Effortless No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls Baked or Air Fried

No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate homemade breakfast treat you’ve been waiting for! Imagine sinking your teeth into super fluffy, light, and incredibly delicious cinnamon buns without the wait. These quick and easy delights are crafted using a revolutionary two-ingredient dough, combining simple flour and Greek yogurt, eliminating the need for any yeast or lengthy proofing times. Whether you bake them in your oven or crisp them to perfection in an air fryer, these cinnamon rolls are a perfect indulgence for breakfast, a delightful snack, or a sweet addition to any lunchbox. Get ready to experience the magic of baking made effortlessly simple.

Craving that warm, comforting embrace of freshly baked cinnamon rolls but short on time? These remarkable homemade cinnamon rolls defy conventional baking wisdom, delivering a sublime sweet treat in under 30 minutes. Yes, you read that correctly – from mixing bowl to your eager hands in less than half an hour, without the fuss, without the wait, and without any yeast!

The secret lies within our celebrated two-ingredient dough, a culinary marvel crafted from just self-raising flour and Greek yogurt. This innovative dough completely bypasses the need for yeast, meaning no lengthy proofing periods or complex fermentation processes. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves baking but dreads the time commitment typically associated with yeasted pastries. The result? Incredibly soft, airy, and utterly satisfying cinnamon buns that are ready in a flash – it truly feels like magic!

Now, I’ll admit something that might be a little controversial: for me, the richness of some commercial cinnamon rolls, like those from Cinnabon, can be overwhelming. One bite, and I’m often overloaded with sugar, making it hard to enjoy the rest. But these no-yeast cinnamon rolls offer a perfectly balanced sweetness, complemented by just the right amount of warm, aromatic cinnamon spice. You can choose to crown them with a simple, luscious glaze for an extra touch of decadence, or savor them plain for a more rustic experience – either way, they are absolutely phenomenal.

Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as these golden-brown beauties bake. Whether you opt for the traditional oven method or leverage the speed and efficiency of your air fryer, a batch of these delectable treats will be on your table in what feels like mere moments. Prepare to redefine your expectations of quick and easy baking!

If you’re looking for an even quicker shortcut and prefer not to make your own dough, be sure to explore my recipe for puff pastry cinnamon rolls, which uses convenient store-bought frozen puff pastry.

WHAT ARE CINNAMON ROLLS?

Cinnamon rolls are a beloved pastry, recognized by various endearing names across different cultures, including cinnamon scrolls and cinnamon buns. Regardless of what you call them, these sweet, sticky, and utterly delicious treats share a common core: a soft, rich dough rolled with a decadent filling of butter, brown sugar, and aromatic cinnamon.

The process involves spreading this luscious mixture over a flattened sheet of dough, then carefully rolling it into a tight log. This log is then sliced into individual portions, revealing the beautiful swirl of cinnamon sugar within. Baked until golden brown and gloriously gooey, cinnamon rolls are often topped with a sweet icing or glaze, adding another layer of indulgence.

While enjoyed worldwide, cinnamon rolls are widely believed to have originated in Sweden, where they are affectionately known as kanelbulle. So significant is this pastry to Swedish culture that they dedicate an entire day to its celebration: ‘Kanelbullens Dag’ (Cinnamon Roll Day) every October 4th. It’s a tradition that truly speaks to the heart of comfort food lovers everywhere!

THE MAGIC OF TWO-INGREDIENT DOUGH

The foundation of these incredible no-yeast cinnamon rolls is the ingenious two-ingredient dough. This simple yet powerful combination of self-raising flour and Greek yogurt creates a wonderfully soft, pliable, and versatile dough that’s perfect for baking. The acidity in the Greek yogurt reacts with the leavening agents in self-raising flour (or baking powder if you’re using plain flour), creating gas bubbles that give the dough its light and fluffy texture, mimicking the rise you’d typically get from yeast, but in a fraction of the time.

This dough is not just fast; it’s incredibly forgiving and easy to work with, making it ideal for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a stress-free recipe. It eliminates the complexities of yeast activation, proofing temperatures, and rise times, meaning you can whip up a batch of delicious treats whenever the craving strikes, without meticulous planning. Plus, the Greek yogurt adds a subtle tang and richness to the dough that complements the sweet cinnamon filling beautifully. It’s a truly revolutionary way to bake!

