoid adding too much flour—this is the biggest reason no-yeast rolls become dry. The dough should stay supple and slightly elastic.

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Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Simple Fixes

Rolls Are Dry

They may have baked too long. Check them earlier and remove them once they turn lightly golden.

Filling Leaks Out

The dough may have been rolled too loosely. Roll tightly and use softened butter instead of melted.

Dough Is Too Sticky

Add a small amount of flour, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough becomes manageable.

Rolls Don’t Brown

Every oven varies. Increase the temperature slightly or bake for a few more minutes.

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How to Store 5-Ingredient Cinnamon Rolls

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration

Because these rolls do not contain eggs or cream cheese, they can safely be stored at room temperature, but refrigeration helps maintain moisture longer.

Freezing

Freeze baked rolls (without glaze) for up to 1 month. Reheat and glaze before serving.

Reheating

Warm the rolls in the microwave for 10–12 seconds to restore softness.

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Serving Suggestions

These fast cinnamon rolls pair perfectly with:

• Fresh fruit

• Hot coffee or tea

• Hot chocolate

• Yogurt parfaits

• Smoothies

• Scrambled eggs (without meat)

For a brunch spread, combine these rolls with fresh berries, a simple omelet, or warm plant-based milk for a cozy, satisfying meal.

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Make-Ahead Options

Even though these rolls are quick, you can still prepare parts ahead:

Prepare the Filling Ahead

The cinnamon-butter mixture can be made the night before and stored in the fridge. Let it soften before spreading.

Pre-Roll the Dough

You can assemble the rolls and store them in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours before baking. Bake straight from the fridge with a few extra minutes if needed.

Freeze the Dough Log

Freeze the rolled, uncut log. Thaw slightly, slice, and bake whenever you want fresh rolls.

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Healthier Swaps (Without Changing the Flavor)

If you want a slightly lighter version of this quick cinnamon roll recipe, try these swaps:

Use Non-Dairy Milk

Almond, oat, or soy milk all work beautifully.

Use Less Sugar

Because the recipe is naturally sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly without sacrificing flavor.

Add Whole Wheat Flour

Swap up to half of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a more nutritious dough.

Light Glaze

Use a lighter drizzle of glaze instead of a thick icing.

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Why 5-Ingredient Cinnamon Rolls Are Trending

Quick, minimal-ingredient recipes are everywhere right now, especially on social platforms where people want fast, beautiful, and delicious results. This recipe only uses five ingredients yet still offers:

• Beautiful bakery-style cinnamon spirals

• Soft, tender dough

• A gooey center

• No waiting time

• No mixer required

It’s the perfect quick comfort-baking trend that’s easy to save, easy to share, and even easier to make.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are these cinnamon rolls vegan?

They can be! Just use plant-based milk and vegan butter. The optional glaze can be made with dairy-free milk.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls without butter?

You can use a butter alternative or coconut oil, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly. Butter gives the best classic result.

Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes. Brown sugar creates a caramel-like filling, but white sugar works just as well.

What kind of milk works best?

Any milk—regular or plant-based—works for this recipe as long as it’s not flavored with alcohol.

Do these cinnamon rolls taste like yeast rolls?

They’re slightly different because yeast creates a fluffier lift, but these rolls are still soft, delicious, and satisfying.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish.

How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pan well or use parchment paper.

Can I freeze them after baking?

Yes, freeze them without glaze for best results.

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Final Thoughts

These 5-ingredient cinnamon rolls prove you don’t need complicated steps or hours in the kitchen to enjoy warm, homemade baked goods. With minimal ingredients, no yeast, and simple prep, this quick recipe is perfect for busy mornings, spontaneous cravings, or last-minute gatherings.

They bake up soft, golden, and full of cinnamon sweetness with a gooey center that tastes like a comforting bakery treat. Whether you enjoy them plain, glazed, or paired with your favorite breakfast drink, these easy cinnamon rolls deliver convenience and deliciousness in every bite.

Enjoy the simplicity, savor the flavor, and make these quick cinnamon rolls part of your go-to breakfast routine!