One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking to transform your morning with heavenly homemade pastries, this One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is the answer to your sweet tooth dreams! Imagine soft, buttery spirals layered with gooey cinnamon sugar and a generous slathering of tangy cream cheese icing—all ready in just 60 minutes. Whether you’re baking these for a special brunch, a cozy weekend treat, or a last-minute craving, this recipe guarantees delicious results with minimal fuss. Trust me, you won’t believe how easy and rewarding it is to whip up bakery-quality cinnamon rolls in barely an hour!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can come together to create the magic of the One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating fluffy dough, rich filling, and that unforgettable creamy frosting. Here’s what you’ll need—and why:

• Milk: Whole or 2% milk gives the dough its incredible softness and enriches the flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Essential for both the dough and the filling, butter delivers flavor and makes every bite extra tender and rich.
• Active Dry Yeast: The secret to rapid rising and pillowy rolls—just make sure your packet isn’t expired.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast for a fluffy dough and sweetens both the dough and the filling.
• Egg: Binds the dough and adds color and richness.
• Salt: Enhances every flavor—don’t skip it!
• Vanilla Extract: Lends warmth and depth, perfect for the dough and the filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the structure for the cinnamon rolls and results in tender, fluffy layers.
• Brown Sugar: Brings that signature gooey caramel flavor to the cinnamon filling.
• Ground Cinnamon: The aromatic heart of this recipe—reliable pantry perfection every time.
• Cream Cheese: The base for classic cinnamon roll icing, giving a tangy finish.
• Powdered Sugar: Whisks into the smoothest, most luscious icing you’ll ever taste.
• Milk (for icing): Helps you adjust your icing from thick to thin, just how you like it.

How to Make One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Melted Butter and Warm Milk

Start off by melting half a stick of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl (about 40-45 seconds). Pour the butter into a medium mixing bowl. In the same little bowl, microwave your milk for approximately 45 seconds until warm, but never hot. Combine the warm milk with the melted butter, making sure the temperature is between 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit so your yeast thrives. If you have a food thermometer, this step is a breeze!

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Add the granulated sugar and yeast to your buttery milk mixture and stir until dissolved. Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap, then let it sit for 10 minutes. You should see the mixture get frothy and foamy, letting you know the yeast is alive and ready to make things fluffy.

Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Flavorings

After that 10-minute rest, add in the egg, salt, and a sprinkle of vanilla extract to your activated mixture. These ingredients not only add structure and flavor but also create that classic cinnamon roll aroma we all love.

Step 4: Add Flour to Form Dough

Gradually add the flour in 1/2 cup increments, folding the mixture gently with a spatula after each addition. When you near the end, switch to using your hands if needed—the dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. Shape it into a ball, cover with a tea towel, and prepare it for its speedy proof.

Step 5: Proof the Dough—Lightning Fast

Now for the secret to the One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe: a super quick proof! Turn your oven to its lowest setting, then immediately switch it off. Place your covered dough inside to cozy up and rise for just 10 minutes—no waiting for hours here!

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

While the dough is rising, toss together the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a dash of vanilla extract in a bowl. Use a fork or hand mixer to blend everything into a luscious, spreadable paste—that’s the heart of your future spirals!

Step 7: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

Remove the proofed dough from the oven and place it on a lightly greased or floured surface. Roll it into a big rectangle, about 14″ x 18″ and a quarter-inch thick. Smear your cinnamon-sugar butter mixture all over the dough, making sure you go nearly to the edges for maximum goo factor in every bite.

Step 8: Roll Up and Slice

With the short side facing you, tightly roll up the dough vertically to make a log. Use a sharp knife or piece of dental floss to pre-mark and then slice your dough into 12 even cinnamon rolls. Take your time and use gentle, back-and-forth motions to keep the filling from spilling out.

Step 9: Bake the Rolls

Arrange the slices in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each one. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20–25 minutes until they’re puffed and lightly golden. Let your kitchen fill with the most irresistible cinnamon scent!

Step 10: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls cool for about 10 minutes, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk (add just one tablespoon at a time!) until smooth and spreadable. Adjust with a dash more milk for a soft drizzle, or keep it thick and creamy if that’s your jam.

Step 11: Ice and Enjoy!

Generously spread or drizzle the icing over the warm rolls—don’t be shy! Serve immediately, and bask in the compliments as your friends and family dig into these dreamy treats you made in just an hour.

How to Serve One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

While these cinnamon rolls are practically perfect straight from the oven with their meltdown icing, a sprinkle of extra ground cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance. For a little autumnal flair, top with toasted pecans or walnuts, or even a handful of golden raisins before baking for an extra treat.

Side Dishes

The best partners for this One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe are a hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate. If you want to make it a more substantial brunch, serve them with a fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness with savory flavors. Your breakfast table will be absolutely irresistible!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try arranging your baked cinnamon rolls in a spiral pattern on a serving platter, then do a dramatic icing drizzle in front of your guests. Or, cut your rolled dough into mini rolls for bite-sized party treats. You can even serve individual rolls in cupcake liners for the ultimate grab-and-go experience at a brunch or holiday gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If by some miracle you have leftovers, wrap the cinnamon rolls tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and delicious at room temperature for up to three days, or you can refrigerate them if your kitchen runs a bit warm. The rolls will soak up all the icing and get even gooier—yum!

Freezing

The One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is super freezer-friendly. To freeze, cool unfrosted rolls completely, then wrap the whole pan or individual rolls tightly and store in the freezer for up to three months. You can also freeze them already frosted, but expect the icing to melt a bit when reheating—still scrumptious, just less picture-perfect.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or bake the whole pan (covered with foil) at 375 F for 15 minutes. If heating from frozen, let thaw first for best texture. Add a fresh dollop of icing after warming for that straight-from-the-oven bliss.

FAQs

Can I make the One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep and slice the rolls, place them in the pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking fresh. You can also freeze unbaked rolls and bake straight from the freezer with a slightly reduced baking time.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the icing?

No worries—substitute softened butter for cream cheese to make a classic vanilla icing, or use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. You’ll still end up with a gorgeously glazed top!

Why didn’t my dough rise?

This usually happens if the yeast is expired or if your milk and butter mixture was too hot (which kills the yeast) or too cold (which doesn’t activate it). Always use fresh yeast and ensure the liquid is just warm to the touch (100-110 F).

Can I make the One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe vegan?

Definitely! Swap dairy milk for almond or oat milk, use vegan butter, and a plant-based cream cheese for the icing. Make sure to use a flaxseed or chia seed “egg” as a binder, and you’ll have soft, delicious vegan cinnamon rolls.

How do I keep the rolls extra soft and gooey?

The key is not overbaking—make sure you take them out as soon as they’re lightly golden. Covering the rolls while they cool also helps lock in moisture, and spreading the icing on warm rolls means it melts into the swirls for ultimate gooey goodness.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever believed that homemade cinnamon rolls are too time-consuming for a busy morning, this One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will completely change your mind. Fresh, plush, and dripping with icing, they’re too good not to share—so roll up your sleeves and give it a try. Your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!

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