Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you have ever wished you could enjoy warm, gooey cinnamon rolls fresh from your own oven without an all-day commitment, this Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is here to make your dreams come true. It combines a simple dough, a luscious cinnamon-sugar filling, and a velvety cream cheese glaze that magically come together in just about sixty minutes. From mixing to baking, this recipe brings that cozy bakery magic right to your kitchen, perfect for a delightful weekend treat or an unforgettable breakfast surprise for loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of your cinnamon rolls. Keeping it simple means you can focus on enjoying the process while achieving mouthwatering results.

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting): Provides structure and the classic soft chewiness of the rolls.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough itself.
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet): The magic ingredient responsible for that airy rise and fluffy texture.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind and enrich the dough for a beautiful golden color.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: For the sumptuous cinnamon filling, ensuring it’s spreadable.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar: Gives the filling its deep caramel flavor and sticky sweetness.
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma.
• 4 oz (1/2 cup) cream cheese, softened: The secret to the silky glaze that ties everything deliciously together.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Blended into the glaze for extra creaminess.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and adds smooth texture.
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavor of the icing.
• 1-2 tbsp milk (to thin as needed): Adjusts the glaze consistency to just the right drizzlable thickness.

How to Make Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This ensures the rising agents and flavors will mix evenly through your dough from the very beginning.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients Into Dough

Pour the warm milk, melted butter, and beaten egg into the dry mixture. Stir everything together until a soft dough forms—it will seem a bit sticky, but that’s just right for tender rolls.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, knead your dough for about five minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for ease, letting the machine work the magic while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rest

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes. This brief pause allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and shape.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create the rich filling that will melt beautifully as the rolls bake.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Roll the rested dough into a roughly 16-by-12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Even thickness helps every roll bake evenly and have that perfect soft center.

Step 7: Spread the Filling

Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly across the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border clean around the edges. This border makes rolling easier and neater without any filling escaping.

Step 8: Roll and Slice

Starting from the longer edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, then slice it into 12 equal pieces. Using sharp knife or dental floss can help create clean cuts without squishing the rolls.

Step 9: Arrange for Baking

Place the cut rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them close but not packed too tightly so they can expand as they bake.

Step 10: Let Rolls Rise Briefly

Cover and let the rolls rise for about 15 minutes while you preheat your oven. This quick second proof gives you extra fluffy, pillowy rolls.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cinnamon rolls for 18–22 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. The warm smell is pure home comfort!

Step 12: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the rolls bake, beat together softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until silky and smooth. This glaze is what elevates these rolls from great to unforgettable.

Step 13: Glaze and Serve

Once the rolls come out of the oven, immediately drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. The icing melts into every swirl, adding that perfect final touch.

How to Serve Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a lovely crunch and nutty contrast to the soft rolls. Fresh berries on the side also boost color and a slight tartness that balances the sweetness wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Serve these cinnamon rolls alongside a steaming cup of coffee or your favorite chai tea for a cozy pairing. A fresh fruit salad or simple scrambled eggs can also turn it into a more complete breakfast or brunch experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn the rolls into bite-sized cinnamon roll muffins baked in a muffin tin. Or drizzle with a caramel sauce on top of the cream cheese glaze for an extra indulgent treat. Just imagine the smiles when you bring these to the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover cinnamon rolls completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to two days, great for enjoying without baking again.

Freezing

To keep cinnamon rolls longer, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftover cinnamon rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. Adding a little extra glaze after reheating brings back that just-baked feeling perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter and cream cheese substitutes. The yeast will work the same, giving you delicious vegan cinnamon rolls.

Why does this recipe only take an hour?

This recipe uses instant yeast and shortened rise times, combined with warm ingredients and a brief second rise after shaping. This speeds up the process without sacrificing the soft, fluffy texture you expect in cinnamon rolls.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

You can refrigerate the dough after the initial mixing and kneading, covered tightly, overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and shaping the next day for best results.

What’s the best way to roll cinnamon rolls evenly?

To ensure even rolls, roll out the dough into a uniform rectangle, then slice with a sharp knife or unwaxed dental floss for clean cuts without squishing the rolls.

Can I make cinnamon rolls gluten-free using this recipe?

Gluten-free baking requires specific flours and often additional binders. You can try a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or add some for structure since yeast doughs behave differently without gluten.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about pulling freshly baked cinnamon rolls out of the oven, and with this Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, you get that joy without waiting all day. Give it a try on your next cozy weekend morning, and prepare for compliments, warm smiles, and a kitchen filled with the aroma of cinnamon love. Happy baking!

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