Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of waking up to freshly baked cinnamon rolls but hesitated because of the time they usually take, this Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. It delivers soft, fluffy, and irresistibly spiced rolls fresh from your oven in just about an hour. From the tender dough to the rich cinnamon sugar filling and creamy cream cheese icing, every bite is a cozy hug for your taste buds. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special breakfast surprise, these cinnamon rolls will turn any morning into a celebration of comfort and sweetness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and each plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma in your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.

• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%): Provides moisture and tenderness to the dough.
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a golden color.
• 1 (0.25 oz) packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons): Key to the fluffy, risen dough texture.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast for activation.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough and contributes to structure and softness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the dough’s flavor with warm, fragrant notes.
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the necessary structure and body for the dough.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Essential for the luscious cinnamon sugar filling.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds deep molasses-rich sweetness to the filling.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar for just the right sweetness.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star spice giving that iconic cinnamon roll flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the filling with an extra layer of warmth.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: The base of the creamy, tangy icing.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the icing with smooth, aromatic flavor.
• 2–4 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the icing to your perfect consistency.

How to Make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough and Activate the Yeast

Begin by melting 1/2 stick of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, add warm milk to the butter. The mixture should be between 100-110°F — warm enough to activate the yeast but not hot enough to kill it. Stir in the sugar and yeast, then cover and let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it turns foamy and fragrant. This step gives your dough the lift it needs for a tender crumb.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, whisk in the egg, salt, and vanilla extract. This combination enriches the dough, ensuring a soft texture and subtle sweet aroma in every bite.

Step 3: Add the Flour and Form the Dough

Now add the flour gradually, stirring with a spatula and then gently kneading by hand until the dough is soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. This tactile step lets you feel when your dough has developed just enough gluten to be stretchy but still tender.

Step 4: Proof the Dough

Shape the dough into a smooth ball and cover it with a clean tea cloth. Place this dough in your oven set to its lowest temperature, turned off, to create a warm, cozy spot where the dough can gently rise for 10 minutes. This quick proofing helps the yeast do its magic, speeding up the process dramatically.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

While the dough proofs, whip together the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This filling is the heart of the cinnamon roll, packed with the warmth and sweetness we all crave.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Remove the risen dough and roll it on a lightly greased or floured surface into a large 14 by 18-inch rectangle. Keeping an even thickness ensures all rolls bake uniformly and stay soft throughout.

Step 7: Add Filling and Roll Up

Spread your cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, almost reaching the edges. Then, roll the dough tightly from the shorter edge to form a log. Using a sharp knife or clean dental floss, cut this log into 12 equal rolls with gentle sawing motions for smooth edges.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden and inviting. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set and slightly firm up before frosting.

Step 9: Make and Apply the Cream Cheese Icing

Beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Gradually add more milk until the frosting reaches your desired spreadable or drizzling texture. Slather this luscious icing over your warm rolls and get ready for pure bliss.

How to Serve Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing touch that will impress, sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or a few chopped toasted pecans on top of the cream cheese icing. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a handful of fresh berries on the side can add vibrant color and balance the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon rolls shine as the centerpiece of breakfast or brunch, but pairing them with fresh fruit, a simple yogurt parfait, or even scrambled eggs and bacon offers a perfect sweet-and-savory combo. A cup of great coffee or hot tea rounds out this indulgent morning meal wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe into a shareable centerpiece by placing the rolls on a decorative platter with a drizzle of extra icing over the top. For parties, serve individual rolls in mini baking cups or stack them for a cinnamon roll “cake” that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any left (which can be tough!), store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and moist. Refrigeration is not necessary unless your kitchen is warm, but it may dry them out slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze both baked rolls and unbaked rolled dough. For baked rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil; freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze unbaked rolls, place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating

Reheat frozen baked cinnamon rolls by thawing them at room temperature and warming them gently in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. For thawed unbaked rolls, allow them to rise again before baking as directed for fresh-from-the-oven goodness.

FAQs

Can I use quick-rise yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, quick-rise yeast can be substituted. It will speed up the proofing time, so keep an eye on your dough as it may rise faster than expected in the Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.

Is it possible to make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

Absolutely! Replace milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, use a vegan butter substitute, and swap the egg for a flax or chia seed egg. The texture may vary slightly but will still be deliciously satisfying.

What’s the best way to cut cinnamon rolls without squishing them?

Using unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife with a gentle sawing motion helps you slice through the dough cleanly without compressing and losing those beautiful spirals.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

While this recipe is designed for speed, you can refrigerate the formed dough log tightly wrapped overnight. The next day, slice and bake fresh cinnamon rolls for a next-day treat with minimal morning effort.

Why do some cinnamon rolls come out dry?

Dryness usually happens if the dough is overworked, baked too long, or if too little fat is used. Following this Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe carefully ensures a perfect balance resulting in soft, moist rolls every time.

Final Thoughts

This Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe truly changes the game for anyone wanting homemade cinnamon rolls on a whim without the usual all-day wait. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’re just minutes away from cozy mornings filled with the sweet aroma and warm, comforting bites of homemade goodness. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share that smile as you enjoy each gooey, cinnamon-scented swirl fresh from your oven!

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