There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. But let’s face it—sometimes you just don’t have the time to wait for dough to rise or knead it by hand. That’s where Bisquick cinnamon rolls come in. These quick and easy cinnamon rolls are perfect for when you want the classic cinnamon roll experience without the long prep time. With a few simple ingredients, a bit of Bisquick, and just a little bit of effort, you can have soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls in no time.
These cinnamon rolls are everything you love about the classic version: sweet, gooey, and with just the right amount of cinnamon-spiced filling, all topped off with a rich glaze. The best part? They come together in about 30 minutes, making them the perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
1. Why Bisquick Cinnamon Rolls Are the Best Shortcut
The beauty of Bisquick cinnamon rolls is that they eliminate the need for yeast, long rising times, and kneading. Bisquick, a pre-made baking mix that contains flour, leavening agents, and a bit of salt, makes the dough-making process incredibly simple and quick. This allows you to create the classic cinnamon roll flavor and texture without any of the work. Here are some reasons why Bisquick cinnamon rolls are the perfect shortcut:
No Kneading Required
Traditional cinnamon rolls require kneading the dough, which can be time-consuming and messy. With Bisquick, there’s no need to knead—simply mix, roll, and bake.
Faster Prep Time
While classic cinnamon rolls take a couple of hours from start to finish, Bisquick cinnamon rolls only take around 30 minutes, including baking time. Perfect for busy mornings when you crave something homemade.
Foolproof Dough
The magic of Bisquick is that the dough is already perfectly balanced. You don’t have to worry about adding the right amount of flour, sugar, or yeast. It takes the guesswork out of the recipe and guarantees a soft, fluffy result every time.
Deliciously Gooey
Just because these rolls are quick doesn’t mean they skimp on flavor. The cinnamon-sugar filling melts into the dough during baking, creating that deliciously gooey center we all love. Add a simple glaze or icing on top, and you’ve got a treat that’s impossible to resist.
2. Ingredients for Bisquick Cinnamon Rolls
The ingredients for Bisquick cinnamon rolls are simple and easy to find. You’ll likely have most of these items in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Dough:
- Bisquick Baking Mix: The star ingredient that replaces flour, baking powder, and salt. It simplifies the process and guarantees a fluffy, soft dough.
- Milk: To bring the dough together and provide moisture. You can use whole milk, skim milk, or a non-dairy alternative.
- Butter: Melted butter gives the dough a rich flavor and helps create a soft texture. You’ll also use it in the filling.
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Ground Cinnamon: This is the key to the classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- Butter: The butter helps to melt the sugar and cinnamon together, creating a gooey filling.
For the Glaze (Optional):
- Powdered Sugar: A sweet, smooth base for the glaze.
- Milk: To thin out the glaze and make it easy to drizzle.
- Vanilla Extract: For extra flavor in the glaze.
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to sprinkle inside the rolls for added crunch and flavor.
- Cream cheese to make a richer glaze.
3. How to Make Bisquick Cinnamon Rolls
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to make the cinnamon rolls! Here’s how to prepare them in just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of Bisquick with 2/3 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until a dough forms. It will be soft and slightly sticky—this is exactly what you want for tender, fluffy rolls.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. The dough should be large enough to make several cinnamon rolls, about 9×12 inches in size.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter evenly over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, covering it entirely.
Step 4: Roll Up the Dough
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. This will help you get nice, even rolls when you slice it. Pinch the edges to seal the roll and prevent the filling from spilling out.
Step 5: Slice the Rolls
Slice the rolled dough into 8-10 even pieces, depending on how large you want your rolls. Arrange the rolls in the greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 6: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is bubbling. The rolls should be soft and fluffy on the inside.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if you want a thinner glaze, or more powdered sugar for a thicker one.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for the best experience, with the sweet, gooey filling and creamy glaze.
4. Variations and Customizations
While Bisquick cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, here are a few fun ways to make them your own:
Nutty Cinnamon Rolls
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar filling for an extra layer of texture and flavor. The crunch pairs perfectly with the soft, gooey dough.
Cream Cheese Frosting
For a richer topping, swap the glaze for a cream cheese frosting. Mix together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a little vanilla extract for a tangy, sweet frosting that takes these rolls to the next level.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Add finely chopped apples to the cinnamon-sugar filling for a fruity twist. The apples will soften as the rolls bake, adding a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon and sugar.
Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
For a fall-inspired treat, add pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. You can even swap in pumpkin puree for some of the butter in the dough for a spiced, pumpkin-flavored twist.
Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
For a chocolatey twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The chocolate will melt into the filling, making every bite extra decadent.
5. Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bisquick Cinnamon Rolls
Use Cold Butter
Using cold butter in the dough and filling helps create a flaky, tender texture in the rolls. Make sure the butter is chilled and cut into small pieces before mixing it into the dough.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
Overmixing the dough can result in tough rolls. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined, and avoid overworking the dough.
Let the Rolls Rest
Let the cinnamon rolls cool for a few minutes after baking. This allows the filling to set and makes the rolls easier to serve.
Make Ahead
You can prepare the cinnamon rolls ahead of time. After slicing and placing the rolls in the baking dish, cover them and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop them in the oven to bake.
For Extra Fluffiness
For even fluffier rolls, add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the dough. This adds moisture and tenderness.
6. What to Serve with Bisquick Cinnamon Rolls
These mini cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with a few sides or drinks for the ultimate breakfast or brunch experience:
Fresh Fruit
Pair the cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or orange slices. The bright, tart fruit balances the richness of the rolls.
Coffee or Hot Chocolate
A warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate is the perfect beverage to complement these cinnamon rolls. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the rolls, while hot chocolate makes for a cozy, indulgent treat.
Scrambled Eggs or Bacon
For a more substantial breakfast, serve your cinnamon rolls alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage. The savory protein will balance the sweetness of the rolls.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls, place them in the baking dish, and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, bake them as usual. They’ll be just as delicious and fresh.
2. Can I freeze Bisquick cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cinnamon rolls. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
3. Can I use a different type of sugar for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute white granulated sugar for coconut sugar, maple sugar, or even stevia for a lower-glycemic option. Keep in mind that different sugars may slightly alter the taste and texture.
4. Can I make the dough without Bisquick?
Yes, you can make homemade dough with flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk. However, using Bisquick saves time and ensures the dough is perfectly fluffy every time.
5. How can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?
To make these rolls dairy-free, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk. You can also use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting if you opt for cream cheese icing.
6. Can I add frosting to these rolls?
Yes, you can add cream cheese frosting or any frosting of your choice. It will make the cinnamon rolls even more decadent and perfect for special occasions.
7. How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them and reheat them in the microwave or oven.
8. Can I use whole wheat Bisquick for a healthier version?
Yes, you can use whole wheat Bisquick for a healthier alternative. The flavor may be slightly different, but the texture will remain just as fluffy.
9. How can I make these cinnamon rolls spicier?
To add more spice, increase the amount of cinnamon in the filling or add ginger or cloves for a warm, spiced flavor.
10. How do I make my cinnamon rolls extra gooey?
For an extra gooey filling, drizzle a little bit of caramel sauce over the cinnamon-sugar mixture before rolling up the dough. This will melt into the rolls during baking, making them even more indulgent.