The delightful aroma of cinnamon swirls through my kitchen, instantly transporting me back to cozy mornings where the mere sight of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls ignites pure joy. Today, I want to share my secret for making these Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls, which deliver that comforting bakery experience straight from your oven—without any overnight rising! In just one hour, you can whip up these soft, buttery creations topped with luscious cream cheese icing, making them a perfect solution for spontaneous cravings or a sweet breakfast feast. Quick and irresistibly delicious, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a cherished go-to for anyone looking to elevate their homemade baking. Are you ready to embark on this scrumptious journey? Let’s dive in!
Why Are These Cinnamon Rolls Special?
Incredible Variety: These Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls let you customize flavors—add in nuts, raisins, or even different icing for a seasonal touch!
No Waiting Game: Forget the overnight rise! You can have these delightful treats in just an hour, perfect for when cravings strike.
Mouthwatering Aroma: The blend of cinnamon and buttery sugar filling wafts through your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that draws in family and friends.
Perfectly Gooey: With a soft texture and a luscious cream cheese icing, each bite delivers a heavenly experience you won’t forget.
Brunch Favorite: Serve them warm with coffee or tea for a brunch that will impress everyone! These rolls are truly a crowd-pleaser, making them the ideal addition to any gathering or lazy weekend.
For more quick recipes, check out our One Pot Chicken or indulge your sweet side with Cheesecake Honeycomb Delightful.
One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
Get ready to bake these soft, gooey treats!
For the Dough
- Active Dry Yeast – This leavening agent is essential for a fluffy texture; make sure it’s fresh!
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetness helper and yeast activator; you can swap it with monk fruit sweetener for a low-carb twist.
- Unsalted Butter – It gives richness and moisture for perfect rolls.
- Milk (whole or 2%) – This hydrates the dough and activates the yeast; almond milk works for a dairy-free version.
- Salt – A little enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
- Egg – Adds structure and richness to your soft rolls.
- Vanilla Extract – Imparts wonderful flavor; almond extract makes for a unique substitution.
- All-Purpose Flour – The main structure of the dough; avoid bread flour for best results.
For the Filling
- Light Brown Sugar – Adds a delightful caramel flavor to the filling; no substitutions needed.
- Cinnamon – The star flavor in these rolls; opt for high-quality cinnamon for maximum taste.
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the icing.
- Cream Cheese – This creates a rich and creamy icing, adding that perfect touch to your One Hour Cinnamon Rolls.
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get baking and create some magic in your kitchen!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare Dough
Start by melting 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and warming 3/4 cup of milk until it reaches 100-110°F, perfect for yeast activation. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Sprinkle 1 packet of active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add 1 large egg, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, stirring to combine. Gradually mix in 2-3 cups of all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, which should take around 5 minutes.
Step 3: Proof Dough
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm, turned-off oven. Allow the dough to rise for about 10 minutes, during which it will puff up and become airy, ensuring your One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are fluffy and delicious.
Step 4: Make Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing 1/4 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, and an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl. Blend until the mixture is creamy and well-combined, creating a sweet and aromatic filling for your rolls.
Step 5: Shape Rolls
After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring about 12×18 inches. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, ensuring every edge is covered. Tightly roll the dough into a log, starting from one long edge, and then slice it into 12 equal pieces using a serrated knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
Step 6: Bake
Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, allowing some space between them for further expansion. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes. They should turn a lovely golden brown color and look puffy and irresistible when done.
Step 7: Cool and Ice
After baking, remove the One Hour Cinnamon Rolls from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the icing by blending 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. Spread the cream cheese icing generously over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly for an extra gooey treat.
What to Serve with Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Indulging in a warm plate of cinnamon rolls calls for delightful pairings that will elevate your entire meal experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the cinnamon sweetness with bright, juicy flavors.
- Creamy Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy, buttery eggs served alongside offer a savory element that beautifully complements the sweet rolls, making breakfast truly satisfying.
- Maple Bacon: The salty-sweet flavor of crispy bacon pairs wonderfully, bringing an indulgent twist to your brunch spread and enhancing the overall experience.
- Coffee or Tea: A steaming cup of rich coffee or fragrant tea enhances the cozy vibes, creating a perfect backdrop for enjoying these warm rolls.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits adds creaminess and crunch, providing a lovely textural contrast next to the soft cinnamon rolls.
- Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of homemade granola offers a delightful crunch and an earthy flavor profile, enriching your meal while keeping things healthy.
- Chocolate Milk: For a fun twist, rich chocolate milk brings a nostalgic touch, creating a sweet treat that will delight both kids and adults alike.
