Irresistible Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Quick, Easy, and Yeast-Free!

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. And when you add the sweet, tangy notes of apple, you create a truly magical experience. These incredibly soft and fluffy Apple Cinnamon Rolls are not just irresistible; they’re a revelation for anyone who loves homemade treats but dreads the lengthy process. Forget about yeast and hours of proofing – our secret two-ingredient dough means these delightful rolls can be on your table in under 30 minutes, ready to be devoured warm and gooey straight from the oven.

Perfect for a special breakfast, a cozy morning tea, or an unexpected afternoon indulgence, these rolls offer a delightful twist on classic cinnamon scrolls. The timeless combination of crisp apples and fragrant cinnamon truly shines, making every bite a burst of comforting flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed for effortless success, promising a delicious outcome every time.

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls elevate the beloved classic with a fresh, fruity dimension. Building upon the foundation of my popular no-yeast cinnamon rolls, this version introduces finely diced apples into the cinnamon-sugar filling, creating a texture and flavor profile that’s truly unparalleled. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, where the tartness of the apple perfectly balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and the warmth of the cinnamon. You won’t believe how easy it is to achieve bakery-quality rolls at home without any of the fuss.

The magic truly lies in the ingenious two-ingredient dough. This simple yet effective method eliminates the need for yeast, meaning no lengthy proofing times. This allows you to go from craving to biting into a warm, sticky roll in practically no time at all. This speed and simplicity make these rolls an ideal choice for busy mornings or spontaneous baking sessions when you want something comforting without the wait.

Serve these delectable rolls straight from the oven, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple vanilla glaze, for an unforgettable breakfast or a delightful morning tea. They also make a fantastic addition to school lunchboxes, offering a homemade treat that kids will adore. And if you find yourself with leftovers – though that’s a rare occurrence – they freeze beautifully. Simply pull one out when a late-night sweet craving strikes, warm it up, and enjoy a perfectly gooey treat.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls aren’t just a recipe; they’re an experience designed for ultimate enjoyment and convenience. Here’s why they’re sure to become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire:

• Unbeatably Quick and Easy: The star of the show is the two-ingredient dough, which means no yeast, no waiting for the dough to rise, and significantly less fuss than traditional cinnamon roll recipes. You can whip these up from start to finish in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or spontaneous baking adventures. It’s baking made simple, without compromising on taste.
• Explosive Flavor in Every Bite: The classic pairing of sweet, juicy apples and warm, aromatic cinnamon is a match made in heaven. Combined with rich brown sugar and butter, this filling creates a harmonious blend of sweetness, spice, and tender fruit that will tantalize your taste buds. Each roll is a symphony of comforting flavors, promising pure indulgence.
• A Fantastic Way to Use Up Apples: Got a bounty of apples from a farmer’s market, an apple-picking excursion, or just some lingering in your fruit bowl? This recipe is an excellent solution! It transforms simple apples into a star ingredient, preventing waste and allowing you to enjoy their fresh flavor in a delightful new form.

Exciting news for air fryer owners! You can also make this recipe using your air fryer for an even quicker bake. Head over to my Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Rolls guide for all the specific instructions and tips.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beauties of these Apple Cinnamon Rolls is that they rely on everyday pantry staples, meaning you likely won’t need a special trip to the grocery store. These are ingredients you can trust and use time and again, making this recipe a go-to for delicious homemade treats. Here’s a closer look at what goes into these wonderful rolls (full measurements can be found in the detailed recipe card below):

• Greek Yoghurt: This is the hero ingredient in our two-ingredient dough. Opt for full-fat Greek yoghurt for the best texture and moisture. Its acidity reacts with the self-raising flour to create a light, fluffy dough without yeast.
• Self-Raising Flour: This provides both structure and leavening for the dough. If you don’t have self-raising flour on hand, don’t worry! You can easily create your own by combining all-purpose (plain) flour with baking powder. For every cup of all-purpose flour, you’ll need 2 teaspoons of baking powder. So, if the recipe calls for 1.5 cups of flour, use 3 teaspoons of baking powder with 1.5 cups of plain flour.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is essential for brushing over the dough, creating a rich base for our cinnamon-sugar filling and contributing to that lovely golden crust.
• Apple: Any crisp, sweet-tart apple like Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji works wonderfully. Peel and finely dice the apple to ensure it cooks evenly and integrates beautifully into the rolls without creating large, chunky bits.
• Brown Sugar: This provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling. Unlike white sugar, brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and a richer flavor profile, contributing to the gooey texture of the rolls.
• Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for cinnamon rolls! Ensure your cinnamon is fresh for the most potent and aromatic flavor. This warm spice perfectly complements the apples and sugar.
• OPTIONAL – Icing Sugar / Powdered Sugar: For a simple, sweet glaze to drizzle over the warm rolls. You’ll combine this with a touch of milk and vanilla extract for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.

