No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls 20 Minute Recipe

Looking for more recipes using my 2-ingredient dough? Try my 2-ingredient bagels, 2-ingredient bread, and 2-ingredient pizza dough next. Does anyone else typically skip a recipe if it calls for yeast? I know I do. Now, I consider myself a pretty skilled baker, but rarely do I have the patience or extra time to knead the dough and wait for it to rise (yes, even if it is for hot cross buns!). That’s where my yeast-free cinnamon roll recipe comes in.

Why I love this recipe

Quick and easy. Like my air fryer cinnamon rolls, these cinnamon buns take a fraction of the time to make, yet you’d never guess by how decadent they taste. Relatively healthy. I use Greek yogurt in the dough and the frosting, giving them a boost of healthy fats and protein. Fuss-free. There’s no activating the yeast, no kneading, and no proofing the dough. Gorgeous flavor and texture. Slightly firm and golden on the outside yet undeniably soft and fluffy in the center. I could eat a whole pan by myself!

Ingredients needed

Self-rising flour. The key ingredient that lets homemade cinnamon rolls rise without yeast. If you don’t have any, you can easily make your own with all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Vanilla Greek yogurt. Any kind works, be it non-fat, reduced-fat, or full-fat. The only yogurt I’d avoid using is “natural” yogurt, which I’ve found makes the dough super sticky and hard to shape. And yes, please use a sweetened one because the dough needs some added sweetness. Cinnamon. Use Saigon cinnamon for a bolder, more warming cinnamon flavor. Sugar. I used brown sugar for the filling but white sugar for the dough. You can use brown sugar for the dough too, but the dough will be darker. Coconut oil. To lightly brush the dough before adding the cinnamon sugar. Melted butter will also work.

For the glaze:

Confectioners’ sugar. Also known as ‘icing sugar’ or simply powdered sugar. Vanilla Greek yogurt. To thicken the frosting. Vanilla extract. A must for vanilla glaze!

How to make no yeast cinnamon rolls

I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Arman’s recipe tips

Make them vegan. Swap the yogurt for coconut yogurt, or make my vegan cinnamon rolls instead. Avoid overbaking. Remember, the buns will continue to cook briefly as they cool down. To make the glaze thinner, add more yogurt or a splash of almond milk. Make a cream cheese frosting by whisking together softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and powdered sugar.

Storage instructions

To store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. To freeze: Place leftover cooled cinnamon rolls in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat: Microwave the rolls for 30 seconds or reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes or until warm.