Instant Pot Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Instant Pot Homemade Cinnamon Rolls — Embrace the Warmth of Homemade Goodness! 

Dive into the world of effortless baking with our Instant Pot Homemade Cinnamon Roll recipe! Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, enveloped in a cloud of sweet, spicy fragrance that fills your kitchen with coziness.

Perfect for Christmas morning, special occasion,  or a quick treat.  The whole family will love these gooey cinnamon rolls. 

If you are looking for even more Instant Pot Baked Good Recipes, here are some of my favorites: Homemade Instant Pot Strawberry Cheesecake, Instant Pot Nutella Bites, and even a Homemade Instant Pot Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can You Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls In Pressure Cooker?

You can make homemade cinnamon rolls in a pressure cooker, particularly in an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker with a baking or steaming function. Using a pressure cooker for cinnamon rolls is a creative and effective method, especially for those who might not have a conventional oven or are looking for a quicker way to bake.

The process involves preparing the cinnamon roll dough and filling it as you would for traditional oven-baking. However, instead of baking them in an oven, you place the rolls in a baking dish or directly on a trivet inside the pressure cooker. The cooker is then set to a ‘baking’ or ‘steaming’ mode to cook the rolls.

This method has a few advantages:

1. Speed: The pressure cooker can significantly reduce the proofing and cooking time compared to traditional oven baking.
2. Moisture Retention: Cooking in a sealed environment helps retain moisture, making the rolls soft and fluffy.
3. Convenience: It’s a great option for those without access to a conventional oven or cooking in smaller spaces.

Remember to follow a recipe specifically designed for pressure cookers, as the liquid ratios and cooking times can vary from traditional baking methods.

Why  You Will Love This Recipe!

You’re going to love this recipe for homemade cinnamon rolls made in a pressure cooker for several compelling reasons:

• Convenience and Speed: Utilizing a pressure cooker like an Instant Pot for making cinnamon rolls significantly reduces the proofing and cooking time. This means you can enjoy warm, fresh cinnamon rolls much faster than traditional oven baking, making it perfect for busy mornings or when you need a quick dessert.
• Perfect Texture: The pressure cooker creates a moist environment for baking soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls. The steam inside the cooker ensures that the rolls come out tender and moist every time, with just enough chewiness.
• Ease of Use: Making cinnamon rolls in a pressure cooker is incredibly straightforward and user-friendly. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, this method simplifies the process, making it less intimidating and more accessible.
• Versatility: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like your cinnamon rolls extra gooey, loaded with nuts, or topped with a different glaze, the pressure cooker method is adaptable to various adaptations.
• Less Clean-Up: Pressure cooking these cinnamon rolls means fewer dishes and less mess than traditional oven baking. The all-in-one cooking method makes for an easy clean-up process.
• Year-Round Comfort: No need to heat up your entire kitchen with an oven, especially during warmer months. This recipe allows you to enjoy homemade cinnamon rolls any time of the year without the discomfort of a hot kitchen.

In summary, the ease, speed, and foolproof nature of this pressure cooker recipe and the delicious results make it a must-try for novice and experienced bakers. It’s a wonderful way to indulge in the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with minimal effort and time.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Embark on a delightful baking journey with this Instant Pot Homemade Cinnamon Rolls recipe, where each ingredient harmoniously combines to create soft, fluffy, and irresistibly sweet rolls. Every component is crucial in crafting these heavenly treats, from the yeasty base to the rich, cinnamon-infused filling.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cinnamon rolls, all-purpose flour provides the essential structure and chewiness, creating the perfect dough texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Added to the dough, granulated sugar not only sweetens it but also helps in browning the rolls, giving them a delicate, golden crust.
• Instant Yeast: Yeast is a key ingredient that makes the dough rise, resulting in soft and airy cinnamon rolls. Instant yeast is preferred for its reliability and ease of use.
• Milk: Warmed milk activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough, contributing to the rolls’ tender crumb and rich flavor. You can use whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk.
• Butter: In the dough and the filling, unsalted butter enriches the rolls, offering a deliciously soft texture and a rich, creamy taste.
• Eggs: They provide structure and richness to the dough, helping to create a tender and fluffy texture in the finished rolls.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star of the filling, ground cinnamon, provides the signature warm, spicy flavor essential to any cinnamon roll.
• Brown Sugar: In the filling, brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness, complementing the cinnamon’s spice.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The base of the frosting cream cheese adds a tangy richness, creating a smooth and creamy topping that perfectly balances the sweetness of the rolls.
• Powdered Sugar: It sweetens the cream cheese frosting, giving it a smooth consistency and a sweet, vanilla-tinged flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the frosting, adding a subtle depth and aroma.

