Easy No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls: Bake in Oven or Air Fryer

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, warm and gooey, without any of the waiting time usually associated with yeast dough. Our No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls are exactly that dream come true! Crafted with a revolutionary two-ingredient dough made from simple flour and Greek yogurt, these cinnamon buns are incredibly fluffy, light, and ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes. Whether baked in your oven or air fryer, they’re the perfect homemade treat for breakfast, a delightful snack, or a sweet addition to any lunchbox. Get ready to experience pure culinary magic!

These homemade no-yeast cinnamon rolls are a game-changer for anyone craving a sweet, warm pastry without the fuss. Forget long proofing times and complicated yeast activation – these sticky, gooey cinnamon buns are created from our renowned two-ingredient dough, requiring just flour and Greek yogurt. It’s a simple recipe that delivers unbelievably delicious results, proving that you don’t need yeast for incredible baked goods.

For many, the sheer sweetness of traditional bakery cinnamon rolls can be overwhelming. But these no-yeast cinnamon rolls strike the perfect balance. They’re wonderfully sweet with just the right hint of aromatic cinnamon, allowing you to truly savor each bite without feeling overloaded. You can enjoy them plain, fresh from the oven, or drizzle them with our simple, optional glaze for an extra touch of decadence. Either way, they’re utterly delightful.

The versatility of this recipe is another major plus. You can bake these beauties in a traditional oven for classic results or opt for the air fryer for an even quicker, perfectly golden finish. Whichever method you choose, you’ll have a batch of fresh, warm cinnamon rolls on your table in a flash, making them ideal for impromptu brunches, unexpected guests, or simply satisfying a sudden sweet craving.

Short on time or prefer a shortcut? Don’t want to make your own dough from scratch? Try our puff pastry cinnamon rolls, which utilize convenient store-bought frozen puff pastry for an equally delicious, quick treat.

Why You’ll Love These No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls

There are countless reasons why these quick and easy cinnamon rolls will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Unbelievably Fast: Go from zero to fresh, warm cinnamon rolls in less than 30 minutes, thanks to the magic of no-yeast dough. No more waiting hours for dough to rise!
• Effortlessly Simple: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve perfect, bakery-quality results.
• Perfectly Fluffy and Light: Despite being yeast-free, these rolls boast an incredibly soft, tender, and airy texture that will surprise and delight you.
• Customizable Sweetness: Unlike overly sweet store-bought options, you control the sugar, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor that hits all the right notes.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer baking in a traditional oven or the speed and crispness of an air fryer, this recipe adapts beautifully.
• Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: These delicious treats are a guaranteed hit with both children and adults, making them ideal for family breakfasts, parties, or special occasions.

The Magic Behind Two-Ingredient Dough

The secret to these sensational, quick cinnamon rolls lies in the brilliant simplicity of two-ingredient dough. This clever combination typically involves just Greek yogurt and self-raising flour (or plain flour with baking powder). But how does it work without yeast?

The acidity in the Greek yogurt reacts with the leavening agent (baking powder) present in self-raising flour. This chemical reaction creates carbon dioxide bubbles, which are trapped within the dough, causing it to rise beautifully and become wonderfully fluffy during baking. This process happens almost instantly upon mixing, eliminating the need for any proofing time that traditional yeast doughs require.

Beyond its speed, two-ingredient dough is also incredibly forgiving and easy to handle, making it a fantastic choice for beginner bakers. It yields a tender crumb and a slightly tangy flavor from the yogurt that complements the sweet cinnamon filling perfectly. It truly is a magical shortcut to delicious homemade baked goods!

What Exactly Are Cinnamon Rolls?

Cinnamon rolls, often affectionately known as cinnamon scrolls or cinnamon buns, are a beloved sweet pastry enjoyed around the world. At their heart, they are a delightful combination of soft, enriched dough spread with a decadent filling of butter, brown sugar, and aromatic cinnamon, then rolled up tightly into a spiral. These spirals are then sliced into individual portions and baked until they are golden brown, gooey in the center, and utterly irresistible.

The origins of these delectable treats are widely believed to trace back to Sweden, where they are known as “kanelbulle.” Swedes take their kanelbulle so seriously that they even dedicate a national holiday to it! Every year on October 4th, Sweden celebrates ‘Kanelbullens Dag’ or Cinnamon Roll Day, a testament to the enduring popularity and cultural significance of this simple yet exquisite pastry. While variations exist globally, from the cream cheese frosting-topped American versions to the cardamom-spiced Scandinavian originals, the core joy of a warm, spiced, sweet roll remains universal.

