Instant Pot Fluffy Pancake Cinnamon Rolls

I love cinnamon rolls, but waiting for yeast dough to rise takes forever. This recipe uses the dual magic of pancake mix and an Instant Pot to achieve the impossible–sweet, delicious cinnamon rolls from scratch in just 30 minutes!

Learn to master the Instant Pot! New Instant Pot Master Class. [learn more]

And the icing is a dream! Drizzle it on for a melt-in-your-mouth treat, or spoon it on for a decadent delight you’ll never want to stop eating.

With pancake mix, the leavening comes from baking powder, which when mixed with the wet ingredients creates bubbles for that light, airy texture. The pot-in-pot cooking method keeps the dough moist so it’s ready to soak up the cinnamon goodness.

This is a pretty wet dough, so you may want to refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before rolling and have some flour or additional pancake mix handy to coat your hands and tools. Also, watch the broiler carefully. The rolls can go from blonde to over-dark quickly!

Sweet, delicious cinnamon rolls from scratch in just 30 minutes!


Ingredients:

Dough Mixture:

  • 1 1/4 cup pancake mix (like Bisquick)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/3 cup milk

Filling Mixture:

  • 1 tbsp butter, softened
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Pot:

  • 1 cup water
  • Topping Mixture:
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2-1 tbsp milk

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, mix Dough Mixture ingredients with a fork until well combined. It should resemble cookie dough.
  2. On a well-floured surface, roll dough into a 4” x 9” rectangle.
  3. In a small bowl, mix Filling Mixture ingredients and then spread evenly on the dough.
  4. Working carefully, roll the dough up from the short side. You should end up with a 4” long cylinder.
  5. Cut the dough into 6 equal slices and place in a 6’’ or 7” baking pan (this one fits perfectly: https://amzn.to/2OXT8Bw).
  6. Put one cup of water and the trivet in the Instant Pot. Carefully place the baking pan on the trivet.
  7. Secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
  8. Using the display panel select the MANUAL function*. Use the +/- keys and program the Instant Pot for 12 minutes.
  9. When the time is up, quick-release the remaining pressure.
  10. Remove the pan and set it under the broiler until golden, 3-5 minutes.
  11. In a small bowl, mix the Icing Mixture ingredients and drizzle over the rolls while still warm. Serve immediately.

*The Manual and Pressure Cook buttons are interchangeable.