For those who crave the comfort of a cinnamon roll but dread the kneading, these no-knead cinnamon rolls are a dream come true. Made from a straightforward dough that you simply mix by hand, these rolls are crowned with a luscious cream cheese glaze. They offer all the satisfaction without the heaviness of store-bought options.
- Cuisine: American
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 rolls
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No kneading required, making it accessible for all skill levels.
- Perfectly fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Customizable glaze: choose your desired sweetness and thickness.
- Proven to be more forgiving than typical bread recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp dry yeast: Vital for dough rise. Simply activated in warm water.
- 70 g / 1/3 cup caster sugar: Adds sweetness; substitute with normal white sugar if needed.
- 1/2 cup / 125 ml warm water: To activate the yeast efficiently.
- 600 g / 20 oz plain flour / all purpose flour: Forms the structure of the rolls. May vary slightly by region.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances flavor by balancing the sweetness.
- 1 cup / 250 ml milk: Provides moisture and richness; whole or low-fat are both fine.
- 50 g / 3.5 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness; melted for easy incorporation.
- 2 large eggs: Contributes to dough rise and color. Lightly beaten for even distribution.
- 1/4 cup / 35g plain flour: Use to adjust dough texture if needed.
- 90 g / 6 tbsp unsalted butter: Forms the base of the filling, delivering indulgence when melted.
- 1 cup / 220 g brown sugar: Provides the deep caramel flavor essential to the filling.
- 2 tbsp cinnamon powder: The key spice for warmth and depth of flavor.
- 90 g / 3 oz cream cheese: Essential for the glaze, providing smoothness and tang.
- 50 g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Softened for easy blending into the glaze.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds aromatic complexity to the glaze.
- 1 1/4 cups / 150g icing sugar / powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze to the perfect level.
- 2 – 3 tbsp milk: Adjusts glaze consistency; water can be used instead.
How to Make It
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active, crucial for the dough’s rise.
Step 2: Form the Dough
Mix the sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, and flour into the yeast mixture. Stir until just combined. The dough will look shaggy, which is exactly right. No kneading needed here, just cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours in a warm spot.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Melt the butter and mix it with brown sugar and cinnamon. This mixture should be thick and spreadable. If too runny, allow it to cool a bit – but not to the point of hardening.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
After the first rise, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly. Slice into 12 pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes while the oven is heating. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by beating the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Recipe FAQs
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, roll it, and slice it the night before. Just cover and refrigerate. The next day, let it come to room temperature before baking.
What if I don’t have a warm place for the dough to rise?
If your kitchen is cool, use your oven. Warm it briefly and turn it off, then place the dough inside to rise with the door closed. This provides a consistent temperature for effective yeast activation.
How do I fix a runny glaze?
If the glaze is too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar until you achieve the desired consistency. Alternatively, reduce the milk content the next time you prepare it.