Essential Ingredients for Your No Yeast Cinnamon Buns

You’ll be amazed that only a handful of everyday pantry staples are needed to whip up a batch of these fresh, no-yeast cinnamon rolls. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to gather (find full measurements in the complete recipe card below):

• Greek Yogurt: This is the hero ingredient for our two-ingredient dough. Opt for full-fat, plain Greek yogurt for the best flavor and texture. Its thickness and acidity are crucial for activating the leavening in the flour, resulting in a tender, fluffy dough. Avoid flavored or low-fat varieties, as they can alter the dough’s consistency and taste.
• Self-Raising Flour: This is our second magical ingredient! It contains a leavening agent (baking powder) and salt already mixed in, which reacts with the yogurt to make the dough rise.
  • OR Substitute: If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can easily make your own. For every cup of all-purpose (plain) flour you use, add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. For this recipe, if you use 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, you’ll need 3 teaspoons of baking powder.
• Butter (melted): Unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness of the rolls. It creates that irresistible, rich base for our cinnamon sugar filling, helping it adhere to the dough and becoming deliciously gooey when baked.
• Brown Sugar: We use brown sugar for the filling because its molasses content adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and helps create that signature sticky, gooey texture. Light or dark brown sugar will work beautifully.
• Cinnamon: The star spice! A generous amount of ground cinnamon is essential for that warm, inviting aroma and classic flavor. Ensure your cinnamon is fresh for the most potent and delightful taste.

For the optional, but highly recommended, simple glaze that elevates these no-yeast cinnamon rolls:

• Caster Sugar: Also known as baker’s sugar or superfine sugar, caster sugar is granulated but much finer than regular table sugar. This allows it to dissolve quickly and create a smooth, lump-free glaze. If you can’t find it, you can pulse regular granulated sugar in a food processor for a few seconds until it’s finer, or simply use powdered (icing) sugar for a denser, more opaque glaze. For more info, check this helpful guide: “what is caster sugar”.
• Milk: A small amount of milk helps thin the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a lovely aromatic depth to the glaze, complementing the cinnamon beautifully.

INSTRUCTIONS: Crafting Your Perfect No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls

Oven Method

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a baking tray by lining it with a silicone mat or baking paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a mixing bowl, place the Greek yogurt and give it a quick stir. Gradually add 1 cup of self-raising flour, stirring to combine. Continue adding more flour, a little at a time, until the mixture starts to come together and form a cohesive ball of dough.



3. Lightly flour a clean work surface. Tip the dough onto it and knead with your hands for just a minute or two. If the dough feels too sticky, add a tiny bit more flour and continue kneading until it’s smooth, pliable, and no longer sticks to your hands or the surface. The dough should be able to hold its shape well.



4. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into an approximate rectangle shape. It doesn’t have to be perfect! Brush the entire surface of the dough evenly with the melted butter, then generously sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the butter.





5. Starting from one long edge, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss (unflavored!) to cut the log into 8 equal pieces. Arrange the cut rolls on your prepared baking tray, leaving a small gap between each one to allow for slight expansion during baking. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the rolls are beautifully golden brown and cooked through.







6. Once baked, transfer the rolls to a wire rack to cool slightly. While they’re cooling, be sure to sneak at least one (or three!) warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven bites – they’re truly best enjoyed warm!



7. For the optional glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the caster sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and lump-free. Drizzle this delectable glaze generously over your completely cooled cinnamon rolls.

Air Fryer Method

1. Follow steps 2-4 from the Oven Method to prepare your two-ingredient dough and spread it with the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon filling.
2. Roll the dough up tightly into a log, then cut it into 8 equal pieces.
3. Place a piece of baking paper (parchment paper) in the bottom of your air fryer basket. Carefully arrange the rolls on top of the baking paper, ensuring there’s a bit of space between each roll to allow them to cook evenly and rise slightly. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the rolls in two separate batches to avoid overcrowding.
4. Cook in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes. Begin checking around the 10-minute mark; the rolls are done when they are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Once cooked, transfer the cinnamon rolls to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. For the optional glaze: As with the oven method, mix the glaze ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the completely cooled cinnamon rolls just before serving.

How do you know when cinnamon rolls are perfectly done?

