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Imagine waking up to the smell of warm cinnamon and gooey frosting without spending hours in the kitchen. Traditional cinnamon rolls usually require multiple rises and a lot of patience, but this Instant Pot version changes the game entirely. You get soft, pillowy rolls in just a fraction of the time. It is the perfect solution for busy weekend mornings or a quick weeknight dessert that the whole family will love. By using the pressure cooker, you lock in moisture, ensuring every bite is tender and delicious.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
Nutrition values
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 48g
Why Make This Instant Pot Cinnamon Rolls Easy 20 Min Family Dessert
This recipe is a lifesaver for anyone who wants a gourmet-tasting dessert without the gourmet effort. The Instant Pot creates a steam-infused environment that keeps the dough incredibly moist, preventing the dry edges often found in oven-baked rolls. It also frees up your oven for other dishes, making it an excellent choice for holiday brunches. Since it only takes 20 minutes from start to finish, you can satisfy a sweet craving almost instantly. Plus, the cleanup is minimal, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal with your family.
Ingredients
- 1 tube (12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (8 count)
- 1 cup water (for the bottom of the Instant Pot)
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter
- Included icing packet
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: 1 teaspoon extra ground cinnamon
Directions
Step 1: Preparation
Pour one cup of water into the inner stainless steel pot of your Instant Pot. Place the steam rack (trivet) inside the pot. Lightly grease a 6-inch or 7-inch cake pan or a heat-proof glass bowl that fits comfortably inside your Instant Pot. Open the tube of cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside for later.
Step 2: Arrange the Rolls
Place the individual cinnamon rolls into the prepared pan. Arrange them with one in the center and the others surrounding it. They should be touching slightly but not packed too tightly, as they will expand during cooking. If you are using extra cinnamon or nuts, sprinkle them over the top of the rolls now. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent excess moisture from dripping onto the dough.
Step 3: Pressure Cooking
Lower the foil-covered pan onto the trivet using a foil sling or the handles of the trivet. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the steam vent to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on High Pressure and set the timer for 15 minutes. Once the cooking cycle finishes, perform a quick pressure release by carefully moving the vent to the “Venting” position.
Step 4: Plating
Carefully remove the lid and lift the pan out of the Instant Pot. Remove the foil and check that the rolls are set. While the rolls are still warm, spread the included icing over the top so it melts into the spirals. Serve the cinnamon rolls immediately while they are warm and soft.
Expert Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Cinnamon Rolls Easy 20 Min Family Dessert
To ensure the best results, always use a foil cover on your pan. Without the foil, the steam will condense on the lid and drip onto your rolls, making them soggy. If you prefer a slightly crispier top, you can pop the finished rolls under your oven broiler for 2-3 minutes after pressure cooking. Also, make sure your pan does not touch the sides of the Instant Pot liner to allow the steam to circulate evenly around the dessert.
Delicious Variations
- Apple Pie Style: Dice half an apple and toss with cinnamon and sugar, then tuck the pieces between the rolls before cooking.
- Cream Cheese Delight: Mix the provided icing with two tablespoons of softened cream cheese for a richer frosting.
- Maple Bacon: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the icing and add a drop of maple extract to the glaze.
- Berry Burst: Press a few fresh blueberries or raspberries into the dough before placing the pan in the pot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can use homemade dough, but you may need to increase the pressure cooking time to 20 or 25 minutes depending on the thickness of your rolls. Ensure the dough has had at least one initial rise before shaping and placing in the Instant Pot.

What if I don’t have a small cake pan?
You can use a heat-safe glass bowl or even fashion a “pan” out of a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. The main goal is to keep the rolls contained and elevated above the water.
Why are my cinnamon rolls pale?
Pressure cooking steams the dough rather than browning it. While they are fully cooked and soft, they will not have a golden-brown crust unless you briefly place them under an oven broiler after the Instant Pot cycle is complete.
Can I double the recipe?
You can double the recipe if you have a stackable steamer insert or a larger Instant Pot. However, do not stack the rolls directly on top of each other without a divider, as they will fuse into a single unbaked mass in the center.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, microwave them for 10-15 seconds to restore that soft, fresh-baked texture.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Cinnamon Rolls Easy 20 Min Family Dessert is a game-changer for breakfast lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. By utilizing the power of pressure cooking, you achieve a level of moisture and softness that is hard to replicate in a standard oven. Whether you are hosting a brunch or just want a sweet treat after dinner, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try this weekend and watch how quickly these delicious rolls disappear from the plate!

Instant Pot Cinnamon Rolls Easy 20 Min Family Dessert
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 tube (12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (8 count)
- 1 cup water (for the bottom of the Instant Pot)
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter
- Included icing packet
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: 1 teaspoon extra ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation. Pour one cup of water into the inner stainless steel pot of your Instant Pot. Place the steam rack (trivet) inside the pot. Lightly grease a 6-inch or 7-inch cake pan or a heat-proof glass bowl that fits comfortably inside your Instant Pot. Open the tube of cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside for later.
- Step 2: Arrange the Rolls. Place the individual cinnamon rolls into the prepared pan. Arrange them with one in the center and the others surrounding it. They should be touching slightly but not packed too tightly, as they will expand during cooking. If you are using extra cinnamon or nuts, sprinkle them over the top of the rolls now. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent excess moisture from dripping onto the dough.
- Step 3: Pressure Cooking. Lower the foil-covered pan onto the trivet using a foil sling or the handles of the trivet. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the steam vent to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on High Pressure and set the timer for 15 minutes. Once the cooking cycle finishes, perform a quick pressure release by carefully moving the vent to the “Venting” position.
- Step 4: Plating. Carefully remove the lid and lift the pan out of the Instant Pot. Remove the foil and check that the rolls are set. While the rolls are still warm, spread the included icing over the top so it melts into the spirals. Serve the cinnamon rolls immediately while they are warm and soft.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes









