Quick Maple-Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

Why You’ll Love These Rolls

Picture this: it’s chilly outside, you’re still in your fuzzy socks, and your whole kitchen smells like freshly baked cinnamon rolls cinnamon, maple syrup, and cozy. That’s the kind of magic these Quick Maple-Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze bring to your morning with no yeast, no waiting, and no stress.

A Fall-Flavored Shortcut That Doesn’t Taste Lazy

Okay, real talk: traditional cinnamon rolls take forever. Like, “why did I start this at 7 a.m.” kind of forever. You gotta mix, knead, rise, wait… it’s practically a full-time job before breakfast.

But these? They’re your shortcut to cinnamon roll heaven. The dough is baking powder-based, so no yeast, no rise time, and no babysitting.Just mix, roll, bake, glaze, and devour. These cinnamon rolls are faster than takeout pancakes. And trust me, nobody will believe you didn’t spend all morning on them.

Bonus? The maple flavor sneaks in with both syrup and cinnamon sugar, making them taste like fall wrapped in a pastry hug. 🍁✨

Perfect for Busy Mornings, Brunches, or Dessert

These rolls were made for cozy Saturday mornings, but honestly? They pull double (and triple) duty:

• Brunch hero: Bring these to a potluck and watch them disappear.
• Afternoon pick-me-up: Microwave one with a little extra glaze and thank me later.
• Dessert twist: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top treat.

So whether you’re baking for your crew, your kid’s sleepover squad, or just treating yourself because Tuesday was rough this recipe’s got your back. These cinnamon rolls are the ultimate brunch flex.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These quick cinnamon rolls with maple and cream cheese glaze keep things simple, but the flavors? Next-level bakery vibes. You might even have everything on hand already which is dangerous, because you’ll wanna make these again… and again… and again.

For the Cinnamon Roll Dough (No Yeast Required!)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled for accurate measuring
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar – just enough for a hint of sweetness
• 1 tbsp baking powder – our leavening magic, no yeast needed
• ½ tsp salt – helps balance all the sweet vibes
• ¾ cup whole milk – or any milk you have on hand
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – makes the dough tender and flavorful

📝 Swap Tip:
You can use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk (like oat or almond) to make these dairy-light!

For the Maple-Cinnamon Filling

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened – this helps the sugar and cinnamon stick
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed – gives a caramel-y richness
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon – or more if you love it like I do
• Curious about the difference? Here’s what real maple syrup actually is and why it matters, from the University of Maine Extension.
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional) – adds warm depth

📝 Flavor Boosters:
Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a spicy holiday feel. Or toss in some chopped pecans if you’re nutty like that.

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened – full-fat = dreamy texture
• 2 tbsp butter, softened – makes it extra rich
• 1½ cups powdered sugar – sifted for smoothness
• 2–3 tbsp maple syrup – sweetens and thins the glaze
• Pinch of salt – yes! it makes everything pop

📝 Too thick? Add 1 tbsp milk at a time.
📝 Too runny? Chill it for a few minutes before drizzling.

For another cozy, quick-bake option, check out our Cream Cheese Banana Bread equally rich and satisfying, perfect for chilly mornings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

No yeast? No problem. This entire process is shockingly simple no dough drama, no special tools. If you’ve got a bowl, a rolling pin (or wine bottle 😅), and an oven, you’re golden.

1. Preheat + Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease an 8×8 baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Clear a clean surface for rolling. Sprinkle with a little flour so things don’t get sticky.

2. Make the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, mix:

• ¾ cup milk
• ¼ cup melted butter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined. It should be soft and slightly sticky. Don’t over mix it makes the rolls tough!

Pro Tip: If the dough feels too dry, add a splash more milk. Too wet? Sprinkle in a little extra flour.

3. Roll It Out

Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 9×12 inches and ¼ inch thick.

Don’t worry about perfect edges this is real life, not a bakery window!

4. Add the Filling

In a small bowl, combine:

• ¼ cup softened butter
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Optional: ¼ tsp nutmeg

Spread this mixture evenly for perfectly swirled cinnamon rolls. Get it all the way to the edges!

Optional Add-Ins: Chopped pecans, diced apples, mini chocolate chips. Go wild!

5. Roll + Slice

Starting on the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.

Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (yes, really!) to cut into 9 equal rolls.

Place them in your prepared pan, spiral-side up, just barely touching.

6. Bake ‘Til Golden

Bake at 375°F for 22–25 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden and baked through.

Peek at the center roll if it’s doughy, give it 2–3 more minutes.

7. Make the Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

While your cinnamon rolls bake, whip together:

• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 tbsp softened butter
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp maple syrup
• Pinch of salt

Mix until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. Too thin? Add more sugar or chill it.