Determining when your no-yeast cinnamon rolls are baked to perfection is straightforward. The primary visual cue is their color: they should be a beautiful golden brown on the outside. This indicates that the dough has cooked through and the sugars have caramelized, creating a delicious crust. If you’re still uncertain, you can gently insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of one of the rolls. If it comes out clean, without any wet dough clinging to it, your cinnamon rolls are ready to be enjoyed!

Storage and Reheating Tips for Freshness

While there’s truly nothing quite like a warm, gooey cinnamon roll straight from the oven, you can certainly prepare these delightful scrolls ahead of time or save leftovers to enjoy later.

• Room Temperature: Once your no-yeast cinnamon rolls have cooled completely to room temperature (this is crucial to avoid condensation), transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable ziplock bag. They will stay fresh and delicious at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, these cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully. Again, ensure they are completely cooled. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer the frozen rolls to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I highly recommend warming them up to restore that fresh-baked tenderness. My favorite method is a quick zap in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, which makes them wonderfully soft and gooey again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 5-10 minutes, or in an air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 2-3 minutes, to regain a slightly crispy exterior.

Expert Tips for Flawless No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls

Achieving perfect no-yeast cinnamon rolls is easy with these helpful tips and tricks:

• Master the Dough: The key to success is getting the two-ingredient dough consistency just right. It should be soft and pliable, not overly sticky or too dry and crumbly. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, a tiny bit more yogurt can help. Refer to my comprehensive two-ingredient dough guide for all the insights and troubleshooting!
• Work Swiftly: Two-ingredient dough tends to get stickier the longer it sits at room temperature. Once you’ve achieved the desired consistency, work quickly to roll it out, add the filling, and roll it up before it becomes too difficult to handle.
• Don’t Obsess Over Shape: While a rectangular shape is ideal for rolling, don’t worry if it’s not perfectly symmetrical. Focus on rolling it out evenly so the thickness is consistent, then generously cover it with your delicious butter and cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Roll Tightly: A tight roll is crucial for creating those beautiful, distinct spirals in your cinnamon rolls. Take your time to roll the dough as snugly as possible from one end to the other.
• Even Slices: To ensure all your cinnamon rolls bake evenly, try to cut them into 8 equal pieces. A simple trick is to cut the long dough log in half first, then cut each half in half, and then cut each quarter in half. This helps achieve more uniform sizes.
• Monitor Baking Closely: Both oven and air fryer cooking times can vary depending on your appliance. Keep a close eye on the rolls around the 10-minute mark. You want them to be beautifully golden brown and cooked through, but not overbaked, which can make them dry.
• Enjoy Them Warm: While they’re delicious at any temperature, these no-yeast cinnamon rolls are absolutely irresistible when warm, especially fresh from the oven or after a quick reheat. The filling will be perfectly gooey!
• Add a Touch of Zest: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to your dough or even sprinkled over the cinnamon sugar filling. It adds a bright, fresh note that perfectly complements the warmth of the cinnamon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about making no-yeast cinnamon rolls:

Q: Can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can! Substitute the Greek yogurt with a thick, plain dairy-free yogurt (such as coconut or almond-based Greek-style yogurt). For the butter, use a dairy-free butter alternative, and use a plant-based milk for the glaze. Ensure your self-raising flour is also dairy-free (most are, but always check). The results will still be wonderfully delicious!

Q: Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
A: While two-ingredient dough is best used immediately because it relies on a quick reaction for leavening, you can prepare the dough up to a few hours in advance and store it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. However, for the best results in terms of rise and texture, it’s highly recommended to mix and bake right away. The main benefit of this recipe is its speed, so there’s less need for make-ahead prep for the dough itself.

Q: What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?
A: The consistency of two-ingredient dough can be sensitive to the brand of yogurt and flour used. If your dough is too sticky to handle after kneading, gradually add small amounts of self-raising flour (or plain flour + baking powder) until it reaches a manageable, non-sticky texture. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of Greek yogurt at a time until it comes together into a cohesive ball.

Q: Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize your cinnamon rolls. Finely chopped pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch, and a sprinkle of raisins or dried cranberries can introduce a chewy sweetness. Simply mix them into your cinnamon sugar filling before spreading it over the dough.

