Easy No‑Knead Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Icing

Soft, sweet, no‑knead cinnamon rolls topped with a decadent vanilla cream cheese icing—an easy yet unforgettable breakfast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a dream for hands‑off bakers: no mixer, no kneading, no special flour required—just simple ingredients, minimal effort, and heavenly results. The dough is pliable and forgiving, and the vanilla bean‑infused cream cheese icing seeps into every nook for a melt‑in‑your‑mouth finish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• For The Cinnamon Rolls:

  • Milk (whole milk recommended)

  • Oil (canola, olive, or melted coconut oil)

  • Granulated sugar

  • Instant or active dry yeast (1 packet, about 2¼ tsp)

  • All‑purpose flour

  • Baking powder

  • Baking soda

  • Salt

  • Melted unsalted butter

  • Brown sugar

  • Cinnamon

• For The Cream Cheese Icing:

  • Cream cheese (room temperature)

  • Unsalted butter (softened)

  • Powdered sugar

  • Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

  • Milk (dairy or non‑dairy)

  • Salt

Directions

1. Heat milk, oil, and sugar in a large pot (or microwave‑safe bowl) until just below boiling; let cool to about 105–110 °F.

2. Sprinkle in the yeast, let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir in 4 cups (approx. 500 g) of flour. Cover and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).

3. Stir in remaining flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Divide dough in half. Roll one half on a well‑floured surface into a roughly 12×8 inch rectangle.

5. Spread melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly.

6. Roll tightly (seam side down), then cut into 8 even rolls. Place in a greased pie plate or similar pan. Repeat with remaining dough.

7. Let rolls rest for 15–20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375 °F.

8. Bake for 20–22 minutes, until golden.

9. Meanwhile, whisk together cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add vanilla and salt.

10. Whisk in powdered sugar, then add milk gradually until the icing is pourable yet thick.

11. Spread icing over warm rolls and serve.

Servings And Timing

• Servings: 16 cinnamon rolls

• Prep Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes (includes rising time)

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 55 minutes

Variations

• Use non‑dairy milk like oat milk for a dairy-free version.

• Try vegan butter or coconut oil as dairy substitutes.

• For a festive twist, incorporate carrot or pumpkin purée into the dough.

• Halve the recipe to make 8 rolls using the same method.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers up to 5 days; microwave individual rolls 20–30 seconds to warm.

• Oven Reheat: Warm an entire pan at 250 °F for about 15 minutes.

• Freeze Baked Rolls: Wrap individually and freeze up to 3 months; reheat as needed.

• Freeze Dough: Freeze shaped, unbaked rolls for up to 3 months; thaw and bake.

FAQs

1. What Type Of Milk Works Best?

Whole milk gives the best texture, but 2% or non‑dairy like oat milk also work.

2. Can I Use Active Dry Yeast Instead Of Instant?

Yes—either type of yeast works in this recipe.

3. Does It Really Need Baking Powder And Soda?

Yes, they help make the dough pliable and easier to handle.

4. Is A Mixer Or Kneading Required?

No mixer or kneading is needed—just mix with a spoon and roll out.

5. Can I Make Them In Advance?

Yes, you can shape them the night before, refrigerate, then bake in the morning.

6. What Makes The Icing Less Sweet?

Using less powdered sugar and adding a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.

7. Can Dairy-Free Substitutions Work?

Yes, you can use non‑dairy milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

8. What If The Dough Is Too Sticky?

Chill the dough in the fridge for an hour—it becomes easier to handle.

9. How Long Do Leftovers Stay Good?

Refrigerated rolls last up to 5 days; frozen rolls up to 3 months.

10. Can I Halve The Recipe?

Yes, halving all ingredients yields about 8 rolls with the same process.

Conclusion

These no‑knead cinnamon rolls are a perfect treat for breakfast or brunch. With a simple dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and a luscious cream cheese icing, they come together easily and taste bakery-quality. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or baking for fun, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.

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