8. Glaze + Devour

Let the rolls cool for 5–10 minutes (if you can wait 😅), then slather on that creamy maple glaze.

Drizzle it. Pour it. Bathe them in it. This glaze makes these cinnamon rolls unforgettable. No wrong way.

And there you have it: warm, maple-swirled cinnamon rolls dripping with tangy cream cheese glaze… in under an hour. 💁‍♀️

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls (with Maple Cream Cheese Twist)

Let’s be honest: quick cinnamon rolls can be tricky if you treat them like yeasted ones if you treat them like regular ones. But with just a few smart moves, you’ll get that soft texture, gooey swirl, and sweet maple glaze that makes people think you went full Martha Stewart on a random Tuesday.

Don’t Overmix the Dough

Seriously. Once the wet and dry ingredients come together, stop mixing. Overworking makes the dough tough and dense instead of soft and fluffy.

🥣 Mix just until the flour disappears. The dough should be soft, a little sticky, and easy to roll out.

Use Cold Butter in the Dough (Optional Hack)

If you want extra fluff? Try cutting cold butter into the dry ingredients instead of melting it.

Why? Because little butter pockets = tender, almost biscuit-like layers. Like flaky magic.

Maple Syrup vs. Maple Extract

So here’s the deal:

• Real maple syrup gives you a natural, subtle sweetness.
• Maple extract packs a punch just ¼ teaspoon will give your glaze or filling a strong maple flavor without making things too runny.

🍁 You can even use both if you’re extra like me.

Roll Tight, Slice Clean

To get that pretty spiral (you know, the one that makes people go “WOW” when you post on Instagram), roll the dough tightly but gently. Don’t smash it.

Then, use a sharp knife or dental floss (yes, floss again) to slice. It keeps the swirls neat without squishing them.

Don’t Overbake (The #1 Mistake)

Even a few extra minutes can dry these out. You want light golden tops and a soft center not crispy edges.

⏱ Start checking at the 22-minute mark. A little doughiness in the middle is better than dry cinnamon bricks.

Glaze While Warm, Not Hot

Let the rolls cool for 5–10 minutes before glazing. If they’re too hot, the glaze melts and runs off. Too cold? The glaze just sits there.

Warm is the sweet spot it melts slightly, seeps into the rolls, and still keeps that dreamy swirl on top. 👌

Bonus: Make-Ahead Tip

Wanna prep the night before? Roll and slice the dough, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bring them to room temp while the oven preheats, then bake as usual. You’ll wake up to fresh-baked cinnamon rolls without the morning madness.

Perfect for sleepovers, holidays, or when you just want to feel like a kitchen boss at 8 a.m. 😎

When you nail these tips, you’ll never not want to make these rolls.

Make It Your Own – Fun Customizations

Here’s the best part about these cinnamon rolls: they’re super adaptable. Sweet tooth? Spice lover? Gluten-free household? Gotcha. You can tweak, add, swap, and remix this recipe based on what’s in your pantry or your mood.

Go Gluten-Free (Yes, It Works)

Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur). The texture will be slightly more tender, but still dreamy.

✅ Make sure your baking powder is certified gluten-free
✅ Don’t overwork the dough it’s more delicate
✅ Roll it out between parchment sheets to avoid sticking

Make It Vegan

With a few easy swaps, this recipe goes fully plant-based:

• Use vegan butter (like Earth Balance)
• Use non-dairy milk (oat milk adds richness!)
• Try a dairy-free cream cheese like Kite Hill or Miyoko’s
• Skip the egg entirely there’s none needed in this recipe!

The flavor? Still SO GOOD.

Add-Ins: Level It Up

Think of this as your cinnamon roll “choose your own adventure” section. 👇

🍎 Apple Pie Rolls

• Dice a small apple and sprinkle over the filling layer
• Add a pinch of allspice for that fall-vibes aroma

🥓 Maple Bacon Rolls (brunch goals!)

• Crumble cooked bacon over the filling before rolling
• Use maple extract in the glaze for a sweet-savory twist

🍫 Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls

• Add ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips to the filling
• Top with a drizzle of melted chocolate after glazing

🌰 Nutty Delight

• Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or even toasted almonds into the filling
• Add a pinch of sea salt to the glaze = chef’s kiss

Play with Spices

Cinnamon is just the start. Try blending in:

• Cardamom – warm and floral
• Ginger – zingy and sharp
• Pumpkin pie spice – an instant fall upgrade
• Clove – rich and bold (but use sparingly!)

🎃 For a pumpkin roll remix, add 2 tbsp canned pumpkin to the dough and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice in the filling. It’s giving “October in every bite.”