Crafting Your Apple Cinnamon Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these Apple Cinnamon Rolls is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these steps for perfect, golden-brown rolls every time:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Tray: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C / 350°F. Line a baking tray with a silicone mat or baking paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
2. Initiate the Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, place the Greek yoghurt and give it a quick stir to loosen it. Add 1 cup of self-raising flour and mix until just combined. Gradually incorporate more flour, a little at a time, continuing to stir until the mixture begins to come together and form a cohesive ball of dough.
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4. Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface and turn out the dough. Knead it gently with your hands for just one or two minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, gradually, until it’s smooth, pliable, and no longer adheres to your hands or the surface. The goal is a soft, manageable dough.
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6. Roll and Fill: Using a well-floured rolling pin, roll the dough out into a roughly rectangular shape. Don’t worry about perfect edges; just aim for an even thickness. Brush the entire surface of the dough with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the butter. Finally, scatter the finely diced apple pieces across the spiced sugar mixture.
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8. Roll and Cut: Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife (or unflavored dental floss for a cleaner cut) to cut the log into 8 equal pieces. Carefully arrange these pieces on your prepared baking tray, ensuring there’s a small gap between each roll to allow for slight expansion during baking.
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10. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the rolls are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbrowning.
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12. Cool and Glaze (Optional): Once baked, transfer the rolls to a wire rack to cool slightly. If you’re making the optional glaze, simply whisk together the icing sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and drizzle over the still-warm (or completely cooled) apple cinnamon rolls. Serve warm for the ultimate experience!
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Storing Your Apple Cinnamon Scrolls

To enjoy these delicious rolls beyond their initial bake, proper storage is key:

• At Room Temperature: Once your apple cinnamon rolls have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from drying out.
• Freezing for Longer Storage: If you’re planning ahead or want to save some for later, these rolls freeze wonderfully. It’s best to freeze them *before* adding any glaze. Place the cooled, unglazed rolls in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply remove from the freezer, thaw at room temperature for an hour or two (or microwave briefly from frozen), and then warm them up in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-10 minutes until heated through and gooey. A quick zap in the microwave brings back that irresistible warm, gooey texture perfectly!

Expert Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Rolls

While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few expert tips can help you achieve the most delicious results:

• Master the Two-Ingredient Dough: The foundation of these rolls is the dough. For comprehensive guidance on achieving the perfect consistency and handling this unique dough, be sure to consult my dedicated two-ingredient dough guide. Understanding its nuances will make your baking experience even smoother.
• Work Efficiently with the Dough: This dough performs best when handled relatively quickly. It tends to become stickier the longer it sits at room temperature. Once you’ve achieved the desired consistency after kneading, proceed promptly to roll it out, add the filling, and roll it up. Speed is your friend here!
• Don’t Stress Over Shape: Achieving a perfectly rectangular dough is not essential. Simply roll it out as much as you can to an even thickness. The beauty of homemade rolls lies in their rustic charm, so focus on even distribution of the filling rather than exact geometry.
• Roll Tightly and Cut Evenly: When rolling up the dough, aim for a tight spiral. This ensures the filling stays in place and you get those beautiful layers. To cut into 8 equal pieces, a neat trick is to first cut the log in half, then cut each half in half, and finally cut each quarter in half. This helps achieve more uniform rolls.
• Watch Them Closely in the Oven: Ovens can vary, so keep a close eye on your rolls around the 10-minute mark. You’re looking for a lovely golden-brown color, indicating they are perfectly cooked through and caramelized. Overbaking can lead to dry rolls, so err on the side of slightly underbaked for maximum gooeyness.
• Glaze After Freezing: If you plan to freeze some of your rolls for later enjoyment, skip applying the glaze before freezing. It’s best to add the glaze fresh after reheating, just before serving, for the best texture and appearance.
• Apple Choice Matters: While many apples work, a crisp apple with a balance of sweet and tart, like a Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith, will provide the best flavor and texture contrast in the rolls. Avoid overly soft or mealy apple varieties.

