Description
These Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls feature a simple two-ingredient dough made from self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, creating soft and fluffy rolls in just 35 minutes. The rolls are brushed with melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a smooth confectioners’ sugar glaze and colorful sprinkles for a festive touch perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups Self-Rising Flour (Can substitute with all-purpose flour plus baking powder)
- 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (Regular or fat-free yogurt can be used as an alternative)
Filling
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Coconut sugar or a stevia blend can be used as a substitution)
- 1 tbsp Cinnamon (Adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup Melted Butter (Coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option)
Icing
- 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (Powdered erythritol can be used for a keto-friendly version)
- 2 tbsp Milk (Almond milk or any non-dairy milk can be used)
Additional
- Food Coloring (Opt for natural food coloring or omit)
- 1 cup Sugar or Stevia (Use any granulated sweetener, adjusting for sweetness level)
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, blend 2 cups of self-rising flour with 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt until a soft dough forms. Then gently knead the dough on a floured surface for about 1-2 minutes to bring it together and achieve a smooth texture.
- Roll out the dough: Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough evenly on a floured surface to approximately ½-inch thickness, ensuring uniform thickness for even baking.
- Add the filling: Brush the flattened dough generously with 1/4 cup of melted butter. Then sprinkle a mix of 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon evenly over the buttered surface for a sweet and spiced flavor.
- Shape the rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a log shape starting from one edge. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces, and arrange them cut side up in a greased 8 x 8-inch baking dish to prepare for baking.
- Bake the rolls: Preheat your oven to 365-375°F (185-190°C). Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the icing: While the rolls bake, mix 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and well combined to create the glaze.
- Finish and serve: Once the cinnamon rolls are baked, drizzle the prepared icing over the top. Sprinkle colorful homemade or store-bought Mardi Gras sprinkles to enhance the festive look and serve warm.
Notes
- Use self-rising flour for convenience, or substitute all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder per cup of flour.
- Greek yogurt makes the dough tender and adds protein; use regular or fat-free depending on preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with coconut oil and use non-dairy milk for the icing.
- Adjust cinnamon and sugar amounts to taste, and consider using alternative sweeteners like stevia for a lower sugar option.
- If desired, add natural food coloring to the icing for a vibrant Mardi Gras theme or omit for a classic look.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