Glaze Glow-Ups

You can also remix the glaze to match your vibe:

• Maple Espresso Glaze – add 1 tsp instant espresso powder
• Citrus Twist – use orange or lemon zest and swap maple for juice
• Nutty Drizzle – mix in 1 tbsp almond butter for a nutty, creamy swirl

The possibilities? Endless. And honestly, making these rolls “your own” is half the fun.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

These cinnamon rolls with maple cream cheese glaze are already stars, but the right sips, sides, and setup? That’s when the magic really happens. ✨ Whether you’re setting a full brunch table or just eating one roll in your bathrobe with coffee (hi, it me), these serving tips make it extra special.

Best Drinks to Serve With Cinnamon Rolls

You can’t have warm, gooey maple rolls without the perfect drink to go with it. Here are my go-to pairings:

☕ Classic Coffee

A bold medium roast with a splash of cream balances the sweetness like a dream. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your grounds for bonus cozy points.

🫖 Chai Latte

That spiced, milky goodness pairs perfectly with the maple-cinnamon swirl. You’ll feel like you’re in a cozy café in 30 seconds flat.

🍵 Matcha Latte

The earthy notes of matcha mellow out the sweetness of the glaze. A great choice if you want to switch things up.

🥛 Cold Milk or Oat Milk

Sometimes, simple is best. Especially if your rolls are still warm and dripping with glaze. You know the moment I’m talking about.

Turn It Into a Brunch Board

Want to impress your crew without much extra work? Build a cinnamon roll brunch board!

Here’s what to include:

🌀 Your rolls, obviously (bonus points for a few variations!)
🍓 Fresh berries or sliced fruit
🥚 Soft-boiled eggs or mini quiches
🥓 Crispy bacon or veggie sausage
🧀 Cubes of cheese (brie and cheddar are 🔥)
🍯 Small bowls of maple syrup, glaze, or jam
☕ A carafe of hot coffee or tea

Lay everything out on a big wooden board or cutting board, add some little bowls and serving spoons, and boom Pinterest-worthy without the stress.

Sweet Dessert Twist

Yep, these can double as dessert. Here’s how to upgrade them:

• Warm one up and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Drizzle with extra maple syrup and chopped pecans
• Pair with a spiced cocktail (think: maple old fashioned or apple cider bourbon)

They also make a ridiculously good sweet ending to a holiday dinner. Trust me. 🙌

Storage, Reheating & Freezing Tips

These quick maple-cinnamon rolls with cream cheese glaze reheat beautifully as long as you treat them right. Let’s keep that soft texture and sweet flavor locked in, even after day one.

How to Store Leftover Rolls (Short-Term)

If you have leftover rolls (bless your self-control), store them like this:

• Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Fridge: Store in a sealed container for up to 5 days especially if they’re already glazed.

🧊 Don’t just leave them in the baking dish uncovered they’ll dry out fast.

Best Ways to Reheat Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s how to warm them up without ruining the texture or melting the glaze into oblivion:

🔥 Oven Method (best for whole pan)

• Preheat to 325°F (160°C)
• Cover rolls loosely with foil
• Bake for 8–10 minutes, until warm and soft
• Add a fresh drizzle of glaze (optional but highly recommended)

⚡ Microwave Method (best for single rolls)

• Place 1 roll on a plate
• Cover with a damp paper towel
• Microwave for 15–20 seconds

👀 Watch closely! Overheating can make the roll rubbery or dry.

Freezing Instructions

Yep, these rolls freeze super well. You’ve got two options:

🍥 Freeze Before Baking

1. After slicing the rolls, place them on a lined tray (not touching) and freeze until solid.
2. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
3. When ready to bake, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temp and bake as usual.

This is GREAT for prepping ahead of brunches or holidays.

🍥 Freeze After Baking

1. Let baked rolls cool completely.
2. Wrap individually or as a batch in plastic wrap and foil.
3. Freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat:
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 325°F for 10–12 mins. Add glaze after heating, or freeze the glaze separately.

Freezing the Glaze

Yes, even the cream cheese glaze can be frozen!

• Scoop into a freezer-safe zip bag
• Freeze flat
• Thaw in the fridge overnight and re-whip for best texture

💡 Pro Tip: Label it! All frozen glaze looks the same after a month. 😅

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about warm maple-cinnamon rolls dripping with creamy glaze… especially when you didn’t have to deal with yeast, waiting, or complicated steps. These babies are soft, sweet, and ready in under an hour a true kitchen win. 🎉

Whether you’re baking for a sleepy Saturday morning, a surprise brunch, or just because your heart (and your sweet tooth) said yes, These cinnamon rolls are always the answer. Soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and smothered in that tangy-sweet cream cheese glaze? Pure joy. 💕