When the craving for warm, gooey cinnamon rolls hits, waiting hours for dough to rise just isn’t an option. These Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are here to save the day! Fluffy, soft, and packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness, they come together quickly thanks to a streamlined process—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and easy: Ready in just one hour—no lengthy rising times.
- Perfectly fluffy rolls with a soft, gooey center.
- Made with pantry staples you already have on hand.
- Great for any occasion, from weekend brunches to holiday mornings.
Ingredients for Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (or as needed for desired consistency)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.
- Mix until a sticky dough forms, then knead for 3-5 minutes on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
2. Let the Dough Rest
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rest for 10 minutes. This quick rest helps the dough relax for easier rolling.
3. Make the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg until it forms a spreadable paste.
4. Roll and Fill the Dough
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 12×15 inches.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the longer side. Pinch the seam to seal.
5. Cut and Arrange the Rolls
- Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean slices.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
6. Let the Rolls Rise
- Cover the baking dish with a clean towel and let the rolls rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.
7. Bake the Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the cinnamon rolls for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Make the Glaze
- While the rolls are baking, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
9. Glaze and Serve
- Spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve immediately for that ooey-gooey perfection.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rising Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls
- Use instant yeast: It cuts down on rising time and ensures fluffy rolls.
- Don’t overheat the milk: Warm milk should be around 110°F to avoid killing the yeast.
- Roll tightly: This keeps the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Glaze while warm: Spread the cream cheese glaze as soon as the rolls come out of the oven for maximum gooeyness.
Variations for Cinnamon Rolls
- Healthier Option: Use whole wheat flour for half of the flour and reduce sugar in the filling.
- Extra Sweet: Add raisins, chopped pecans, or chocolate chips to the filling.
- Fruit-Flavored Rolls: Mix in finely chopped apples or spread jam over the filling.
- No Cream Cheese: Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
- Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.
10 FAQs About One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but dissolve the yeast in warm milk first and let it sit for 5 minutes before adding to the dough.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
3. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze the unbaked rolls after cutting. Thaw, let rise, and bake as usual.
4. What’s the best way to cut the rolls?
Use unflavored dental floss for clean, even slices without squishing the dough.
5. Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?
Sure! You can use a powdered sugar glaze or enjoy them plain.
6. Why didn’t my rolls rise?
Check your yeast—make sure it’s fresh and your milk wasn’t too hot or cold.
7. Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast baking.
8. What’s the secret to soft rolls?
Don’t overbake! Pull them out as soon as they’re golden and cooked through.
9. How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Roll the dough tightly and pinch the seams to seal the log.
10. Can I use a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Use the dough hook to knead the dough for 3-5 minutes.
Conclusion
These Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate solution for anyone craving soft, gooey rolls without the long wait. With a fluffy texture, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy glaze, they’re guaranteed to impress. Perfect for holiday mornings, lazy weekends, or anytime you need a sweet treat.
Ready to indulge? Whip up a batch of these irresistible cinnamon rolls in just one hour—you’ll be glad you did! 🍴✨