Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 1 hour, with no overnight rise required.
- Soft and Gooey: These rolls are the ultimate comfort food, with a soft texture and sticky, sweet filling.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, a holiday, or just a sweet treat, these cinnamon rolls are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the cream cheese icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes to activate.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir in flour and salt to form a dough.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll out the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side, then slice into 12 rolls.
- Bake:
- Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make the Icing:
- While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Frost and Serve:
- Once the rolls are done, let them cool for a few minutes before spreading the cream cheese icing on top.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Add-ins: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Nut-Free: Keep the cinnamon rolls simple with just the cinnamon filling and icing.
- Mini Cinnamon Rolls: Roll up the dough tighter and slice into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the rolls for up to a week and reheat in the microwave.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cinnamon rolls without icing for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just add it directly to the dry ingredients without needing to activate it in warm milk.
How do I prevent the rolls from becoming too dry?
Ensure not to overbake them! They should be golden brown on top and soft inside.
Can I make the rolls the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls up until baking, then refrigerate them overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes, freeze them unbaked for up to 3 months. Bake them from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
How do I make the icing thicker?
If you prefer a thicker icing, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I add more cinnamon to the filling?
Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon to your liking for a spicier flavor.
How do I make the dough rise faster?
If you’re in a hurry, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area to speed up the rising process.
Can I use a different icing?
Yes, a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla works well if you prefer something less creamy.
How do I prevent the rolls from sticking?
Grease your baking dish well before adding the rolls or line it with parchment paper.
How can I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk for both the dough and icing.
Conclusion
These One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect homemade treat when you need a quick and satisfying breakfast or snack. Soft, gooey, and topped with delicious cream cheese icing, they rival the best cinnamon rolls out there. Enjoy the sweet aroma filling your home, and treat yourself to these delightful rolls any day of the week!
One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
These One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are soft, gooey, and packed with sweet cinnamon flavor—all without the long wait! Made with a fluffy dough, a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with creamy icing, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for breakfast, holidays, or a sweet treat anytime.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes to activate.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in flour and salt to form a dough.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Roll out dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly.
- Roll tightly from the long side and cut into 12 rolls.
- Bake:
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the Icing:
- Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Frost and Serve:
- Let rolls cool slightly before spreading icing on top. Serve warm.
Notes
- For Extra Softness: Do not overbake; rolls should be golden brown but soft inside.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble rolls and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
