If you’re craving a sweet, colorful treat that brings a festive spirit to your kitchen, these Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe are exactly what you need. With just self-rising flour and Greek yogurt as the base of the dough, this recipe simplifies cinnamon rolls like never before, while still delivering that perfect soft, fluffy texture. The vibrant touches of Mardi Gras colors make them irresistible and perfect for sharing at any celebration or just because you deserve a little joy in your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe’s charm lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each one plays a key role: from the basic dough that’s surprisingly tender to the cinnamon-sugar filling that melts into pure comfort, and the colorful icing that adds that festive flair. Here’s what you’ll need to bring these rolls to life.
- 2 cups Self-Rising Flour: The foundation of your dough, making it light and airy without extra fuss.
- 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and tang, creating a soft and fluffy dough with a slight tangy finish.
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar: Sweetens the filling with rich molasses notes; coconut sugar can be a fun alternative.
- 1 tbsp Cinnamon: The classic spice that pairs beautifully with brown sugar for that unmistakable cinnamon roll flavor.
- 1/4 cup Melted Butter: Brushed on the dough for richness and a golden crust; substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar: The key ingredient for silky smooth icing that crowns each roll with sweetness.
- 2 tbsp Milk: Helps thin the icing to the perfect drizzling consistency; use almond or any non-dairy milk if preferred.
- Food Coloring: Adds that fun Mardi Gras pop of purple, green, and gold—choose natural or skip for a more classic look.
- 1 cup Sugar: Enhances the cinnamon sugar filling’s sweetness; substitute with stevia or your favorite granulated sweetener.
How to Make Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the self-rising flour and plain Greek yogurt in a mixing bowl until a soft dough forms. Don’t be surprised by how simple this is—no yeast or rising time needed! Once combined, gently knead the dough on a floured surface for just 1 to 2 minutes. This step helps make the dough smooth and easier to roll out.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
With a rolling pin, flatten the dough evenly on your floured surface to about half an inch thickness. This thickness ensures the rolls end up tender inside while baking evenly through. A steady hand helps create a uniform shape for even filling distribution.
Step 3: Add the Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Brush the entire surface of your flattened dough with melted butter. This step not only adds flavor but also helps keep the cinnamon sugar mixture from sliding off. Next, sprinkle an even layer of cinnamon combined with brown sugar over the butter. The mixture creates a sweet, aromatic filling that will melt into each bite during baking.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one end. After rolling, cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. These pieces will become your individual rolls, so try to keep them even in size for consistent baking. Arrange your rolls cut side up in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish, leaving a little space for them to expand.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to between 365 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes or until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown. The smell filling your kitchen at this stage is nothing short of magical and will have you counting down the minutes.
Step 6: Make the Icing
While the rolls are cooling just a bit, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency so it’s perfect for drizzling—neither too runny nor too thick. This sweet glaze is the finishing touch that transforms these rolls from delicious to show-stopping.
Step 7: Decorate and Serve
Drizzle the icing over the warm rolls, letting it cascade down their curves. To bring in the Mardi Gras spirit, sprinkle colorful homemade or store-bought sprinkles in purple, green, and gold. Serve immediately to enjoy them at their soft and gooey best.
How to Serve Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe
Garnishes
Adding festive garnishes makes these rolls doubly special for Mardi Gras celebrations or any fun occasion. Think vibrant sprinkles in classic Mardi Gras colors or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the icing to enhance both taste and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair these cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or even a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness. They’re perfect for brunch tables, breakfast buffets, or even a leisurely dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving these rolls on a decorative platter with matching napkins in Mardi Gras colors to bring a festive vibe. For kids’ parties, you might even add a little edible shimmer or gold leaf to really wow the crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out and preserves the soft, fluffy texture you love.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe later, freeze them individually wrapped or in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating to bring back their fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm them in the oven covered with foil to avoid drying. Adding a quick warm drizzle of extra icing after reheating brings back that fresh homemade glow.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes! If you don’t have self-rising flour, simply combine all-purpose flour with baking powder (about 1 1/2 teaspoons per cup) and a pinch of salt to create a similar effect. This keeps the dough light and fluffy without yeast.
Is Greek yogurt necessary or can I substitute it?
Greek yogurt is key for the dough’s soft texture and slight tang. However, you can substitute it with regular plain yogurt or even a plant-based yogurt to keep things dairy-free. Just ensure it’s thick enough to hold the dough together.
How can I make these rolls vegan?
To veganize this recipe, swap the butter for coconut oil and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative. For the icing, replace milk with plant-based milk and use powdered sugar that’s certified vegan. The texture and flavor will still shine through beautifully.
Can I prepare the rolls in advance and bake later?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, roll, slice, and arrange the rolls in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready, let them come to room temperature briefly and bake as directed for fresh, warm rolls.
What can I use for natural food coloring?
For natural pigments, beet juice works well for reds and purples, spinach or kale juices for green, and turmeric or saffron for a golden hue. These colors add festive vibrance without artificial additives.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe makes creating delicious, festive treats approachable for everyone. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a fun pop of color, you can bring a little Mardi Gras magic right into your kitchen anytime. I hope you share this recipe with friends and family and make many joyful memories around these warm, cozy cinnamon rolls.
Print
Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls feature a simple two-ingredient dough made from self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, rolled with a luscious cinnamon-brown sugar filling, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a smooth confectioners’ sugar glaze and festive sprinkles. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent treat celebrating Mardi Gras with vibrant colors and irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
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.)
Garnish
- 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 the self-rising flour and Greek yogurt together until they form a soft dough. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it for about 1-2 minutes to create a smooth, cohesive texture.
- Roll out the dough: Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough evenly on the floured surface to approximately ½-inch thickness, ensuring a uniform layer for even baking.
- Prepare the filling: Brush the flattened dough generously with melted butter. Then sprinkle an even layer of the cinnamon mixed with brown sugar across the buttered surface to create the sweet and spicy filling.
- Form the rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log shape starting from one edge. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut side up in a greased 8 x 8-inch baking dish, arranging them close but not overcrowded.
- Bake the rolls: Preheat your oven to between 365°F and 375°F (185°C – 190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the rolls turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Prepare the icing: While the rolls bake, mix the confectioners’ sugar with milk in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or sugar if needed.
- Ice and garnish: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly for a few minutes. Drizzle the prepared icing evenly over the warm rolls. Add colorful homemade sprinkles or natural food coloring accents to celebrate Mardi Gras before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute self-rising flour with all-purpose flour mixed with 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- For a dairy-free version, replace melted butter with coconut oil and use non-dairy milk for the icing.
- Adjust cinnamon and sugar quantities to your taste preference for sweetness and spice.
- Use natural food colorings to keep the recipe free from artificial additives when adding festive Mardi Gras colors.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