More Delicious Two-Ingredient Dough Recipes to Explore

The versatility of two-ingredient dough is truly remarkable! Once you master this simple base, a world of quick and easy recipes opens up. If you loved these Apple Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic creations:

• Classic No Yeast Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: The original crowd-pleaser that started it all.
• Savory Ham and Cheese Scrolls: Perfect for lunchboxes or a quick savory snack.
• Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites {No Yeast}: A fun, bite-sized treat that’s dangerously addictive.
• Delicious Roast Pumpkin Pizza: Yes, you can even make pizza crust with two-ingredient dough!
• Homemade No Yeast Bagels: Fresh, chewy bagels made simple.
• Quick and Easy Yoghurt Flatbread: A versatile base for wraps, dipping, or alongside your favorite curries.
• OR, explore the full collection of amazing Two Ingredient Dough Recipes for endless inspiration!

I genuinely hope you enjoy creating and savoring these delightful Apple Cinnamon Rolls! Your feedback is invaluable, so please don’t hesitate to share how they turned out for you. Pop a comment and a star rating below to let me know your thoughts!

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📋 RECIPE: Apple Cinnamon Rolls {No Yeast}

Apple Cinnamon Rolls {No Yeast}

Yield: 8 rolls

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

These soft and fluffy Apple Cinnamon Rolls are irresistible and are great for a special breakfast treat or morning tea. So unbelievably quick and easy to pull together and made with two ingredient dough – no yeast or proofing required. These apple cinnamon rolls are best served warm and gooey out of the oven.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek Yoghurt (full-fat recommended)
• 1.5 cups Self-Raising Flour (SEE NOTE 1 for alternative)
• 2 tbsps Unsalted Butter, melted
• ½ cup Brown Sugar, packed
• 1.5 tbsps Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Apple (e.g., Pink Lady, Honeycrisp), peeled & finely diced

Optional Cinnamon Roll Glaze

• ½ cup Icing Sugar / Powdered Sugar
• ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1-2 tbsps Milk (start with 1 tbsp, add more for desired consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F and line a baking tray with a silicone mat or baking paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, stir the Greek yoghurt. Add 1 cup of self-raising flour and combine. Gradually add more flour, stirring until the dough forms into a ball.
3. Tip the dough onto a well-floured surface. Knead with your hands for 1-2 minutes. If sticky, add more flour until it holds its shape and isn’t sticking.
4. Use a well-floured rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangle. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Distribute diced apple pieces evenly on top.
5. Roll the dough up tightly from one long side. Cut into 8 equal pieces. Spread the pieces onto the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each for rising.
6. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer rolls to a wire rack to cool.
7. If making the optional glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the icing sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled (or still warm) apple cinnamon rolls before serving.

Notes

1. Flour Substitution: If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose (plain) flour and baking powder. For every 1 cup of all-purpose flour, add 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Adjust accordingly (e.g., for 1.5 cups flour, use 3 teaspoons baking powder).

2. Storage: Once completely cooled, store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For longer storage, freeze unglazed rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven for best results. They are delicious warmed!

3. Tips for Success:

• Refer to my two-ingredient dough guide for detailed tips on dough consistency.
• Work quickly with the dough as it can become stickier at room temperature.
• Don’t worry about a perfect rectangle shape; focus on even thickness.
• Roll the dough as tightly as possible. Cut into even pieces by halving, then halving again, and so on.
• Monitor baking closely; aim for golden brown rolls around 10-15 minutes.
• Skip glazing if you plan to freeze the rolls; glaze after reheating.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Yield: 8
• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 173
• Total Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 9mg
• Sodium: 303mg
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 13g
• Protein: 4g

© Cassie Heilbron

Cuisine: Western | Category: Breakfast