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Easy No-oven Cinnamon Rolls

Easy No-Oven Cinnamon Rolls | Soft & Fluffy Stovetop Recipe

Soft, fluffy, and full of cinnamon flavor, these Easy No-oven Cinnamon Rolls are made right on the stovetop with simple ingredients—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat without needing an oven!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Proofing Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, brunch, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • 2 mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Measuring cups and spoons as needed
  • 1 Wooden Spoon
  • 1 Rolling Pin
  • 1 grater (for jaggery, if using)
  • 1 11-inch fairly heavy pan, plus lid
  • 1 Kitchen towel (for covering the dough)
  • 2 Flat lids or plates (for flipping the rolls)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsps. sugar
  • ¾ tsp. instant yeast
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • 1 tbsp. margarine/ butter (Melted)
  • 1 egg
  • ½ to 1 cup milk (adjust as needed)

For Filling

  • 1 tbsp. margarine/ butter (softened)
  • 2 tbsps. brown sugar or grated jaggery
  • 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon

Topping

  • 1 cup icing sugar
  • Juice of half a large juicy lemon

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Your Dough
    Start by melting your margarine or butter. You can do this in a microwave for 10–20 seconds or use a hot water bath.
    In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and yeast. (Hold back the salt for now!)
    Once these are mixed, add the salt and give them a final mix.
    In a separate bowl, add the melted butter (warm, not hot), half a cup of milk, and the egg.
    Gradually add more milk (if needed) while mixing until you form a soft, sticky dough — this ensures your rolls will be tender and fluffy!
    Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes until smooth.
    Knead the dough for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot until doubled — about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
    the dough has proofed and doubled in size.
  • Make the Filling
    While the dough is proofing, prepare your delicious cinnamon filling.
    In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, spreadable paste.
    This simple mixture is what will give your Easy No-oven Cinnamon Rolls that mouthwatering, aromatic swirl of cinnamon goodness!
    Set aside.
  • Shape Your Rolls
    Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently and transfer it to a floured surface. Knead it for a minute then roll it out into a rectangle about 37cm by 27cm.
    Spread your cinnamon filling evenly over the surface.
    Then, starting from the longer side, roll up the dough tightly into a log.
    Pinch the edge to seal, then trim the ends slightly or part them for even rolls.
    Cut into 8–10 equal pieces and place them in a well-greased and lightly floured 11-inch pan.
    Cover the pan again with a towel and let the rolls proof for another 20–25 minutes until nicely puffed up.
  • Cook Without an Oven
    Now comes the fun part —"baking" your Easy No-oven Cinnamon Rolls on the stovetop!
    Place the pan on one of your tiny burners on your stove and turn the heat on high for 30 seconds to preheat. Immediately reduce the flame to its lowest setting.
    If using a wide burner, preheat for 20 seconds.
    Don’t reduce to the lowest setting. The lowest setting for a wide burner is too high. It will burn the rolls before they are ready. Instead, reduce the flame as though you are switching off and reduce to a very, very low flame as shown below.
  • Cover the rolls with a lid and bake them for about 30–40 minutes. They’ll cook slowly, firming up without burning.
    Cinnamon rolls are ready and firm on the surface.
  • Brown the Tops (Optional but Recommended!)
    Once the rolls are cooked through and firm, you can brown the tops for that extra golden look.
    Carefully flip the rolls onto a plate then flip them onto another plate to get the upper part that hasn’t browned facing up.
    Gently slide the pan back over the rolls so they are upside down in the pan.
    Transfer them back on the very low flame and let them cook for another 10 minutes with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape.
    Your Easy No-oven Cinnamon Rolls will now look and smell absolutely divine!
    easy no-oven cinnamon rolls are ready and browned on the tops
  • Add the Simple Lemon Icing
    Mix the lemon juice with the icing sugar to create a tangy glaze.
    Drizzle this over your warm cinnamon rolls for a sweet and slightly tart finish that perfectly complements the rich cinnamon flavor.
    a cooked cinnamon roll drizzled with a simple lemon icing.

Notes

Notes:

  • Milk:
    Use whole milk for a richer dough, but low-fat milk or plant-based milk can also work for these Easy No-oven Cinnamon Rolls.
  • Yeast:
    Make sure your yeast is fresh. If unsure, proof it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. If it is bubbly after 5 to 10 minutes, your yeast is okay to use. If not, you may need to replace it and get fresh yeast.
  • Flour:
    Different brands of flour absorb liquid differently. Add milk gradually to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
  • Proofing:
    Create a warm environment by placing your dough near a warm stove or placing the bowl with the dough over a bowl of warm water to help it rise faster.
  • Filling:
    For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or use brown sugar instead of jaggery for a classic cinnamon roll taste.
  • Cooking Tip:
    Keep your stovetop heat extremely low to avoid burning the rolls. Use a heavy-bottomed pan if possible for even heat distribution.
  • Serving:
    Top with a simple lemon glaze or this Cream Cheese Frosting here for a bright, fresh finish.

FAQ: Easy No-oven Cinnamon Rolls

Can I make Easy No-oven Cinnamon Rolls without yeast?

Yes! If you don’t have yeast, you can substitute it with baking powder. However, the texture will be slightly different—more like a soft biscuit rather than a fluffy yeast roll.

What pan should I use for Easy No-oven Cinnamon Rolls?

Use a heavy-bottomed non-stick or aluminium pan or a deep skillet with a lid. This helps cook the Easy No-oven Cinnamon Rolls evenly and prevents burning on the bottom.

How do I know when the Easy No-oven Cinnamon Rolls are fully cooked?

The rolls are ready when they are firm to the touch and slightly golden on the sides. After about 30–40 minutes on very low heat, the surface should feel set, and the kitchen will smell amazing!

Can I freeze Easy No-oven Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes! Once fully cooked and cooled, you can freeze the Easy No-oven Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

Can I use a different filling for these Easy No-oven Cinnamon Rolls?

Definitely! You can swap the cinnamon filling for chocolate spread, fruit preserves, or even a mix of cinnamon and chopped nuts for a twist.

How should I store leftover Easy No-oven Cinnamon Rolls?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving for the best taste.

Why did my Easy No-oven Cinnamon Rolls burn on the bottom?

This usually happens if the heat was too high. Always cook Easy No-oven Cinnamon Rolls on the lowest possible flame and use a thick pan to prevent hot spots.
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