INGREDIENTS FOR NO YEAST CINNAMON ROLLS

You’ll be amazed that just a handful of everyday staples are all you need to create your own fresh, warm batch of no-yeast cinnamon rolls. This minimalist ingredient list means less fuss and more enjoyment. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need (full measurements are available in the comprehensive recipe card below):

• Greek Yogurt: This is the hero ingredient that provides the necessary acidity and moisture for the dough to rise beautifully. Opt for a plain, unflavored, full-fat Greek yogurt for the best texture and flavor. The thicker the yogurt, the better your dough consistency will be.
• Self-Raising Flour: The second core ingredient of our magical two-ingredient dough. Its pre-mixed leavening agents react with the yogurt to create that fantastic fluffy texture. OR: If you only have all-purpose (plain) flour, you can easily substitute it by adding baking powder. You’ll need 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every cup of all-purpose/plain flour you use. For instance, if the recipe calls for 1.5 cups of flour, you would use 3 teaspoons of baking powder.
• Melted Butter: Used for brushing onto the rolled-out dough, creating a luscious base for the filling and ensuring those signature gooey layers. Unsalted butter is preferred, but salted works in a pinch if you’re mindful of other salt content.
• Brown Sugar: The key to that rich, caramelized, and sweet filling. Its molasses content adds depth of flavor and contributes to the rolls’ sticky texture. Light or dark brown sugar will both work beautifully.
• Cinnamon: The star spice! A generous amount of ground cinnamon is essential for that classic, warm, and inviting aroma and flavor. Make sure your cinnamon is fresh for maximum potency.

For the optional, but highly recommended, sweet glaze that transforms these rolls into an even more decadent treat, you’ll also need:

• Caster Sugar: Also known as baker’s sugar or superfine sugar, caster sugar is finer than granulated sugar but not as powdery as icing sugar. Its fine texture dissolves easily to create a smooth, lump-free glaze. If you don’t have caster sugar, you can blend granulated sugar briefly in a food processor to achieve a similar consistency. For more detailed information on this versatile ingredient, refer to this helpful guide: “What is Caster Sugar?”
• Milk: A small amount of milk helps to thin the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth and aromatic complexity to the glaze, enhancing the overall sweetness. Pure vanilla extract is always recommended for the best flavor.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOMEMADE NO YEAST CINNAMON ROLLS

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly baked or air-fried cinnamon rolls. Precision isn’t paramount; focus on the fun and the delicious outcome!

Oven Method

Making cinnamon rolls in the oven yields a classic, soft, and uniformly baked result. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare Your Baking Area: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C / 350°F. While the oven heats, prepare a baking tray by lining it with a silicone mat or baking paper. This ensures your delicious rolls won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Combine the Dough Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, place your Greek yogurt and give it a quick stir to ensure it’s smooth. Add in 1 cup of self-raising flour and gently stir until just combined. Gradually incorporate more flour, adding it in small increments, and continue to mix until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and forms a cohesive ball.



3. Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto this surface and knead it gently with your hands for about one to two minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, add a very small amount of extra flour, dusting your hands and the surface, and continue kneading until the dough is no longer sticky and holds its shape well. It should not adhere to your hands or the work surface.



4. Roll Out and Fill: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a roughly rectangular shape. Don’t worry about achieving a perfect rectangle; a rustic shape is perfectly fine! Once rolled, generously brush the entire surface of the dough with the melted butter. Then, uniformly sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the buttered surface, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.





5. Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the dough up tightly from one of the longer sides, creating a log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or even a piece of dental floss (unwaxed, unflavored) to cut the log into 8 equally sized pieces. Arrange these individual cinnamon rolls onto your prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each one. This allows them room to expand slightly as they bake.





6. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking tray into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they are ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your oven.



7. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, transfer the hot cinnamon rolls to a wire rack to cool slightly. While they’re cooling, make sure to sneak at least one (or three!) warm and fresh out of the oven – that gooey, fresh-baked experience is simply irresistible!



8. Prepare the Optional Glaze: For the optional glaze, simply combine the caster sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and forms a pourable glaze. Drizzle this delightful glaze over the completely cooled cinnamon rolls just before serving.

Air Fryer Method

The air fryer offers a fantastic alternative for baking these cinnamon rolls, providing a wonderfully crisp exterior and a tender interior even faster than a conventional oven.

1. Combine Dough Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, stir the Greek yogurt. Add 1 cup of self-raising flour and mix until just combined. Gradually add more flour, stirring, until the dough comes together into a ball that pulls away from the bowl.
2. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead for a minute or two. If sticky, add a little more flour and continue kneading until it holds its shape and is no longer sticky.
3. Roll and Fill: Roll the dough into a rectangular shape. Brush generously with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the surface.
4. Roll, Slice, and Arrange in Air Fryer: Roll the dough up tightly into a log, then cut into 8 equal pieces. Place a piece of baking paper (parchment paper) in the bottom of your air fryer basket. Arrange the cinnamon rolls on top of the baking paper, ensuring there’s a little space between each roll for expansion. If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook them in two separate batches to avoid overcrowding.
5. Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Cook the cinnamon rolls in the air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Cooking times can vary between air fryer models, so keep an eye on them. Once done, carefully transfer the rolls to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Add the Optional Glaze: For the optional glaze, mix the caster sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle this delightful glaze over the completely cooled cinnamon rolls before serving.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN CINNAMON ROLLS ARE DONE?

