Apple Cinnamon Rolls No Yeast

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Like, I want warm, gooey, cinnamon-sugar happiness, but the thought of waiting for yeast to “activate” or “proof” or whatever fancy word bakers use just makes me want to take a nap. And that, my friend, is where this magic recipe swoops in like a delicious, doughy superhero. Get ready for Apple Cinnamon Rolls, No Yeast required. You’re welcome.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be real, life is too short for complicated recipes unless there’s a serious payout. And these rolls? They deliver. First off, **NO YEAST.** Did I mention that already? Because it’s kind of a big deal. This means no waiting around, no fretting if your yeast is dead (RIP yeast, you were always too much work anyway). You mix, you roll, you bake, you eat. It’s practically instant gratification in cinnamon roll form.

Plus, they’re surprisingly fluffy for a no-yeast dough. It’s kind of idiot-proof, honestly. Even I didn’t mess it up, and my kitchen adventures often involve smoke alarms. The apples add a lovely little tang and extra moisture, making them next-level delicious. And the smell? Your house will smell like a warm, cozy hug, guaranteed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather ’round, my fellow lazy gourmands! Here’s your shopping list for deliciousness:

• For the Dough:
• 2 cups (about 250g) Self-Rising Flour (because who has time for baking powder *and* soda? Not us.)
• 1 cup (about 240g) Plain Greek Yogurt (full-fat is best, because flavor. It’s the secret weapon for fluffy dough!)
• 1-2 tablespoons Milk (any kind, just in case your dough is feeling a little dry, we all have off days)
• For the Filling:
• 1/4 cup (56g) Unsalted Butter, melted (the glue of deliciousness, IMO)
• 1/2 cup (100g) Light Brown Sugar, packed (or dark brown if you like it extra rich)
• 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon (don’t skimp, this is a cinnamon roll after all!)
• 1 small Apple, peeled, cored, and **very finely diced** (like, tiny pieces, promise!)
• For the Icing:
• 1 cup (120g) Powdered Sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar)
• 2-3 tablespoons Milk (to get that perfect drizzle consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional, but adds a nice touch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Get That Oven Hot: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish or a small square one.
2. Whip Up the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the self-rising flour and Greek yogurt. Mix with a spoon until it starts to come together. If it’s too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you can form a shaggy dough.
3. Knead & Roll: Lightly flour your counter. Turn out the dough and knead for just 1-2 minutes until smooth. Don’t overdo it! Roll the dough into a rectangle, roughly 12×9 inches.
4. Fill ‘er Up: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread this glorious mixture evenly over your dough rectangle, leaving about a 1/2-inch border on one of the long edges.
5. Add the Apples: Sprinkle your finely diced apple pieces evenly over the cinnamon-sugar filling. Make sure they’re spread out.
6. Roll ‘Em Tight: Starting from the long edge *opposite* the clean border, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a log. You want it snug! Pinch the seam to seal it.
7. Slice & Dice: Using a sharp knife or even unflavored dental floss (yes, really!), cut the log into 8-9 equal-sized rolls. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly symmetrical, they’re homemade!
8. Bake ‘Em Up: Arrange the rolls cut-side up in your prepared baking dish. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and smell absolutely irresistible.
9. Make the Icing: While the rolls are cooling slightly (but still warm!), whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Add more milk if you want a thinner icing, or more powdered sugar if you want it thicker.
10. Drizzle & Devour: Drizzle that delicious icing generously over your warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and bask in the glory of your culinary genius!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Preheating the Oven: Rookie mistake! Your rolls need that initial burst of heat to get fluffy. Don’t be that person.
• Overworking the Dough: This isn’t a bread recipe, so less kneading is more. Overworking the self-rising flour/yogurt dough will make it tough.
• Giant Apple Chunks: Remember that “finely diced” instruction? Ignoring it will make rolling a nightmare and give you lumpy rolls. Nobody wants lumpy rolls.
• Too Much Filling: While tempting, piling on too much filling means it’ll ooze out and burn in the pan. Stick to the measurements, FYI.
• Icing Cold Rolls: You want the rolls warm (not piping hot) when you ice them so the icing melts just a little and creates that lovely glaze. Icing cold rolls means stiff, clumpy icing.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling adventurous? Or just missing an ingredient? No worries, I got you!

• No Self-Rising Flour? No problem! For every cup of all-purpose flour, add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. So for this recipe, you’d use 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• No Greek Yogurt? Sour cream works beautifully here too! Plain regular yogurt might be a bit too thin, but give it a try if that’s all you have – just be prepared to use a little less milk.
• Not an Apple Fan? You could skip the apples altogether for classic cinnamon rolls, or swap them for very finely diced pears, or even a handful of dried cranberries or raisins (rehydrated first if they’re super dry).
• Feeling Fancy with the Icing? Instead of the simple glaze, whip up a quick cream cheese frosting! Just soften 2 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, and beat with 1 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla until smooth. IMO, cream cheese frosting takes *anything* up a notch.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I probably do too, but here are some common ones that might pop up:

• Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, you can. But why hurt your soul (and your taste buds) like that? Butter is king for a reason, especially in baking. Just sayin’.
• Are these *really* as good as traditional yeast rolls? Okay, let’s be honest. They’re different. Yeast rolls have a specific texture. But for zero-fuss, maximum flavor, and instant gratification? These are practically superheroes. They’re soft, gooey, and hit all the right spots.
• Can I make these ahead of time? You can definitely assemble the rolls and store them covered in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking as directed. The fresh-baked taste is worth it!
• What kind of apples should I use? A firm, slightly tart apple like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala works best. They hold their shape and provide a nice counterpoint to the sweetness.
• Why is my dough sticky/dry? Greek yogurt can vary in consistency. If your dough is too sticky to handle, add a tiny bit more flour. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.

Final Thoughts

See? That wasn’t so scary, was it? You just whipped up some seriously delicious Apple Cinnamon Rolls without all the yeast-related drama. This recipe is perfect for those sudden cravings, a weekend brunch, or just to make your house smell amazing on a Tuesday. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Grab a warm roll, pour a cuppa, and enjoy your triumph. You’re basically a baking rockstar now.