Fastest Cinnamon Rolls

Recipe Overview

• Prep time: 15 mins
• Bake time: 15–18 mins
• Servings: 8 large rolls

Ingredients

• The Quick Dough:
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
  • 3/4 cup whole milk (plus an extra tablespoon if the dough is too dry)
• The Cinnamon Filling:
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (crucial for spreading)
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• The Quick Cream Cheese Glaze:
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking pan or square baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Cut in the Butter: Toss the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your clean fingers to quickly rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter left.
4. Add Milk and Form Dough: Pour in the milk and gently stir with a spatula just until a soft, sticky dough forms. Do not overmix! Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it 3 or 4 times to bring it together into a smooth ball.
5. Roll Out: Roll the dough out into a rough rectangle, about 12×8 inches.
6. Add the Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough, leaving a small border at the edges. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the butter, patting it down gently so it sticks.
7. Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log evenly into 8 equal slices (using unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife works best to avoid squishing them).
8. Bake: Place the rolls cut-side up in your prepared baking pan. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are just starting to turn golden brown.
9. Make the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
10. Glaze and Serve: Spread the glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls right as they come out of the oven so it melts into all the cracks.

Pro-Tips for Success

• The Secret to Softness: Because these use baking powder instead of yeast, they are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the crumb is tender and warm.
• Floss Cutting Trick: If a knife flattens your rolls when slicing, slide a piece of unflavored dental floss or sewing thread under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull tight for a clean, effortless cut.