Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to warm, gooey cinnamon rolls but felt daunted by the usual all-day preparation, I’m about to change your baking game with this Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of soft dough, perfect cinnamon-sugar swirl, and luscious cream cheese frosting—all achievable within just sixty minutes! This recipe is everything you want in a cinnamon roll: tender, sweet, and unbelievably satisfying, making it an instant favorite for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a cinnamon-spiced treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together in this recipe to create a heavenly bite full of flavor, texture, and warmth. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s the tang of cream cheese, the softness from the milk and butter, or the aromatic cinnamon blend that makes these rolls unforgettable.

• Milk (1 cup whole or 2%): Warm milk helps activate the yeast and keeps the dough soft and tender.
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup melted and 1/2 cup softened): Adds richness to the dough and a luscious texture to the cinnamon filling.
• Active dry yeast (1 packet, 0.25 oz): The magic behind the soft, fluffy rise of the dough.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup plus 1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough and the cinnamon filling evenly for a balanced taste.
• Egg (1 large): Binds ingredients and contributes to the golden color of the rolls.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavors and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla extract (3 teaspoons total): Infuses smooth, sweet notes into the dough, filling, and icing.
• All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups): Forms the structure of the dough, yielding soft yet sturdy rolls.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
• Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tablespoons): The key spice giving cinnamon rolls their iconic warm, comforting flavor.
• Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Makes the frosting delightfully creamy and tangy to finish the rolls perfectly.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing into a dreamy topping.
• Milk (2–4 tablespoons for icing): Adjusts the frosting’s consistency for spreading or drizzling.

How to Make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by melting half a stick of unsalted butter gently in the microwave. Once melted, combine the butter with warm milk, making sure it’s at that perfect 100-110°F temperature—a little warm to the touch but not hot. Stir in the sugar and yeast, then cover and wait for about 10 minutes until it foams up, signaling that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Create the Perfect Proofing Environment

While the yeast activates, preheat your oven to its lowest setting—usually around 170°F—and then turn it off. This warm space is ideal for proofing the dough later, encouraging it to rise quickly and perfectly within our one-hour timeframe.

Step 3: Mix the Dough Ingredients

Once your yeast mixture is frothy, add the egg, salt, and vanilla extract, then combine well. Slowly incorporate the flour in half-cup increments, stirring with a spatula. When the dough becomes too dense for the spatula, use your hands to knead gently. Aim for a soft, just slightly sticky dough that’s pliable without being wet.

Step 4: Proof the Dough

Shape the dough into a smooth ball and cover it with a clean tea cloth. Place it in your warm, turned-off oven and let it proof for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for fluffiness and ensures your rolls will have that melt-in-your-mouth texture you’re craving.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is proofing, whisk together the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This sweet-scented filling is what transforms the dough into irresistible cinnamon rolls bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Roll and Fill the Dough

After proofing, roll your dough out on a lightly greased surface into a 14 by 18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the surface, almost to the edges, ensuring every bite will carry that signature swirl of cinnamon goodness.

Step 7: Roll Up and Slice

Starting from the shorter edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice it into 12 even rolls with clean edges. The tight roll keeps the filling nestled inside during baking, creating perfectly portioned, gooey cinnamon twists.

Step 8: Bake the Rolls

Place your cinnamon rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown tops and edges that pull away just slightly from the pan—proof of perfect baking and a beautiful caramelized sugar crunch.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls cool slightly, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and two tablespoons of milk. Add extra milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired spreading or drizzling consistency. This creamy icing is the grand finale that brings all the flavors together in the most indulgent way.

Step 10: Ice and Serve

Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting all over the warm cinnamon rolls. The warmth slightly melts the icing, making it irresistibly gooey and rich—time to dive in and enjoy every heavenly bite!

How to Serve Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle freshly chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the icing. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel can add a pretty flourish while bringing unique flavor layers to the classic cinnamon roll.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to balance the sweetness and warm spices perfectly. Fresh fruit like sliced apples, oranges, or berries also offers a refreshing contrast and brightens up your breakfast spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, place cinnamon rolls on a pretty tiered serving tray or wrap them individually in parchment paper tied with twine for grab-and-go gifts or brunch boxes. You can also serve them warm in small ramekins topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them soft, place a slice of bread inside the container—it helps retain moisture wonderfully.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cinnamon rolls arranged on a baking pan, covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months, then thaw, proof, and bake as usual. Alternatively, freeze fully baked cinnamon rolls in an airtight container and reheat when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Reheat leftover rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to recapture that fresh-from-the-oven warmth. Add a little extra icing or butter after reheating if desired to keep them moist and gooey.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for the dough?

All-purpose flour is recommended for its balance of gluten and texture. Using bread flour may make the dough chewier, while cake flour might result in softer rolls but less structure. For best results, stick to all-purpose.

Is it possible to make this recipe without cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! While the cream cheese icing adds tangy sweetness, you can substitute with a simple powdered sugar glaze or even a drizzle of maple syrup if you prefer a lighter finish.

Why do I need to proof the dough in a warm oven?

The warm environment speeds up yeast activity, helping the dough rise quickly and effectively within the one-hour timeframe. If your kitchen is already warm, you can proof at room temperature instead.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?

To adapt this recipe for a vegan diet, use plant-based milk (like almond or oat), vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce. Substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative for the frosting.

How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are fully baked?

You’ll want golden brown tops with slightly firm edges but still soft centers. Lightly press the center roll; it should spring back gently without feeling doughy. Baking times can vary based on your oven, so keep an eye toward the last five minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a total game-changer. It proves you don’t need to spend all morning baking to enjoy that fresh-baked goodness. So grab your ingredients, turn on some music, and treat yourself to a batch of these soft, sweet, and cinnamony delights. I’m sure once you try them, they’ll become a favorite go-to for quick breakfasts or cozy weekend treats!

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