Each ingredient contributes to the magic of Instant Pot Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from lazy weekend mornings to festive gatherings.

How To Make Homemade Cinnamon Rolls In Instant Pot

Making homemade cinnamon rolls in an electric pressure cooker or trusty instant pot is a unique and convenient way to enjoy this classic treat. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Mix half the warm milk with sugar and yeast in a cup and stir. Let sit for 5 minutes. Place the flour in the Instant Pot. Add salt and mix. Then, add the yeast mixture and start mixing with a wooden spoon. Add the egg, melted butter, and the rest of the milk, little by little, to form a dough. Knead for a few seconds with a hand to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Make a ball and leave it in the Instant Pot. Cover with the glass lid (or any lid you have, but not the one that seals). Select the Yogurt button and set 60 minutes. Make sure it is not on the “Boil” program!

In a bowl combine all ingredients and mix very well. The mixture will resemble sand: this is ok.

Line a 7-inch springform pan with a circle of parchment paper and grease the sides well. Wrap the bottom of the pan with aluminum foil. After 1 hour, the dough should have doubled its size. Extend it between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, make a rectangular about 1/2 inch thick.

Spread the prepared filling on top of the dough. Roll it from the shorter side to make a large log. Cut the log into 6-7 rolls, almost as high as the pan you use. Arrange the rolls into the pan. Cover them first with a baking sheet and then with aluminum foil.

Pour 1/2 cup water into the Instant Pot. Place the trivet so that the handles are on top. Insert the pan with the rolls in the Instant Pot on the trivet. Close the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to “Seal.” Select “Manual” and set 30 minutes at high pressure.

Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes when the program is over. Release any remaining pressure manually. Take out the pan holding the trivet handles with kitchen mittens. Check for doneness: a toothpick inserted in the center of the rolls should come out without dough, just with filling. If the rolls are not ready, cook them for an additional 10 minutes.

Serve the cinnamon rolls right away with cream cheese frosting.

Recipe Notes;

These rolls are sticky but don’t have a crust. If you like your rolls to form a crust, you can bake them for about 40 minutes in the oven, preheated to 350 degrees F. 

Alternatively, you can create a crust in the oven after they have been baked in the Instant Pot: preheat the oven to 390 degrees F and bake for about 10 minutes or until you see a nice crust forming on top.

Recipe Variations

Experimenting with different recipe variations can add an exciting twist to your Instant Pot homemade cinnamon buns. Here are some creative ideas to try:

• Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls: Add a tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice to your cinnamon filling to bring a fall-inspired flavor. You can also mix in some pumpkin puree with your dough for an extra pumpkin kick.
• Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls: Sprinkle a generous amount of chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling the dough. This adds a gooey, chocolatey layer to each bite.
• Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Incorporate finely chopped apples or pie filling into the cinnamon-sugar layer. This variation is perfect for a fruity twist on the classic roll.
• Nutty Cinnamon Rolls: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for added crunch and flavor. This is great for those who enjoy a bit of texture in their rolls.
• Lemon Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls: Swirl lemon zest into your dough and add fresh or frozen blueberries to the filling. Top with a lemon glaze for a fresh, tangy flavor.
• Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls: After baking, top your cinnamon rolls with caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. This turns them into a decadent dessert treat.
• Savory Cinnamon Rolls: For a savory twist, reduce the sugar in the dough and swap the cinnamon-sugar filling with a mix of rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Top with cream cheese mixed with herbs.
• Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute in your dough. Ensure your frosting is also vegan, using plant-based cream cheese and butter.
• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Make sure the rest of your ingredients are gluten-free.
• Orange Cardamom Cinnamon Rolls: Add orange zest or orange juice and a pinch of ground cardamom to the cinnamon filling. This brings a citrusy and slightly exotic flavor profile.

