Get ready for ultimate Fall Baking bliss with these incredible Easy No Yeast Apple Cinnamon Rolls! Imagine warm, sweet, and unbelievably gooey rolls, each swirl bursting with a rich, buttery cinnamon filling, tender apple bits, and crowned with a generous blanket of tangy cream cheese glaze. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to pure comfort and joy, arriving on your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
If you’ve been searching for a quick and easy apple cinnamon roll recipe that doesn’t demand hours of proofing time, look no further. Our no-yeast method ensures you can enjoy these homemade delights in under an hour, making them perfect for spontaneous weekend brunches, cozy autumn mornings, or anytime a craving strikes. Forget the lengthy waits – deliciousness is just around the corner!

Easy No Yeast Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Your Secret to Foolproof Baking!
These easy no yeast apple cinnamon rolls are an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves homemade pastries but dreads the time commitment. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: no yeast means no laborious kneading, no endless waiting for the dough to rise, and absolutely no mixer required. That’s right – you can mix, roll, bake, and glaze these scrumptious apple cinnamon rolls and have them ready to devour within the hour. It truly is a foolproof method for achieving light, airy, and fluffy cinnamon rolls with a delightful chew.
Instead of yeast, we harness the power of baking powder (and a touch of baking soda with buttermilk for extra lift and tenderness) to create a dough that rises beautifully and bakes quickly. This innovative approach ensures that even beginner bakers can achieve bakery-quality results. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these gooey apple cinnamon rolls come together, making them the ultimate solution for a fast, satisfying breakfast or a delightful last-minute dessert.
For those who adore the classic cinnamon roll experience, you might also enjoy exploring other delightful variations. While this recipe focuses on speed and simplicity, you could also try Easy Quick Gooey Cinnamon Rolls for a more traditional approach, Cinnamon Pumpkin Rolls for a seasonal twist, Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls for a fruity delight, or even Lemon Sweet Rolls for a bright, zesty treat. But for sheer speed and autumnal flavor, our no yeast apple cinnamon rolls stand out!
Why These No Yeast Apple Cinnamon Rolls Are a Must-Try!
These apple cinnamon rolls aren’t just easy; they are truly exceptional. Here’s why they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection, especially during the fall season:
- Effortless & Quick: Perfect for when you crave fresh, homemade rolls but are short on time. They go from ingredients to warm, glazed perfection in less than 45 minutes, requiring no complex steps or special equipment.
- No Waiting, No Proofing: The absence of yeast means you bypass the lengthy proofing process, cutting down significantly on preparation time. This is a huge advantage for busy mornings or unexpected cravings.
- Irresistible Cinnamon-Apple Filling: Each roll is generously packed with a decadent blend of melted butter, rich brown sugar, granulated sugar, aromatic cinnamon, and a hint of warming nutmeg. This creates a deeply flavorful spiral in every bite.
- Tender Apple Surprises: Sweet and tender diced apples are nestled within the cinnamon swirls, providing a delightful textural contrast and a burst of fresh, fruity flavor that perfectly complements the spice.
- Velvety Cream Cheese Glaze: A luscious, tangy cream cheese icing drizzles over the warm rolls, adding the quintessential finish that ties all the flavors together for an explosion of taste.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: While ideal for cozy autumn weekends, these rolls are fantastic for any special breakfast, celebratory brunch, or even as a comforting dessert any time of year. Their ease makes them suitable for impromptu gatherings or a simple treat for yourself.
- Kid-Friendly Baking Project: Get the whole family involved! Kids will love helping to roll out the dough, sprinkle the filling, add the apples, and of course, slather on that glorious cream cheese icing. It’s a fun and delicious activity for all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best No Yeast Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these amazing homemade apple cinnamon rolls. Most of these are pantry staples, ensuring a stress-free baking experience.
For the Rich Cinnamon Filling:
- Brown sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and a wonderfully moist texture.
- Granulated sugar: For a balanced sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice, essential for that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, slightly earthy undertone that perfectly complements the cinnamon and apple.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Acts as a binder and creates that luscious, gooey texture in the filling.
- 3 apples, peeled and diced: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are excellent choices, offering a nice balance of sweetness and tartness, and holding their shape well when baked.
For the Soft & Fluffy Dough:
- All-purpose flour: The base of our quick dough, plus extra for dusting.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough itself.
- Baking powder: Our primary leavening agent, providing quick rise and a tender crumb.
- Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to enhance the rise and create a fluffy texture.
- Salt: Essential for flavor balance in the dough.
- Buttermilk: Provides moisture and tang, reacting with the baking soda for an even better rise. (No buttermilk? Simply combine regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle!)