More Delicious Two-Ingredient Dough Recipes

If you’re loving the simplicity and versatility of two-ingredient dough, you’re in for a treat! This amazing dough can be used for so much more than just cinnamon rolls. Explore these other fantastic recipes that utilize the same easy base:

• Garlic Knots
• No Yeast Bagels
• Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites {No Yeast}
• Pizza Scrolls
• Roast Pumpkin Pizza
• Cheese and Vegemite Scrolls
• OR see all Two Ingredient Dough Recipes

If you’ve made these incredibly easy and delicious No Yeast Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, we’d absolutely love to hear how you enjoyed them! Please share your thoughts and a star rating in the comments section below. Your feedback helps other home bakers discover and enjoy this fantastic recipe!

Stay connected and up-to-date with more delicious and simple recipes by following us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST.

📋 RECIPE

No Yeast Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Yield:
8

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
25 minutes

No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls are the homemade breakfast treat you deserve! These quick and easy cinnamon buns are made using two ingredient dough (flour + Greek yoghurt). They’re super fluffy and light and can be made in the oven or the air fryer. Just a perfect little treat for breakfast, snacks and lunch boxes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek Yoghurt
• 1 ½ cups Self-Raising Flour + more for dusting (SEE NOTE 1)
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter, melted
• ½ cup Brown Sugar
• 1 ½ tbsps Cinnamon

Optional Glaze

• ½ cup Icing Sugar / Processed Sugar
• ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1-2 tbsps Milk

Instructions

OVEN METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F and line a baking tray with a silicone mat or baking paper.
2. Place Greek yogurt in a mixing bowl and give it a stir. Add in 1 cup of flour and stir to combine. Gradually add in more flour until the dough starts to form into a ball.
3. Tip the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead with your hands for a minute or two. If the dough is still too sticky, add some more flour and continue to knead. The dough is ready when it is able to hold its shape and is not sticking to your hands or the surface.
4. Roll the dough into a rectangle shape, then brush the dough with butter, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top.
5. Roll the dough up tight, then cut into 8 equal pieces. Spread the pieces out onto a baking tray, keeping a bit of space between each one to allow some room for rising. Place in the oven for 10-15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
6. Place rolls on a wire rack to cool, but be sure to enjoy at least one (or three) warm and fresh out of the oven.
7. If making optional glaze – mix ingredients together in a bowl until they form a smooth glaze. Drizzle over cooled cinnamon rolls.

AIR FRYER METHOD

1. Place Greek yogurt in a mixing bowl and give it a stir. Add in 1 cup of flour and stir to combine. Gradually add in more flour until the dough starts to form into a ball.
2. Tip the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead with your hands for a minute or two. If the dough is still too sticky, add some more flour and continue to knead. The dough is ready when it is able to hold its shape and is not sticking to your hands or the surface.
3. Roll the dough into a rectangle shape, then brush the dough with butter, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top.
4. Roll the dough up tight, then cut into 8 equal pieces. Place a piece of baking paper in the bottom of the air fryer basket. Spread the rolls out on top of the baking paper, keeping a bit of space between each one to allow some room for rising. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook in two batches.
5. Cook on 180°C / 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until the dough is golden and cooked through. Move to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. If making optional glaze – mix ingredients together in a bowl until they form a smooth glaze. Drizzle over cooled cinnamon rolls.

Notes

1. Flour

If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose (plain) flour and baking powder instead. You’ll need 2 teaspoons of baking powder for each cup of all-purpose flour. So, if your dough uses 1 & ½ cups of flour, use 3 teaspoons of baking powder, etc.

2. Storing

Once the rolls have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

I like to zap them in the microwave before serving to warm them up again. I LOVE warm cinnamon rolls!

3. Tips for making this recipe

• Be sure to check out my two ingredient dough guide for all the tips and tricks for getting the dough right!
• You want to work quickly with this dough – it tends to get stickier the longer it’s at room temperature, so once you have the right consistency, roll it out, load it up, and roll it up.
• Don’t worry too much about getting a perfect rectangle shape. I certainly never do. Just roll it out as much as you can then load it up.
• Roll it up as tightly as possible and try to cut it into 8 even parts. This is easier to do if you cut the roll in half first, then half again, and again.
• Keep a close eye on the rolls at around 10 minutes while cooking. You want them to be lovely and golden.
• Enjoy them warm!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 161Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 303mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 4g

Originally published August 7, 2019. Updated November 26, 2020 to include air fryer cooking method and optional cinnamon roll glaze. Photos also updated.