Introduction

These Quick-Bake Spiced Sweet Rolls are the perfect treat for any time of day. Soft, flavorful, and infused with warm cinnamon and molasses, they come together quickly for a delightful homemade pastry experience.

Quick-Bake Spiced Sweet Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup buttermilk
Pinch of salt
1 stick butter, melted and divided
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
5 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2–4 tablespoons buttermilk (for frosting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, buttermilk, salt, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter to create the filling.
Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times until smooth.
Step 5: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each into a rectangle about ¼ to ⅛ inch thick.
Step 6: Spread half of the spiced filling over each rectangle. Starting from the long edge, roll tightly into a log and seal the edge.
Step 7: Trim the ends of each log and slice each into 12 equal rolls.
Step 8: Place the rolls flat side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 9: Brush the tops with the remaining melted butter.
Step 10: Bake for 20 minutes, then remove and let cool for about 20 minutes.
Step 11: Meanwhile, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 2 to 4 tablespoons of buttermilk to make the frosting. Spread generously over the warm rolls before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts in the filling before rolling.
You can swap buttermilk with milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed.
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling for a more complex spice profile.

Storage

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness. The cream cheese frosting can be kept separately and added fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling the day before, then assemble and bake the rolls fresh the next day for best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?

Substitute regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar added to make 1 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using as a buttermilk replacement.

Quick-Bake Spiced Sweet Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 93 reviews

These Quick-Bake Spiced Sweet Rolls are a delightful homemade treat featuring a soft, tender dough filled with a warm cinnamon and molasses mixture. With a simple preparation and a creamy cream cheese frosting, they are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet snack.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 rolls 1x
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

2 ½ cups All-purpose flour
¼ cup Granulated sugar
1 tsp Baking soda
1 tsp Baking powder
1 cup Buttermilk
Pinch of Salt
4 Tbsp Butter, melted
2 tsp Vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients

1 cup Brown sugar
1 Tbsp Ground cinnamon
2 Tbsp Butter, melted

Creamy Topping

5 oz Cream cheese, softened
1 cup Powdered sugar
2–4 Tbsp Buttermilk

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time the rolls are ready for baking.
Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, buttermilk, a pinch of salt, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir gently just until all ingredients are barely combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Make the filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter until well combined. This will be the rich, spiced filling for the rolls.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it lightly a few times to bring it together into a cohesive ball, being careful not to over-knead.
Roll out the dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each one out into a rectangle about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
Spread the filling: Evenly spread half of the cinnamon-brown sugar filling over each dough rectangle. Starting from a long edge, roll each rectangle tightly into a log shape, sealing the edge.
Slice the logs: Trim off any uneven ends and cut each log into 12 equal slices, forming the individual rolls.
Arrange in baking dish: Place the rolls cut-side down in a well-greased 9×13 inch baking dish, arranging them snugly.
Brush tops with butter: Brush the remaining melted butter over the tops of the arranged rolls to help them brown nicely while baking.
Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Cool rolls: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for approximately 20 minutes before frosting.
Prepare and spread icing: While the rolls cool, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 2 to 4 tablespoons of buttermilk until smooth and creamy. Generously spread this frosting over the warm rolls before serving.

Notes

Ensure the melted butter is not too hot when added to the dough to avoid activating the baking soda prematurely.
Adjust buttermilk quantity in the frosting to achieve your preferred consistency.
For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins into the filling before rolling.
The rolls are best served warm to enjoy the soft texture and melty frosting.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Keywords: sweet rolls, cinnamon rolls, quick bake, spiced rolls, cream cheese frosting, homemade breakfast rolls