Crispy No-Yeast Phyllo Dough Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze: An Easy, Quick Dessert

Experience a delightful twist on a classic with these incredibly crispy cinnamon rolls, crafted effortlessly using Athens Foods phyllo dough. This innovative recipe offers the ultimate phyllo dough dessert experience, delivering all the beloved flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls without the fuss of yeast or lengthy rising times. Each bite promises a satisfying crunch followed by a warm, sweet, and buttery cinnamon filling. Once baked to golden perfection in a cast iron skillet, these unique cinnamon buns are generously drizzled with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

I am truly honored and grateful to have this post sponsored by Athens Foods. Their high-quality phyllo dough makes innovative and delicious desserts like this possible, and I thank them for their support!

Why You’ll Love These Phyllo Cinnamon Rolls

Forget the hours of waiting for dough to rise! This revolutionary phyllo dough recipe redefines classic cinnamon rolls, transforming them into crispy, flaky delights that come together in a fraction of the time. While traditional cinnamon rolls are undeniably delicious, they often demand significant time and patience. Our no-yeast phyllo version offers a fantastic alternative, perfect for busy mornings, last-minute cravings, or when you simply want to enjoy a warm, homemade treat without the extensive prep.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its incredible crispiness. Each delicate sheet of phyllo dough is brushed with a rich, buttery, and sweet cinnamon-brown sugar filling, then carefully rolled and baked. The result is a multi-layered pastry that’s wonderfully crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, bursting with flavor in every single bite. The buttery sweetness permeates each layer, creating a profound depth of taste that’s both comforting and exciting. To complete this extraordinary dessert, you can either drizzle a simple cream cheese glaze over the warm buns or slather them with a decadent cinnamon cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of indulgence.

As a trained pastry chef, I thrive on developing creative and fun new recipes that offer unique culinary experiences. This phyllo dough recipe is a prime example of such innovation, hitting all the right notes for flavor and texture. It stands proudly alongside other beloved Athens phyllo dough creations like this vibrant Strawberry Cheesecake and the elegant Napoleon Dessert, all showcasing the incredible versatility of phyllo. If you’re searching for an exciting new phyllo dough recipe that is both simple to make and incredibly rewarding, your quest ends here!

Mastering Phyllo Dough: Essential Tips for Success

Working with phyllo dough can seem intimidating at first, but with a few key techniques, you’ll find it incredibly manageable and rewarding. Phyllo is a very thin, delicate pastry dough, and its unique qualities are what give these cinnamon rolls their signature crispiness. To ensure the best results and a smooth baking experience, follow these crucial tips:

Proper Thawing is Key: This is arguably the most critical step. Ensure your phyllo dough is completely defrosted and thawed before you even think about starting this recipe. Rushing this process will lead to brittle, cracked sheets that are difficult to work with. I recommend one of two methods: either leave the package out at room temperature for a couple of hours until it’s pliable, or, for best results, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process ensures the dough retains its moisture and elasticity, providing you with full-length, flexible pieces to create beautiful rolls.
Keep it Covered: Phyllo dough dries out incredibly quickly when exposed to air, which will cause it to crack and become unmanageable. To prevent this, always keep a lightly damp paper towel draped over the sheets of phyllo that you are not actively working with. This creates a humid environment, keeping the dough moist and flexible throughout the assembly process.
Don’t Fear the Cracks: Even with careful handling, phyllo can sometimes tear or crack. Don’t worry! This is perfectly normal and rarely affects the final outcome of a recipe, especially one where layers are rolled together. Just keep working with it; the multiple layers and the buttery filling will conceal any imperfections once baked. The beauty of phyllo is in its layers, so a small tear won’t ruin your dessert.
Work Quickly but Gently: While you want to avoid drying out the dough, you also don’t need to panic. Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you unroll the phyllo. Work efficiently but gently when brushing and rolling to avoid unnecessary tears.

Ingredients Needed for Your Crispy Cinnamon Rolls

Gathering your ingredients ahead of time, also known as “mise en place,” will make the assembly process much smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious phyllo cinnamon rolls and their creamy glaze:

For the Phyllo Buns:
- 1 box (typically 1 lb or 454g) Athens Foods Phyllo Dough (frozen)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark, your preference)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (or 2 tbsp if you like extra cinnamon kick!)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 1 teaspoon milk (any kind, or cream for a richer glaze)

Essential Equipment for Baking

To successfully bring these crispy cinnamon rolls to life, you won’t need an extensive array of specialized baking tools. The most crucial piece of equipment for this recipe is an 8-inch cast iron skillet. A cast iron skillet is ideal because it conducts heat beautifully and retains it, ensuring an even bake and a wonderfully crispy bottom on your cinnamon rolls. It also transitions seamlessly from oven to table, making for a rustic and appealing presentation.

