Lazy & Easy Cinnamon Rolls
These easy cinnamon rolls are made with fluffy focaccia bread, giving you all the sweet, gooey goodness without the hassle of rolling out dough, rolling it back up, and slicing. This dough is pressed into a pan, with added rich cinnamon-sugar topping, and baked to perfection. Topped with a luscious glaze, this shortcut recipe delivers warm, homemade cinnamon roll flavor with minimal effort!
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 9x13 baking dish.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- ¼ cup vegetable or olive oil
OR use 1 lb. store-bought focaccia or pizza dough
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (or more for desired consistency)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- If making homemade dough, mix flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Add warm water and olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour. If using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Pressing the Dough Into the Pan
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or olive oil. Gently stretch and press the dough into the pan, making sure it reaches the edges. Use your fingertips to create dimples across the surface—this helps the cinnamon sugar topping soak in!
Making the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- Melt butter and mix in brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the dough, making sure it seeps into the dimples.
Baking to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling. The top should be slightly crisp, but the center should remain soft. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
Adding the Glaze
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cinnamon focaccia for the perfect finishing touch. Slice and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Make it overnight – Prepare the dough and topping the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
- Flavor twists – Try adding nuts, raisins, or a maple glaze for extra indulgence.
- Serving ideas – Pair with coffee or warm cider for the ultimate cozy treat!
- Enjoy this easy, no-roll cinnamon roll focaccia—perfect for lazy mornings and sweet cravings! 😊