If you love cinnamon rolls but don’t have the patience for yeast, you’re going to adore these no-yeast milk kefir cinnamon rolls. They’re soft, fluffy, slightly tangy, and ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or an easy weekday treat. Plus, the kefir adds a subtle creaminess and lift, making them irresistible.
These rolls are quick, beginner-friendly, and give you all the classic cinnamon roll comfort without waiting for dough to rise. If you don’t have a homemade milk kefir on hand, you can also use store-bought milk kefir.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
- ½ cup milk kefir
- ¼ cup melted butter
Filling
- ¼ cup softened butter
- ½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1–1½ tbsp cinnamon
Optional Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar or 2–3 tbsp maple syrup
- Splash of milk or kefir
- ½ tsp vanilla
Instructions
1. Make the dough
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add kefir, maple syrup, and melted butter. Stir until it forms a soft, slightly tacky dough.
2. Roll out
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. I really like using my dough mat for this!
3. Add the filling
Stir the filling ingredients together and spread evenly over the dough.
4. Roll + cut
Roll the dough from the long side into a log. Slice the dough with a dough scraper into 8–10 rolls and place in a greased pan, seam-side down. You can also use unflavored floss, or a knife to cut them.
5. Bake
Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes until lightly golden.
6. Glaze (optional)
Mix powdered sugar, milk or kefir, and vanilla (or use maple syrup) and drizzle over warm rolls.
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
- Don’t overmix the dough → keeps rolls soft and tender
- Roll from the long side for classic spirals
- Brush tops lightly with butter
- Serve warm for the ultimate gooey experience
FAQ
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Roll and slice the rolls, then refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: You can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but texture may be slightly denser.
Q: Can I substitute milk kefir?
A: Greek yogurt or buttermilk works in a pinch, but kefir gives the softest, fluffiest results.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for indulgence
Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast
Top with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair
No-Yeast Milk Kefir Cinnamon Rolls (Soft + Quick)
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- ½ cup milk kefir
- ¼ cup melted butter
Filling:
- ¼ cup softened butter
- ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 –1½ tbsp cinnamon
Simple Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar or 2–3 tbsp maple syrup
- splash of kefir or milk
- ½ tsp vanilla
Instructions
Make the dough
- In a bowl mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt
- Add kefir, maple syrup, melted butter
- Stir until it comes together into a soft dough. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it's too powdery, add a splash of kefir.
- Roll out onto a lightly floured surface
- Roll into a rectangle (about ¼ inch thick)
- Stir the filling ingredients together
- spread the filling evenly onto the dough.
Roll and Cut
- Roll into a log starting from the long side so you can get the most rolls.
- Slice into 8–10 rolls
Bake
- Place in greased pan, or a parchment-lined baking dish
- Bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes
Glaze
- Stir the ingredients together for the glaze, and drizzle the glaze over warm rolls
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