Cinnamon rolls are a beloved breakfast treat, and making them from scratch can sometimes take hours. This Instant Pot cinnamon rolls recipe offers a quick and foolproof way to enjoy warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with minimal effort, thanks to the pressure cooker’s ability to speed up proofing and baking. Perfect for weekend mornings or special brunches, these cinnamon rolls deliver soft, fluffy dough topped with a generous swirl of cinnamon sugar and drizzled with icing, all made in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup whole milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 3-4 minutes until smooth. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 2-3 minutes.
- Allow dough to rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to slightly rise, which helps develop gluten and makes the dough easier to roll.
- Roll out the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle approximately 12×8 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough.
- Form the rolls: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 8 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Lightly grease a 7-inch springform pan or a silicone baking mold that fits inside your Instant Pot. Place the cinnamon rolls upright in the prepared pan, spacing them evenly. Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot’s inner pot and insert the trivet.
- Pressure cook the cinnamon rolls: Cover the cinnamon rolls with a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil (not sealed tightly). Place the pan on the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then allow a natural release for 5 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
- Finish and serve: Carefully remove the cinnamon rolls from the Instant Pot. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla to make the glaze. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Tips
- Substitutions: Use dairy-free milk and vegan butter if needed. For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for best texture.
- Common mistakes: Avoid overproofing the dough, which can make the rolls dense. Also, ensure the water in the Instant Pot isn’t too hot to prevent overcooking the dough.
- Alternative pans: If you don’t have a springform pan, a silicone mold or heatproof dish that fits inside your Instant Pot works well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these warm cinnamon rolls with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or a hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast or brunch. For added decadence, top with cream cheese frosting or a dollop of whipped cream.
Variations
For a twist on the classic, try adding chopped nuts, raisins, or apple slices to the cinnamon sugar filling before rolling. You can also swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice during fall seasons or add a splash of bourbon vanilla for a richer flavor. To make them more indulgent, drizzle with caramel sauce or cream cheese icing.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds until warm, or reheat the entire batch in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes. Avoid reheating for too long to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cinnamon rolls without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can prepare traditional cinnamon rolls by baking them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. The Instant Pot method is faster and more hands-off, but baking in the oven yields a slightly different texture.
Do I need a springform pan for the Instant Pot?
A springform pan is recommended because it’s easy to remove the cinnamon rolls from the Instant Pot without damaging them. If you don’t have one, a silicone baking mold or a heatproof dish that fits inside your Instant Pot can work just as well.
Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely. After shaping the rolls but before pressure cooking, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven. Alternatively, you can freeze baked cinnamon rolls and reheat them later.
How do I prevent the cinnamon rolls from sticking to the pan?
Lightly greasing the pan with butter or non-stick spray helps prevent sticking. Using parchment paper or a silicone mold also ensures easy removal and clean-up.
Can I add cream cheese frosting?
Yes, for a classic touch, prepare a simple cream cheese frosting with 4 oz of softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and 1 cup powdered sugar. Spread it over the warm rolls for extra richness.
What if my cinnamon rolls turn out dense or undercooked?
Ensure the dough is not overproofed or underproofed before cooking. Also, check that you’ve added enough water in the Instant Pot and that the cooking time is precise. If undercooked, you can pressure cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Enjoy your homemade, quick, and fluffy cinnamon rolls made effortlessly in the Instant Pot, perfect for any occasion that calls for a sweet, comforting treat.
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