- Vanilla extract: A touch of warmth and aromatic depth for the dough.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
For the Dreamy Cream Cheese Icing:
- Cream cheese, softened: The base for our classic, tangy glaze. Ensure it’s at room temperature for a smooth consistency.
- Confectioners’ sugar: For a sweet, smooth, and lump-free icing.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and depth of the icing.
- Heavy cream or milk of choice: To achieve the perfect drizzly consistency for your glaze.
How to Make Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful no yeast apple cinnamon rolls is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:
- Prepare Your Pan & Oven: Preheat your oven to a cozy 425°F (220°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a non-stick spray. Set it aside, ready for your rolls.
Crafting the Irresistible Cinnamon Filling:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Add Butter: Pour in the melted butter and mix thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and crumbly. This is your flavorful filling! Set aside.
- Prepare Apples: Peel your chosen apples and dice them into small, even pieces. This ensures they soften perfectly during the short baking time. Set aside.
Preparing the Simple No Yeast Dough:
- Whisk Dry Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk vigorously to ensure all leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Dough Ingredients: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine the buttermilk (or your homemade buttermilk substitute), 5 tablespoons of the melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk briefly to combine.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry flour mixture.
- Form the Dough: Using a wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula, stir until a shaggy, cohesive dough begins to form. Then, gently knead the dough a few times with your hands directly in the bowl until it comes together into a smooth, soft ball. Do not overmix.
- Divide the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal portions.
- Roll Out Dough: Take one portion of dough and, using your hands or a rolling pin, press or roll it into an 8×12-inch rectangle. Repeat with the second portion.
- Add Filling: Evenly sprinkle half of the prepared cinnamon filling over each rectangle of dough, making sure to leave a small 1/4-inch border around the edges. Gently pat the filling into the dough with your hands to help it adhere.
- Layer Apples: Distribute half of the diced apple chunks evenly over the cinnamon filling on each dough rectangle.
- Roll the Logs: Starting from the longest side nearest you (the 12-inch edge), carefully roll each dough rectangle into a tight log. Once rolled, gently pinch the seam closed to seal the log.
- Slice the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or even unflavored dental floss, cut each log into 8 equal rounds, resulting in a total of 16 delicious rolls.
- Arrange & Bake: Arrange the cut rolls snugly in your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining melted butter.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rolls are beautifully golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set slightly before icing.
Whipping Up the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Mix Icing Ingredients: While the rolls are cooling, combine the softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream (or milk) in a bowl. Whisk until the icing is completely smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. Adjust the amount of cream/milk to achieve your desired drizzly consistency.
- Glaze & Serve: Drizzle the glorious cream cheese icing generously over the warm apple cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, gooey goodness!
For an extra touch of indulgence, consider topping your apple cinnamon buns with a sprinkle of chopped pecans, a swirl of rich caramel sauce, or even a few extra cooked apple slices for even more delightful flavor and texture!




Expert Tips for Perfect No Yeast Apple Cinnamon Rolls Every Time
Even though this recipe is designed to be easy, a few expert tips can elevate your baking and ensure consistently perfect results with your homemade cinnamon rolls.
Mastering the Dough: Expect a Soft and Slightly Sticky Consistency
- Resist the Urge to Add More Flour: The key to tender, fluffy rolls is a soft dough. Do not be tempted to add excessive amounts of flour to the dough itself, even if it feels a little sticky in the bowl. A slightly sticky dough is a good sign for moisture and tenderness in the final product.
- Use Flour for Shaping, Not Mixing: Instead of incorporating more flour into the dough mixture, reserve it for your work surface and rolling pin. Generously dust your counter, hands, and rolling pin with flour when you’re ready to shape the rolls. This prevents sticking without making the dough tough.
- Gentle Handling: Overworking the dough can lead to tough rolls. Mix just until combined and knead only a few times until smooth.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, remember the simple trick: add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill the rest of the way to the 1 ¼ cup mark with regular milk (any fat percentage will work, but whole milk is ideal for richness). Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles. This “sour” milk will react with the baking soda just like real buttermilk.
Apple Selection & Preparation Tips:
- Choose the Right Apples: While the recipe suggests Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, you can experiment! Fuji, Gala, Braeburn, or even Pink Lady apples would also be delicious. The most important thing is that the apples hold their shape well during baking.
- Dice Small for Best Results: Since these rolls bake quickly (around 20 minutes), it’s crucial to dice your apples into small, uniform chunks. Larger pieces might not soften enough, leading to a crunchy texture in an otherwise soft roll. Aim for pieces no larger than a pea or small bean.
- Quantity: The recipe calls for 3 medium apples, which provides a good apple-to-cinnamon ratio. If you’re an extreme apple lover, you can certainly add a bit more, but ensure they are still finely diced and spread evenly to avoid making the rolls too bulky to roll.
