No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls in 30 Minutes! Easy, Fluffy, & Delicious Recipe
No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls in 30 Minutes! Easy, Fluffy, & Delicious Recipe! is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by B Wood Cooks on YouTube.
Prep: 34 min | Cook: 23 min | Total: 1 hr 7 min
Cost: $2.46 total, $0.21 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (cold, cut into 1‑cm cubes)
- 3/4 cup Whole Milk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup White Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons Milk (for glaze, room temperature)
Instructions
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder until evenly distributed.
Time: PT3M
Cut in Cold Butter
Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Using a fork (or pastry cutter) press and rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea‑size pieces.
Time: PT5M
Add Milk and Form Dough
Pour the whole milk into the bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until a soft dough comes together. It will be slightly sticky.
Time: PT3M
Knead Briefly
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 1 minute, just until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Rest Dough While Preparing Filling
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest on the counter while you make the filling.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Cinnamon Filling
In a separate bowl combine the brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is uniform.
Time: PT3M
Roll Out Dough
On a lightly floured surface roll the rested dough into a rectangle about 12 × 9 inches (30 × 23 cm) and about ¼‑inch thick.
Time: PT5M
Add Filling
Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon‑sugar mixture over the rolled dough, leaving a ½‑inch border at the short ends.
Time: PT3M
Roll and Cut
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
Time: PT5M
Bake Rolls
Place the rolls on a parchment‑lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in a pre‑heated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 18‑20 minutes, until golden brown.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 375°F
Prepare Glaze
While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar and 2 Tbsp milk in a small bowl until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Glaze and Serve
Remove the rolls from the oven, let them sit 2 minutes, then drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread Flour, Whole Wheat Flour (will be denser)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut Sugar, Honey (reduce other liquids)
- Instead of Salt: Sea Salt, Kosher Salt (same amount)
- Instead of Baking Powder: Self‑rising flour (adjust other leavening)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Plant‑based butter
- Instead of Whole Milk: Almond Milk, Soy Milk (may affect texture)
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Dark Muscovado Sugar, Honey (reduce other liquids)
- Instead of White Granulated Sugar: Coconut Sugar
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: Ground Nutmeg (half amount)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Maple Extract, Almond Extract (use 1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: Confectioners' Sugar
- Instead of Milk: Water (will be less sweet)
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Fork or Pastry Cutter
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
- Knife or Bench Scraper
- Cooling Rack (optional)
- Small Mixing Bowl (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Keep the butter cold when cutting it into the flour; this creates a flaky texture.
- Do not over‑mix or over‑knead the dough; a brief knead is enough.
- Roll the dough to an even thickness to ensure uniform baking.
- Cut the rolls evenly to achieve consistent size and cooking time.
- Bake until the tops are golden but not burnt; watch the oven closely during the last minutes.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an extra caramel note, substitute half of the brown sugar with dark muscovado.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with a little melted butter before baking for a richer crust.
- If you like a streusel topping, mix 2 Tbsp flour, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp butter; sprinkle before baking.
Troubleshooting
Rolls are dense and not fluffy.
Make sure the baking powder is fresh and the butter was kept cold; avoid over‑kneading the dough.
Filling leaks out during baking.
Do not over‑fill; seal the edges of each roll by gently pinching the dough together before placing on the sheet.
Glaze is too runny.
Add a little more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped rolls for up to 2 months; reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Room temperature: Best enjoyed the same day; can sit at room temperature for up to 6 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated overnight for a richer flavor.
- Glaze can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator; stir before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Grandma's No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls in American cuisine?
Cinnamon rolls originated in Scandinavia and were brought to the United States by immigrants. In many Southern and Midwestern families, "grandma's" versions were adapted to use baking powder instead of yeast for speed, becoming a beloved weekend breakfast treat.
What are the traditional regional variations of cinnamon rolls in the United States?
In the North‑East, rolls are often topped with a cream cheese frosting, while in the South they are glazed with a simple powdered‑sugar glaze. Some Midwestern recipes add raisins or nuts for extra texture.
How is Grandma's No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls traditionally served in American households?
They are typically served warm straight from the oven, drizzled with a sweet glaze, and enjoyed with coffee or milk as a breakfast or brunch staple.
During which occasions are cinnamon rolls traditionally enjoyed in American culture?
Cinnamon rolls are popular for weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches, church potlucks, and as a comforting treat on rainy mornings.
What makes Grandma's No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls special compared to traditional yeast‑based rolls?
The use of baking powder eliminates the long rising time, allowing the dough to be prepared and baked in under an hour while still delivering a soft, tender crumb and classic cinnamon‑sugar flavor.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Grandma's No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls?
Common errors include using warm butter (which prevents flaky layers), over‑mixing the dough (which makes it tough), and over‑filling the rolls, which can cause the filling to ooze out during baking.
Why does this recipe use baking powder instead of yeast for the dough?
Baking powder provides quick leavening without the need for proofing time, making the recipe faster and more reliable for home cooks who may not have a warm environment for yeast fermentation.
Can I make Grandma's No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can refrigerate the unbaked rolled dough for up to 24 hours, tightly wrapped. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. Store baked rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 hours or refrigerate for longer storage.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the rolls are done?
The rolls should be golden‑brown on top, with a soft, pillowy interior. When tapped, the bottom should sound hollow, indicating they are fully cooked.
What does the YouTube channel B Wood Cooks specialize in?
The YouTube channel B Wood Cooks focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic comfort food with quick, modern techniques, often featuring nostalgic dishes like grandma’s favorites.
How does the YouTube channel B Wood Cooks' approach to American comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?
B Wood Cooks emphasizes minimal equipment, shortcuts such as using baking powder instead of yeast, and clear step‑by‑step narration, making traditional comfort dishes accessible to busy home cooks.
What other American breakfast recipes is the YouTube channel B Wood Cooks known for?
B Wood Cooks is also known for quick pancake variations, fluffy biscuits, and classic Southern biscuits and gravy, all presented with a focus on speed and simplicity.
Last updated: August 31, 2026






