If you’re searching for a delightful treat that brings all the festive vibes of Mardi Gras right into your kitchen, look no further than these ***Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe***. This recipe combines simplicity and vibrant flavor in a way that will have you smiling from the first bite to the last. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its vivid purple, green, and gold hues but also in the soft, tender dough made from just two ingredients. Whether you’re celebrating Fat Tuesday or simply craving a sweet, colorful breakfast, these cinnamon rolls deliver joy and indulgence with every swirl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe comes from a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role, from the tender base to the sweet, cinnamony filling and the luscious glaze on top.
- 2 cups Self-Rising Flour: This is the foundation of your dough, providing the perfect rise and light texture without needing extra yeast.
- 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang, making the dough incredibly soft and easy to work with.
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar: The perfect sweetener for a rich, caramel-like flavor inside your cinnamon swirl.
- 1 tbsp Cinnamon: Gives the rolls their signature warm, spiced aroma that everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup Melted Butter: Coats the dough for that irresistible buttery richness and helps the sugar-cinnamon topping stick.
- 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar: The base of your icing, giving the rolls a silky-smooth finish.
- 2 tbsp Milk: Blends the icing to the right consistency — swap for almond or other plant milk if you like.
- Food Coloring: Bring that classic Mardi Gras flair—purple, green, and gold—right into your icing or dough to make these rolls pop.
- 1 cup Sugar: Optional for sprinkling or sweetening, but perfect for those who want an extra touch of sweetness.
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. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Then, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently for one to two minutes to bring everything together neatly. This two-ingredient dough is so forgiving, which makes it ideal if you’re new to baking cinnamon rolls or just want a quicker prep time.
Step 2: Roll Out and Color the Dough
Roll the dough out evenly to about a ½-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. If you want those iconic Mardi Gras colors, now’s the time to gently fold in drops of natural food coloring to different portions of the dough or brush bright, festive colors onto the surface before adding the filling.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Brush the dough generously with melted butter, ensuring rich flavor and moisture in every bite. Then sprinkle the brown sugar blended with cinnamon evenly across the surface. This mixture will melt into a gooey, fragrant filling as the rolls bake.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, making sure to keep the cinnamon sugar snug inside. Use a sharp knife to slice this log into 12 equal pieces. Placement matters here — set them cut-side-up in a greased 8×8 baking dish, giving them space to rise while staying close enough to cuddle up as they bake.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to between 365 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Pop the baking dish in for about 25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and irresistible. The aroma will fill your kitchen and signal that these beauties are almost ready.
Step 6: Prepare the Icing
While the rolls bake, whisk together confectioners’ sugar with milk until you reach a smooth, creamy icing. Add drops of food coloring to match the Mardi Gras theme if you want to amp up the festive factor. Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle this icing lavishly over the top.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch
Before serving, sprinkle colorful homemade or store-bought sprinkles in classic Mardi Gras shades. The crunchy sprinkles add texture and that extra splash of fun to these already irresistible Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe.
How to Serve Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe
Garnishes
To keep the Mardi Gras spirit alive, consider adding a few vibrant garnishes right before serving. Freshly chopped pecans add crunch, while shredded coconut can give a tropical hint. A light dusting of extra cinnamon or a sprinkle of edible glitter makes these rolls look even more party-ready.
Side Dishes
Pair these treasure troves of sweetness with savory or fresh sides. A bright fruit salad with citrus and berries cuts through the richness, while a savory cheese or ham platter makes for a balanced and impressive brunch spread. Coffee, spicy hot cocoa, or a vibrant green tea also complement the cinnamon’s warm notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can totally elevate your Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe. Try serving the rolls stacked on colorful plates or a tiered stand to mimic Mardi Gras beads. Wrapping individual rolls in colorful napkins or placing them in mini decorative boxes makes them perfect for gifting or sharing at a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that’s rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the rolls soft and the icing intact, ready to be enjoyed later without losing their fresh-baked charm.
Freezing
These cinnamon rolls freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual rolls or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before glazing.
Reheating
Reheat your rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a 350-degree oven for 5–7 minutes. If you want to recreate that freshly glazed experience, drizzle a bit more icing after warming. The rolls will taste just as delightful as the first day you baked them.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
Absolutely! Just add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt per 2 cups of all-purpose flour to mimic self-rising flour’s leavening effect perfectly for this recipe.
Is the Greek yogurt essential?
Yes, Greek yogurt keeps the dough moist and gives it that soft, cakey texture. Regular or fat-free yogurt works fine too, but Greek yogurt is the easiest way to get consistent results.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap melted butter for coconut oil and use plant-based yogurt options. Just ensure your milk substitute is a similar consistency for making the icing smooth and perfect.
How can I get the rolls really colorful?
You can divide the dough into three portions and add food coloring to each before rolling, or simply color the icing. Natural food dyes like beet juice for red/purple and spinach powder for green are great alternatives to artificial colors.
Can I bake these in a different pan size?
Yes, just ensure the rolls fit snugly to support rising. If you use a larger pan, the baking time may be shorter because the rolls will be thinner—keep an eye on that golden brown color as your cue.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about whipping up Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe that brings cheer and celebration to any morning or gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of love, you’re creating more than just cinnamon rolls—you’re making memories full of flavor, color, and joy. So grab your apron and get rolling; these festive treats are waiting to brighten your table and heart!
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Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls with Two-Ingredient Dough Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll recipe, made with a simple two-ingredient dough consisting of self-rising flour and Greek yogurt. Topped with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and colorful icing, these rolls are perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras with a fun and flavorful treat.
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)
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, combine the self-rising flour and Greek yogurt. Stir until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 1-2 minutes until smooth and manageable.
- Roll Out Dough: Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough evenly on a floured surface to about a ½-inch thickness, making sure it’s even to ensure uniform baking.
- Add Filling: Brush the flattened dough with melted butter. Evenly sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar on top to cover the surface thoroughly for a sweet spice flavor.
- Shape the Rolls: Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife to create the cinnamon rolls.
- Arrange to Bake: Place the cut rolls into a greased 8 x 8-inch baking dish, positioning them cut side up to keep the swirl design visible and allow even baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to between 365°F and 375°F (185°C to 190°C). Bake the arranged rolls for about 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Prepare Icing: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth. Optionally add food coloring to celebrate Mardi Gras colors.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, drizzle the prepared icing over the warm cinnamon rolls. Sprinkle colorful homemade or store-bought sprinkles before serving to add festive appeal.
Notes
- You can substitute self-rising flour with all-purpose flour and 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter and almond or other non-dairy milk for the icing.
- Adjust the cinnamon and sugar quantity according to your taste preference.
- These rolls are best served warm and fresh out of the oven for optimal softness.
- Food coloring is optional but recommended for a festive Mardi Gras look.
- Ensure the dough is gently kneaded to maintain a soft texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet roll, reduce the sugar in the filling or icing accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
