Description
These Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls feature a simple two-ingredient dough made from self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, rolled with a cinnamon-brown sugar filling, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a smooth sugar glaze. Perfect for a festive breakfast or dessert with a fun Mardi Gras twist using optional food coloring and sprinkles.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough and Filling
- 2 cups Self-Rising Flour (can substitute with all-purpose flour plus baking powder)
- 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (regular or fat-free yogurt alternative)
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (coconut sugar or stevia blend as substitution)
- 1 tbsp Cinnamon (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup Melted Butter (coconut oil for dairy-free option)
- 1 cup Sugar or Stevia (use any granulated sweetener)
Glaze
- 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (powdered erythritol for keto-friendly version)
- 2 tbsp Milk (almond milk or any non-dairy milk alternative)
Optional
- Food Coloring (natural or omit)
- Colorful Homemade Sprinkles (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare 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. Once combined, knead gently on a floured surface for 1-2 minutes to develop a smooth consistency.
- Roll out the Dough: Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough evenly on a floured surface until it’s about ½ inch thick, creating a smooth rectangular sheet ready for filling.
- Apply Butter and Filling: Brush the entire surface of the flattened dough with 1/4 cup melted butter. Evenly sprinkle a mixture of 1 tbsp cinnamon and 1/2 cup brown sugar over the buttered dough for the classic cinnamon roll filling.
- Shape and Cut Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log shape, starting from one edge. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough log into 12 equal pieces. Place these rolls cut side up in a greased 8 x 8 inch baking dish, allowing space for expansion.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat the oven to 365-375°F (185-190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for approximately 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Prepare the Icing: While the rolls bake, mix 1 cup confectioners’ sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable, forming a classic glaze to complement the rolls.
- Glaze and Garnish: Once the rolls have baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the prepared icing evenly over them. Sprinkle colorful homemade sprinkles on top to add a festive Mardi Gras touch before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute self-rising flour with all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter and non-dairy milk for the glaze.
- Adjust cinnamon and sugar quantities to taste if a sweeter or spicier roll is preferred.
- Food coloring is optional; natural colorings like beet or turmeric powder work well for a homemade touch.
- These rolls are best served warm but can be reheated gently before enjoying leftovers.