These variations allow you to enjoy Instant Pot homemade cinnamon rolls in various ways, catering to various tastes and occasions. Each offers a unique twist on the classic, making baking an exciting and versatile adventure.

Pro Tips Easy Instant Pot Cinnamon Rolls

Making homemade cinnamon rolls in an Instant Pot can be a delightful experience, and some pro tips can enhance the outcome. Here are some expert suggestions to ensure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly:

• Dough Consistency: The key to soft cinnamon rolls is in the dough. It should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky. If it’s too dry, add more milk; if it’s too wet, add more flour.
• Yeast Proofing: Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) when adding the yeast. Too hot will kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate. The ideal temperature is around 110°F (43°C).
• Rolling the Dough: Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking of the rolls.
• Filling Spread: Spread the filling (butter, cinnamon, sugar) evenly to the edges of the dough. This ensures every bite has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
• Cutting Rolls: Use a piece of dental floss or a sharp knife to cut the rolls. Floss can often give a cleaner cut without squishing the dough.
• Proofing in Instant Pot: Use the yogurt setting on your Instant Pot for the second rise. It creates a warm and moist environment, ideal for dough-proofing.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the pot. If necessary, cook the rolls in batches to ensure they have enough space to expand and cook evenly.
• Steaming Technique: Place a trivet and add a cup of water to the Instant Pot for steaming. This helps in cooking the rolls evenly and keeps them moist.
• Topping and Frosting: Apply frosting while the rolls are still warm (but not piping hot) so it melts into every crevice. You can adjust the consistency of the frosting with milk or cream.
• Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary based on the size and model of your Instant Pot. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.

Following these tips, your Instant Pot homemade cinnamon rolls will taste delicious and have the perfect texture, making them a sure hit with friends and family.

Faq’s

Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe? Yes, you can use store-bought dough as a shortcut. However, the taste and texture might vary slightly from homemade dough.

How do I ensure my dough rises properly in the Instant Pot? Use the yogurt setting on your Instant Pot for the second rise. It provides a consistent, warm environment for yeast activation and dough rising.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight for the first rise. Just bring it to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.

What if my Instant Pot doesn’t have a yogurt setting? If your Instant Pot doesn’t have a yogurt setting, you can let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place in your kitchen.

How do I know if the yeast is active? The yeast is active if it foams and bubbles after mixing with warm milk and sugar. If it doesn’t, the yeast may be expired, and your dough might not rise.

Can I double the recipe in the Instant Pot? It depends on the size of your Instant Pot. Avoid overcrowding, as the rolls need space to expand. You might need to cook in batches if doubling the recipe.

What’s the best way to cut the cinnamon rolls? Dental floss or a sharp, serrated knife works best. Floss can give you cleaner cuts without compressing the dough.

How long do I cook the cinnamon rolls in the Instant Pot? Usually, cinnamon rolls are steamed in the Instant Pot for about 20-25 minutes. However, times may vary depending on the model and size of your rolls.

Can I use different fillings or toppings? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fillings like chocolate, nuts, fruit, and various frostings or glazes.

How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls? Keep leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic or aluminum foil, for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.

More Instant Pot Recipes:

• INSTANT POT CARROT CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
• INSTANT POT MONKEY BREAD
• EASY INSTANT POT DINNER ROLLS
• INSTANT POT APPLE CRISP
• INSTANT POT STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE

Equipment Used:

• Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus Pressure Cooker 9 in 1,  6 Qt, 48 One Touch Programs

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