- Cinnamon Coffee: Enhance your cinnamon roll experience with a warm cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee that mirrors the delightful flavors of your rolls.
Expert Tips for One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
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Fresh Yeast Matters: Always ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated—look for that frothy layer after sitting in warm milk.
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Avoid Dry Dough: If your dough feels too sticky, gradually add more flour until it’s tacky but manageable to ensure perfect One Hour Cinnamon Rolls.
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Use the Right Tools: For easy and clean slicing, a serrated knife or even dental floss works wonders, preventing squished rolls.
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Cool Before Icing: Allow your cinnamon rolls to cool for about 10 minutes before icing; this helps the icing spread easily without melting too much.
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Experiment with Filling: Get creative with fillings! Adding chopped nuts or using flavored extracts can elevate your One Hour Cinnamon Rolls to the next level.
One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Variations
Feel free to mix and match these ideas for your very own version of luscious cinnamon rolls!
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Nutty Add-Ins: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into your filling for a delightful crunch. The nuttiness complements the gooey sweetness perfectly!
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Fruit Fusion: Add 1/2 cup of raisins or chopped apples to the filling for a fruity twist. This little extra touch adds both texture and flavor, making each bite a new discovery.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute almond milk for regular milk and use dairy-free cream cheese for the icing. Enjoy the same delicious flavors without the dairy!
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Whole Wheat Wonder: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. This will create a heartier roll that still delivers on flavor!
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Spicy Kick: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes with the cinnamon filling for a surprising burst of heat. It’s an unexpected contrast that some might find utterly delightful.
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Flavored Icing: Try drizzling your rolls with a maple glaze or a cocoa-infused icing instead of cream cheese. Elevating the sweetness will give your rolls a new character that could surprise everyone!
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Seasonal Spice: Incorporate pumpkin pie spice into your filling during the fall for a seasonal flair. This aromatic blend will make your kitchen feel like the holidays!
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Coconut Crunch: Add 1/3 cup of sweetened shredded coconut to your filling for an exotic taste and chewy texture. It’s a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
After all the variations, feel free to explore more delightful recipes! Don’t miss out on our Elegant Boursin Cheese to wow your guests or try the rich Cheesecake Honeycomb Delightful for a sweet conclusion.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep lovers who need to save time! You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls up to 24 hours in advance—just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let the rolls sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to take the chill off, then bake as directed. Alternatively, you can also make the filling ahead, storing it in the fridge for up to 3 days; just pull it out when you’re ready to roll. This way, you maintain their quality and enjoy fresh, warm cinnamon rolls in a snap!
How to Store and Freeze One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Room Temperature: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture.
Fridge: For longer storage, place the rolls in the fridge in a tightly covered container where they will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat rolls in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that delectable softness!
One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs
What type of yeast should I use for perfection?
Absolutely, using fresh active dry yeast is crucial for the best rise! Always check the expiry date to ensure it’s active. You’ll know your yeast is fresh when it becomes frothy after mixing with warm milk and sugar – this should take about 10 minutes.
How should I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
To keep your One Hour Cinnamon Rolls soft and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, where they will last for around one week—just make sure they’re covered tightly to maintain that lovely texture!
Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze your One Hour Cinnamon Rolls for up to 3 months! Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore their gooey goodness.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky and hard to work with, don’t worry! Simply sprinkle in a little extra flour – a tablespoon at a time – while kneading until it reaches a soft, slightly tacky consistency. Keep in mind that dough moisture can vary with humidity, so it’s okay to adjust flour as needed.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you have allergies, note that the recipe contains dairy and gluten. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute almond milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the icing. Additionally, to make it low-carb, explore using monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar—just adjust the amount according to the sweetener’s package instructions.
How do I know when my cinnamon rolls are done baking?
You’ll know your One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are ready when they turn a lovely golden-brown color, about 20-25 minutes in the oven. For the best results, lightly press one; if it springs back, they are perfectly fluffy and ready for icing!
One Hour Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, Gooey Perfection at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt 1/4 cup butter and warm 3/4 cup milk to 100-110°F. Combine in a bowl with 1/4 cup sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- Add 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in 2-3 cups flour until soft dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Cover the dough with a towel and let rise in a warm oven for 10 minutes.
- Mix 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to make the filling.
- Roll out the dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle and spread the filling evenly. Roll up tightly and slice into 12 pieces.
- Place slices in a greased pan. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then mix cream cheese and powdered sugar for icing. Spread over warm rolls.