Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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If you’ve ever wished for a bakery-quality treat you can whip up in no time, this Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what your mornings need. Fluffy, tender rolls loaded with a spiced cinnamon-sugar filling come together quickly thanks to clever yeast activation and a speedy proofing step. Crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts over each warm swirl, these cinnamon rolls hit every comforting note from soft to sweet to satisfyingly gooey. Whether it’s a weekend brunch staple or a cozy weekday pick-me-up, this recipe makes decadent homemade rolls entirely doable without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting that perfect cinnamon roll texture and flavor is surprisingly simple with just a handful of essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the melted butter that keeps the dough tender to the warm milk that wakes up the yeast, ensuring a soft and fluffy rise.

• Milk (1 cup, whole or 2%): Provides moisture and richness while activating the yeast gently.
• Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup) and softened (1/2 cup): Melted butter mixes into the dough for tenderness; softened butter is essential for that silky cinnamon sugar filling.
• Active dry yeast (1 packet, about 2 1/4 teaspoons): The powerhouse that creates rise and airy texture.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup plus 1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough and the filling for balanced flavor.
• Large egg (1): Adds richness and binds the dough firmly.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, keeping sweetness from feeling flat.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon in dough and 1 teaspoon in filling): Infuses warmth and depth to both dough and filling.
• All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): The structure of the rolls, providing chewiness without heaviness.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Gives the cinnamon filling a deep molasses flavor and sticky texture.
• Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tablespoons): The spicy heart of the filling, filling the rolls with classic coziness.
• Cream cheese, softened (4 ounces): Key to that dreamy, tangy frosting.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing perfectly.
• Milk (2–4 tablespoons, for icing): Adjusts the frosting consistency to your liking, from thick spread to delicate drizzle.

How to Make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by melting a 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a small bowl, then add warm milk heated to 100-110°F. This cozy temperature wakes the yeast without killing it. Stir in sugar and yeast, then cover and let it rest for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and full of life, setting the stage for a beautifully risen dough.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast & Preheat Oven

While your yeast mixture froths, preheat your oven to its lowest setting around 170°F and then turn it off. This gentle warmth is the perfect cozy spot to proof your dough quickly and efficiently without any drafts slowing down the process.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Once the yeast mixture is frothy, whisk in the egg, salt, and vanilla extract. These ingredients enrich the dough, adding flavor and structure that creates soft, tender rolls.

Step 4: Add the Flour

Gradually add the flour in half-cup increments. Stir gently and when the dough gets too thick for a spoon, use your hands to knead it just enough to form a slightly tacky but manageable dough. It shouldn’t stick to your fingers excessively—that balance is key.

Step 5: Proof the Dough

Form the dough into a ball, cover with a tea cloth, and pop it into your turned-off warm oven. In just 10 minutes, your dough will become noticeably puffier and ready to roll out for filling.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Whip the softened butter with brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until light and fluffy, creating that irresistible filling packed with spice and sweetness.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough

Dust your surface lightly, then roll the dough into a 14 by 18-inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. This size ensures you’ll get 12 generously sized rolls bursting with cinnamon goodness.

Step 8: Add Filling

Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly all over the dough, leaving just a small border near the edges so everything stays snug when rolling.

Step 9: Roll and Slice

Starting from the short side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or some unflavored dental floss for clean cuts to slice the roll into 12 perfect pieces.

Step 10: Bake

Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes. When golden brown, remove and let cool slightly before icing—this step brings that signature fluffy interior with a caramelized exterior.

Step 11: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls cool, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Adjust the milk in tablespoon increments until the frosting reaches a spreadable or drizzle-able consistency, depending on your style.

Step 12: Frost and Serve

Slather that creamy icing on warm rolls and serve immediately while melty and fresh—pure joy in every bite!

How to Serve Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Top your cinnamon rolls with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to add crunch and a nutty depth that contrasts beautifully with the soft, sweet dough. For a bright twist, grate a bit of fresh orange zest over the icing to infuse a fresh citrus note.

Side Dishes

Pairing these rolls with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a melon salad balances the richness, keeping your breakfast menu fresh and vibrant. A hot cup of coffee or tea complements the warm spices perfectly, rounding out a comforting meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, arrange your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe in individual ramekins for personal servings. Drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce alongside the cream cheese icing for added luxury. You can even slice them thinner for cinnamon roll “sliders” perfect for sharing at a brunch party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cinnamon rolls airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cream cheese icing makes them extra moist, so just pop them in a container with a tight seal to maintain softness.

Freezing

If you want to save these rolls longer, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Freeze before frosting for best texture, then thaw and frost fresh whenever you’re ready.

Reheating

Warm your cinnamon rolls gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds to bring back softness and that just-baked warmth. If frozen, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can also heat in a low oven wrapped in foil to keep them moist.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the flour without proofing in warm milk first, which actually speeds up the recipe a bit. Just omit the initial waiting step for yeast activation.

What’s the best type of flour for cinnamon rolls?

All-purpose flour works perfectly for these Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, giving the right balance of chew and tenderness. Bread flour would create a denser roll, while cake flour might be too soft.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk and butter with your favorite non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and vegan margarine. Just make sure the plant-based milk is warm for activating yeast and the margarine is soft and spreadable for the filling.

Why are my cinnamon rolls dense instead of fluffy?

This usually means the yeast didn’t activate properly or the dough wasn’t proofed long enough. Make sure your milk is the right temperature for yeast activation and give the dough time to rise in the warm oven as described.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

You sure can! After kneading, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling and filling. This lets the flavors develop and can make rolling easier.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe enough for anyone craving that perfect homemade indulgence without spending hours in the kitchen. It hits all the right notes—fluffy rolls, warm cinnamon sweetness, and creamy frosting—in a timeframe that fits busy lives. Give it a try, and prepare to be amazed how something so delicious can come together so quickly. Your future self will thank you! Happy baking!

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