Baking & Glazing Perfection:
- Even Baking: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before putting the rolls in. An accurate oven temperature is vital for even baking and a beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can lead to dry rolls. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown and feel soft to the touch. The internal temperature of the dough should be around 200-205°F (93-96°C) if you use a thermometer.
- Icing Consistency: For a perfect drizzle, ensure your cream cheese is softened, and add the heavy cream or milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency. A slightly thinner glaze will spread and soak into the warm rolls beautifully.
- Glaze Warm Rolls: Applying the cream cheese glaze to warm (not hot!) rolls allows it to melt slightly and seep into the nooks and crannies, enhancing the gooey texture and flavor.
Storing Your Delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls
These homemade no yeast apple cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven, but leftovers are still incredibly delicious! Proper storage ensures they remain a delightful treat for days.
- Room Temperature: If your rolls are frosted or unfrosted, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, especially if they are frosted, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: To bring them back to their warm, gooey glory, simply pop a roll (or two!) into the microwave for 20-30 seconds. The icing will soften, and the rolls will become tender again. A quick reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, covered with foil, also works beautifully for a crispier exterior. Indulge and enjoy every bite!

Common Questions About No Yeast Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Can I use different types of apples?
- Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their balance of flavor and texture, feel free to use your favorite baking apple. Fuji, Gala, Braeburn, or even Pink Lady apples would also be delicious. The key is to dice them small so they cook through quickly.
- What if I don’t have buttermilk?
- No problem! You can easily make a homemade buttermilk substitute. Simply pour 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice into a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest of the way to the 1 ¼ cup line with regular milk (any fat percentage will work, but whole milk is ideal for richness). Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it appears slightly curdled. This “sour” milk will react with the baking soda just like real buttermilk.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- While these rolls are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the dough and assemble the rolls the night before. Arrange them in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed. You can also prepare the cinnamon filling and cream cheese icing a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator.
- How do I get my rolls perfectly round when slicing?
- For perfectly round rolls, consider using unflavored dental floss instead of a knife. Slide a piece of floss under the rolled log, cross the ends over the top, and pull them tightly to slice through. This method prevents the rolls from flattening or squishing as a knife might.
- Can I add nuts to the filling?
- Yes, absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a fantastic addition to the cinnamon-apple filling, adding extra texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them over the filling before rolling the dough.
These easy no yeast apple cinnamon rolls are always a welcome treat, no matter the season! They offer a perfect baking project to do with the kids, allowing them to roll out dough, add the delightful filling and apples, meticulously roll up the spirals, and finally, slather on that glorious cream cheese icing. It’s a fun, engaging, and utterly delicious way to spend time together.
You and everyone else around won’t be able to resist this soft, fluffy, and incredibly flavorful cinnamon bun recipe! With no kneading and no lengthy rise times, it’s precisely what you need for your next fall baking adventure or a quick, comforting treat. Dive into the world of homemade goodness without the wait!
For more delicious recipes, baking tips, and lots of sweet inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook!
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Easy No Yeast Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Recipe by Kim Lange
These delightful rolls are perfect for a quick breakfast or a cozy treat. Loaded with apple-cinnamon goodness and topped with a creamy glaze, they’re ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
Cinnamon Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended, diced small for best results)
Dough
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out dough
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar/lemon juice – let set to curdle for 5-10 minutes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Icing
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 or 3 Tablespoons heavy cream or milk of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside.
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until well blended and set aside.
- Peel and dice the apples into small chunks, set aside.
For the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate container, mix together the buttermilk, 5 tablespoons of the melted butter (from the ½ cup portion), and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture over the flour mixture.
- Using a wooden spoon, stir together until a shaggy mixture forms. Knead a few times with your hands until the dough is smooth and soft. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
- Turn one portion of dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Press or roll it out into an 8×12-inch rectangle. Repeat with the second portion of dough.
- Sprinkle half of the prepared cinnamon filling evenly over each piece of dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Using your hands, gently pat the filling into the dough.
- Add half of the diced apple chunks on top of the cinnamon filling on each dough rectangle.
- Starting with the longest side nearest you (the 12-inch edge), roll each dough rectangle tightly into a log. Pinch the ends closed to seal.
- Cut each log into 8 equal rounds, for a total of 16 rolls.
- Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining melted butter (from the ½ cup portion).
- Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
- After removing from oven, let rolls cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- Whisk all of the icing ingredients (softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream or milk) together until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes:
- Storing: Cover leftover frosted or unfrosted rolls tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat.
- About Apples: For best results, dice apples into small chunks so they cook thoroughly within the short baking time. You can add more apples if desired, but ensure they are finely diced.
Keywords: apple, cinnamon, cinnamon rolls, no yeast, rolls, fall baking, easy dessert




