Irresistibly Soft & Gooey: The Ultimate No Knead Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

When it comes to the perfect breakfast treat, no knead cinnamon rolls reign supreme. This delectable bakery-style treat, with its soft, fluffy texture and gooey cinnamon filling, is a must-try for any home baker. Gone are the days of tedious kneading and waiting; this no knead cinnamon rolls recipe transforms the kitchen experience into an effortless delight.

What Are No Knead Cinnamon Rolls?

No knead cinnamon rolls are a simplified version of traditional cinnamon rolls that require minimal effort and time. The dough is soft and sticky, ideally suited for a leisurely morning or when unexpected guests come calling. The process involves mixing your ingredients, allowing the dough to rise, and then rolling it out with a delicious cinnamon-sugar filling—like a sweet embrace that invites you to indulge.

Key Ingredients

Here’s a detailed look at the essential ingredients that come together to create these mouthwatering no knead cinnamon rolls:

  • Flour: All-purpose flour is the foundation for the dough.
  • Yeast: Instant yeast is ideal as it reacts quickly without needing activation.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and the filling.
  • Butter: Melted, for both the dough and the filling, it adds richness.
  • Milk: Provides moisture and a tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Contributes to the structure and flavor of the rolls.
  • Cinnamon: The star of the filling, adding warmth and spice.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

Here’s a quick table summarizing the ingredients needed for this recipe:

Ingredients Amount
All-purpose Flour 4 cups
Instant Yeast 2 teaspoons
Sugar 1/4 cup
Butter (melted) 1/2 cup
Milk 1 cup (warm)
Eggs 2
ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon
Salt 1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.

  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted butter, warm milk, and eggs. Stir the mixture using a wooden spoon until a wet and sticky dough forms. It should resemble a thick muffin batter.

    Mixing ingredients for no knead cinnamon rolls

  3. First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until the dough has nearly tripled in size.

2. Shape the Rolls

  1. Prepare the Work Surface: Lightly flour a clean countertop or pastry mat.

  2. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the risen dough onto the floured surface. Gently stretch and sparse it out into a rectangle approximately 12” x 18”.

    Rolling out the dough for cinnamon rolls

  3. Add Filling: Brush the dough generously with melted butter, and sprinkle cinnamon and sugar mixture evenly over the surface.

3. Roll and Slice

  1. Roll the Dough: Starting at one long edge, roll the dough away from you into a tight log.

  2. Slice the Rolls: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

    Roll Size Approximate Width
    Each Roll 1.5 inches
  3. Second Rise: Place the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.

4. Bake

  1. Oven Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Bake the Rolls: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and fluffy. The rolls should sound hollow when tapped.

    Baking cinnamon rolls until golden

5. Frosting

To elevate your cinnamon rolls to the next level, here’s a simple cream cheese frosting recipe:

Ingredients Amount
Cream Cheese 8 oz
Powdered Sugar 2 cups
Vanilla Extract 1 tsp
Milk 2-3 tablespoons
  1. Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.

  2. Add Frosting: Spread generously over warm cinnamon rolls.

    Drizzling frosting over warm cinnamon rolls

Tips for Perfect No Knead Cinnamon Rolls

  1. Temperature Matters: Ensure your yeast is fresh and your liquids are warm (not hot)—between 110°F to 115°F is ideal for activating yeast.
  2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: The beauty of no knead dough is in its stickiness. Avoid adding too much flour while rolling.
  3. Make Ahead: These rolls can be prepared the night before. Just shape them and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.
  4. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly for these rolls as it provides just the right amount of structure and fluffiness.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can substitute it with active dry yeast; however, it will require proofing before adding it to the dough.

How can I make these rolls healthier?

You can use whole wheat flour for a more nutritious option or reduce sugar in the filling.

Can I freeze the no knead cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

For a comprehensive guide, check out RecipeTin Eats’ No Knead Cinnamon Rolls recipe.

With this easy, forgiving recipe, your mornings can turn into fragrant sessions of joy. There’s no excuse not to indulge in the soft, gooey deliciousness of homemade no knead cinnamon rolls!

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