Determining when your no-yeast cinnamon rolls are perfectly cooked is quite straightforward. Look for a beautiful golden-brown color on the surface of the dough – this is a primary indicator of doneness. The edges should appear set and slightly crisp, while the center should still feel tender and slightly springy. If you’re ever in doubt about whether they’re cooked all the way through, you can perform a quick test: 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 perfectly baked and ready to be enjoyed!

STORAGE ADVICE FOR THESE NO YEAST CINNAMON ROLLS

While there’s truly nothing quite like a warm, gooey cinnamon roll fresh out of the oven, these delightful scrolls can absolutely be prepared ahead or stored for enjoyment later. Proper storage ensures they remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible:

Once your no-yeast cinnamon rolls have completely cooled down to room temperature (this is crucial to prevent condensation and sogginess), transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable ziplock bag. They will stay fresh and soft at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, these versatile rolls freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, and they will keep well for up to 3 months.

To enjoy a stored cinnamon roll, whether from the fridge or freezer, I highly recommend a quick reheat. My preferred method is to zap them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds (longer if frozen) until they are wonderfully warm and gooey again. There’s something truly special about warm cinnamon rolls that just can’t be beaten!

TOP TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST NO YEAST CINNAMON ROLLS

Achieving bakery-quality cinnamon rolls at home, especially with this no-yeast method, is incredibly simple with a few helpful pointers. These tips will ensure your baking experience is smooth and your results are absolutely delicious:

• Master the Two-Ingredient Dough: The foundation of this recipe is the dough itself. For a deep dive into all the nuances, tips, and tricks for perfecting the two-ingredient dough, be sure to check out my dedicated guide. It covers everything you need to know to get the consistency just right!
• Work Swiftly with the Dough: This particular dough tends to become stickier the longer it sits at room temperature. For the best results, once you’ve achieved the ideal non-sticky, pliable consistency, work relatively quickly. Roll it out, spread your filling, and roll it up without excessive delay.
• Don’t Obsess Over Perfection: It’s easy to get caught up in trying to create a perfectly symmetrical rectangle for your dough. Truthfully, I rarely achieve a flawless shape, and it doesn’t impact the deliciousness of the final product. Just roll it out as evenly as you can, then load it up with the butter, sugar, and cinnamon. The rustic charm is part of its appeal!
• Roll Tightly and Cut Evenly: When rolling the dough into a log, aim for it to be as tight as possible. This creates those beautiful, distinct swirls. For cutting, a great trick to ensure 8 even parts is to first cut the log in half, then cut each half in half, and then each quarter in half again. This method helps to distribute the cuts more uniformly.
• Monitor Baking Closely: While the suggested baking time is 10-15 minutes, ovens and air fryers can vary. Start checking on your rolls around the 10-minute mark. You’re looking for a lovely golden hue on top and sides, indicating they are cooked through and perfectly caramelized.
• Embrace the Warmth: While these cinnamon rolls are delicious at any temperature, they are truly at their peak when warm. The filling is gooey, the dough is soft, and the aroma is intoxicating. Don’t hesitate to reheat them briefly before serving for that ultimate fresh-baked experience!
• Experiment with Toppings: While the simple glaze is fantastic, feel free to get creative! A cream cheese frosting, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts can elevate these rolls even further.

MORE TWO-INGREDIENT DOUGH RECIPES

If you’ve fallen in love with the simplicity and versatility of two-ingredient dough, you’re in for a treat! This remarkable dough isn’t just for cinnamon rolls; it’s a fantastic base for a variety of other quick and easy recipes. Explore these other delicious creations, all made with the same magical flour and Greek yogurt combination:

• Garlic Knots: Soft, savory, and bursting with garlic and herb flavor. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer.
• No Yeast Bagels: Achieve chewy, authentic-tasting bagels in a fraction of the time, no boiling required!
• Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites {No Yeast}: Sweet and salty bites, ideal for snacking or dessert, with that classic pretzel chew.
• Pizza Scrolls: A fun and easy way to make mini pizzas, great for lunchboxes or party appetizers.
• Roast Pumpkin Pizza: A unique and flavorful pizza base, perfect for your favorite toppings.
• Cheese and Vegemite Scrolls: A savory Australian classic, quick to make and incredibly satisfying.
• OR see all Two Ingredient Dough Recipes for more inspiration!

📋 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 180C / 350F and line a baking tray with a silicone mat or baking paper.
2. Place Greek yoghurt 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 it’s 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 yoghurt 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 it’s 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 180c / 350F 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. 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, and so on.

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 microwave them briefly 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

If you’ve made these incredibly easy and delicious No Yeast Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please take a moment to leave a comment and a star rating below to share your thoughts and success stories. Your feedback is truly appreciated!

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Originally published August 7, 2019. This article was thoughtfully updated on November 26, 2020, to include detailed air fryer cooking instructions and an optional, delectable cinnamon roll glaze recipe. Accompanying photos were also refreshed for an enhanced visual experience.