Description
These Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls use a simple two-ingredient dough made from self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, making them both quick and delicious. Rolled with a classic cinnamon and brown sugar filling, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a smooth confectioners’ sugar glaze, they offer a festive treat perfect for breakfast or brunch 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 works)
Filling
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (coconut sugar or a stevia blend are alternatives)
- 1 tbsp Cinnamon (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup Melted Butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
Icing
- 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (powdered erythritol for keto-friendly)
- 2 tbsp Milk (almond milk or any non-dairy milk can be used)
Extras
- Food Coloring (optional, natural food coloring or omit)
- 1 cup Sugar or Stevia (for sprinkles, use any granulated sweetener adjusted for sweetness)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of self-rising flour with 1 cup of Greek yogurt. Stir until a soft, cohesive dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface and knead gently for 1-2 minutes to bring it fully together.
- Roll Out the Dough: Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough evenly on a floured surface to about a ½-inch thickness, ensuring it’s uniform for consistent baking.
- Prepare the Filling: Brush the flattened dough generously with ¼ cup melted butter. Then sprinkle a mixture of ½ cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon evenly over the top, adjusting the cinnamon to taste for desired spice strength.
- Shape the Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one edge. Once rolled, slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the cinnamon roll slices cut side up in a greased 8 x 8-inch baking dish, spaced slightly apart to allow expansion during baking.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to between 365°F and 375°F (185°C to 190°C). Bake the rolls for approximately 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Make the Icing: While the rolls bake, whisk together 1 cup confectioners’ sugar with 2 tablespoons milk until smooth to create a sweet glaze.
- Finish and Serve: When the rolls are done, drizzle the icing on top while still warm. Optionally, sprinkle colorful homemade sprinkles over the glazed rolls to enhance the festive Mardi Gras appearance before serving.
Notes
- Self-rising flour is key for the dough’s texture; if using all-purpose flour, add 1½ tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt per 2 cups flour.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with regular or fat-free yogurt, but avoid watery yogurts for best results.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter and plant-based milk for the icing.
- Adjust cinnamon quantity to your preference for spiciness and flavor intensity.
- Colorful sprinkles are optional but add a fun Mardi Gras theme to the rolls.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture; leftovers can be reheated gently.
