Stovetop No-Oven Cardamom Rolls
Have you ever craved the cozy warmth of a freshly baked cardamom roll—but felt discouraged because you don’t have an oven? You’re not alone. Many home cooks around the world either lack access to an oven or simply prefer simpler cooking methods that don’t heat up the whole house or use up a lot of electricity. The good news is that you can still enjoy soft, fluffy, and fragrant Stovetop No-Oven Cardamom Rolls!
I’ve always loved the rich warmth of cardamom—and of course, cinnamon holds a special place in my kitchen too. One day, I had a simple but exciting idea: what if I transformed my beloved no-oven cinnamon rolls into a version made with cardamom instead?
The thought of soft, spiced rolls infused with the floral, citrusy notes of cardamom was too tempting to resist. I got to work, and the result was even better than I imagined. My family couldn’t get enough—they were a total hit!
That’s why I’m so excited to share this stovetop no-oven cardamom rolls recipe with you. It’s cozy, comforting, and full of flavor. I’m confident your loved ones will enjoy it just as much as mine did.
This recipe is a beautiful solution for anyone seeking a simple, stovetop alternative to traditional oven-baked sweet rolls.
Whether you’re living in a hot climate, staying in a small apartment, or simply want to try something new, these Stovetop No-Oven Cardamom Rolls are sure to become a household favorite.
Cardamom is often called the “queen of spices.” Its delightful, floral, and citrusy notes make it a perfect flavor for holiday baking—especially Christmas morning breakfast.
These cardamom rolls deliver all the charm and comfort of a bakery treat, using basic pantry ingredients and a standard stovetop pan. No fancy tools or baking skills are needed.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Christmas breakfast recipe that’s also impressive, this one checks every box. The dough is soft and buttery, the filling is rich with warm cardamom and natural sweeteners like brown sugar or jaggery, and the lemon glaze adds just the right balance of tangy and sweet.
Here, we believe cooking should serve both your family and your faith. This recipe is not just about the rolls—it’s about creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere in your home through simple, homemade hospitality.
When I first made these rolls, I shared the recipe over on YouTube. You can find the video link at the end of this post.
Let’s make these festive Stovetop No-Oven Cardamom Rolls together—because even without an oven, you can still bake to bless!
Why You’ll Love These Cardamom Rolls
These homemade Stovetop No-Oven Cardamom Rolls are:
- Soft and fluffy with a delicate crumb
- Infused with the warm aroma of cardamom
- Made without an oven—perfect for stovetop baking
- Ideal for Christmas breakfast or any time you want a cozy, comforting treat
- Simple and accessible—uses basic pantry ingredients
Let’s dive right in!
Stovetop No-Oven Cardamom Rolls: A Festive Treat Without the Oven
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons as needed
- 1 Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- 1 Clean kitchen towel or cling film
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 fairly heavy pan with a lid
- 1 small bowl (for icing or glaze)
- 1 Whisk or fork (to mix icing or egg wash)
- 1 Knife or dough cutter (to slice the rolls evenly)
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsps. sugar
- ¾ tsp. instant yeast
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 tbsp. melted butter or margarine
- 1 egg
- ¾ to 1 cup warm milk (adjust as needed)
For the Filling:
- 1 tbsp. butter or margarine
- 1 tbsp. ground cardamom
- 2 tbsps. brown sugar or grated jaggery
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup icing sugar
- Juice of half a large lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the DoughBegin by melting your butter or margarine. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and yeast. Stir well. Then mix in the salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the melted butter (should be warm, not hot), egg, and half the warm milk. Mix and gradually add the rest of the milk until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 3–5 minutes, or up to 10 for extra smoothness.Return the dough to the bowl, lightly grease the top, and cover with a towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 45minutes to 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Make the FillingWhile the dough is rising, mix your filling ingredients: margarine/ butter, brown sugar or jaggery, and ground cardamom. Stir into a smooth paste and set aside.
- Roll and ShapeOnce risen, knead the dough gently and roll it into a rectangle about 14.5 x 10.5 inches. Spread the cardamom filling evenly across the surface. Roll it tightly into a log and pinch the seam. Cut into 8–10 equal pieces.
- Prepare the PanGrease a 10 to 11-inch fairly heavy pan and dust lightly with flour. Place the rolls inside with space between each. Cover and proof for another 20–25 minutes.