If you don’t have an 8-inch cast iron skillet, don’t worry! You have several suitable alternatives. A round 8-inch cake pan will work just as well, offering a similar shape and even baking. Alternatively, any other oven-safe skillet of a similar size can be used. Just ensure whatever pan you choose is well-greased before placing your phyllo rolls inside to prevent sticking and promote that beautiful golden crust. A small saucepan for melting the filling ingredients, a pastry brush for the phyllo, and a mixing bowl for the glaze are also necessary.

How to Make Crispy Cinnamon Rolls with Phyllo Dough

Creating these delightful phyllo cinnamon rolls is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve perfectly crispy, sweet, and satisfying treats:

Begin by melting the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together over low heat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. It’s important to keep a close eye on it and ensure it doesn’t come to a boil, as this can cause the sugar to crystallize and harden, making it difficult to brush onto the phyllo dough.

Carefully unwrap the thawed phyllo dough and lay out one sheet on your work surface. Remember to keep the remaining sheets covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the entire surface of the phyllo sheet with the warm butter mixture. Repeat this process for a total of five layers of dough, ensuring each layer is coated.

Once you have five brushed layers stacked, gently but firmly roll the entire stack lengthwise into a tight log. Take your time to ensure an even roll, as this will create the beautiful spiral characteristic of cinnamon rolls.

Next, take the long phyllo log and carefully roll it into itself, coiling it to create the classic round shape of a cinnamon bun. Once formed, place this individual phyllo cinnamon roll into your prepared cast iron skillet.

Continue this process, layering, brushing, rolling into a log, and then coiling, until you have created a total of seven cinnamon rolls. Arrange them snugly in the cast iron skillet. It might feel like a tight fit, but they will bake beautifully together.

Baking and Glazing: Once all your phyllo cinnamon rolls are assembled in the skillet, they are ready for the oven. While they are baking to a gorgeous golden crisp, you can prepare the irresistible cream cheese glaze. In a small bowl, simply mix together softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and a splash of milk until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. As soon as the hot, crispy cinnamon rolls emerge from the oven, generously drizzle the homemade glaze over them. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, sweet, and crunchy perfection!

Storing & Freezing Your Phyllo Cinnamon Rolls

For the best possible experience, these phyllo cinnamon rolls are truly at their peak when enjoyed fresh, straight from the oven, while they are still warm and wonderfully crispy. The delicate nature of phyllo dough means its signature crunch is most pronounced shortly after baking.

Storing: If you happen to have any leftovers, they will still be delicious the next day. To store them, allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap and keep them at room temperature on your counter. This helps to maintain some of their crispness, though they may soften slightly over time. Reheating them gently in a toaster oven can help restore some of their texture.

Freezing: Due to the delicate and moisture-sensitive nature of phyllo dough, I do not recommend storing this recipe in the refrigerator or freezing it. The moisture in the fridge can cause the phyllo to become soggy, and freezing can alter the texture significantly, diminishing the desired crispiness that makes these cinnamon rolls so special. For optimal enjoyment, plan to make and serve them when they can be savored fresh.

Recipe Tips for Guaranteed Success

Achieving perfect phyllo cinnamon rolls is easy when you keep a few expert tips in mind. These small details can make a big difference in the texture, flavor, and overall enjoyment of your dessert:

Watch Your Filling Temperature: The buttery brown sugar and cinnamon mixture needs to be warm enough to be easily brushed onto the phyllo sheets, but not too hot. If the butter mixture cools down and starts to harden while you are working through the batches of phyllo, simply reheat it gently on low heat on the stovetop. Be very careful not to bring it to a boil, as boiling will cause the sugar to crystallize and make the mixture hard and grainy, preventing it from spreading smoothly.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For the smoothest and most lump-free cream cheese glaze, it’s essential that your cream cheese is at room temperature before you begin mixing. Cold cream cheese will be difficult to blend, resulting in a lumpy glaze. Take it out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to make the glaze.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: While the recipe calls for fitting seven cinnamon rolls into an 8-inch skillet, it’s crucial to ensure they have enough room to bake evenly. They should be snug but not overly compressed. If using a larger pan, you might opt for slightly fewer or larger rolls, ensuring good air circulation for crispiness.
Preheat Your Oven Properly: A thoroughly preheated oven is vital for phyllo dough. It helps the layers crisp up quickly and evenly. Always allow your oven to reach the specified temperature fully before placing the skillet inside.
Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is classic, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or a tiny amount of cardamom to your filling for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.

With these comprehensive tips and simple steps, you’re now ready to create an unforgettable dessert that will impress everyone. Enjoy the unique texture and familiar flavors of these easy, crispy phyllo cinnamon rolls!