- Stovetop Baking—No Oven Needed!Cover the pan with a lid. (a domed lid if possible)If using the smallest burner, heat the pan over high for 30 seconds, then reduce to the lowest heat. If using a wide burner, heat the pan over medium-high for 30 seconds, then reduce as though you are switching off to a very low flame as shown in the picture below. (The lowest setting of a wide burner is too high for the rolls. It will burn them before they are ready.)
- Bake the RollsLet the rolls cook for 30–40minutes. Avoid lifting the lid often.When done, the rolls will be firm and fragrant.
- Optional Browning of the Top SurfaceFlip the cardamom rolls onto a plate, then flip again onto another plate to right side up. For a golden top, return the rolls back to the pan by carefully sliding the pan over the rolls and flipping them back into the pan, top-side down, and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes.
- Make the Lemon FrostingFlip the rolls back right side up.Mix together icing sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls. If you'd rather work with Cream Cheese Frosting, find our Easy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe here.
- Serve and Enjoy!Your Stovetop No-Oven Cardamom Rolls are ready!These rolls are perfect with tea or coffee, a special treat for Christmas morning, and a great addition to your hospitality table. They are also made without expensive equipment or hard-to-find ingredientsWhether glazed or plain, they’re irresistibly good.
Video
Notes
Hosting Tip: Make-Ahead & Storage
Make the dough the night before and refrigerate after the first rise. Shape and bake fresh in the morning. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days or refrigerate for longer. Reheat gently before serving.For Deeper Flavor
Use freshly ground whole cardamom seeds.FAQs: No-Oven Stovetop Cardamom Rolls
1. Can I use a different flour?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. Just note that whole wheat may make the rolls denser. Avoid self-rising flour unless you're adjusting other ingredients like yeast.2. What can I use instead of cardamom?
If you don’t have cardamom, try cinnamon or a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg. The flavor will change, but it’s still delicious.3. What other method can I use to bake the rolls without an oven?
Use a heavy-bottomed sufuria (or pan) with a lid. Preheat it with a layer of salt at the bottom and place a wire rack or metal trivet inside. (Even small stones that are about 1/2-inch in diameter arranged on the salt on which the pan can rest will also do.) Place your baking tin on the rack, cover, and “bake” on low heat. This mimics oven conditions.4. Why are my rolls not rising?
Make sure your yeast is active. Use warm (not hot) milk or water when proofing. Cold liquid can slow the yeast, while hot liquid may kill it. Also, allow enough time for proofing in a warm environment.5. How do I know my yeast is active?
Add 1/4 cup warm milk or water to a small bowl. Add a teaspoon of the yeast and about 1/4 teaspoon sugar. Mix, cover with a kitchen towel, and allow the mixture to rest for 5 to 10 minutes undisturbed. If the mixture is foamy, your yeast is active. If you can't see any activity in the mixture, the yeast has expired. You will need to replace your yeast.6. How do I know the rolls are cooked?
They should be golden brown on the bottom and feel firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick or skewer—if it comes out clean, they're done. Total cook time can vary depending on your stove's heat and pan size. Optionally, you can flip them and have them upside down in the pan. Return them on the same low heat and cook another ten minutes as explained in the recipe above. Flip them back. They'll have browned on the surface.7. Can I make them ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and refrigerate overnight before the second rise. Let them come to room temperature and rise fully before cooking.8. Can I Use Another Frosting Instead of the Lemon Glaze?
Yes! These Easy Cream Cheese Frosting here is another great option for your stovetop no-oven Cardamom Rolls.Why These Rolls Belong on Your Christmas/ Festive Menu
Cardamom brings warmth, comfort, and festive cheer. These Stovetop No-Oven Cardamom Rolls offer all that, plus the convenience of stovetop cooking—ideal for simple, joyful holiday hospitality.
Final Thoughts: Bake to Bless
Our goal is to help you create simple, delicious meals that glorify God and bless others. These Stovetop No-Oven Cardamom Rolls are more than just a recipe—they’re an invitation to create beauty and warmth in your home, one sweet roll at a time.
Love this recipe? Try our no-oven cinnamon rolls here next!
Thank you for joining me. May your kitchen be filled with joy, your table with warmth, and your heart with gratitude.
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