If you’re craving a warm, sweet treat that feels like a cozy hug in every bite, then this Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. Imagine fluffy, tender rolls bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that melts perfectly into every swirl. What’s incredible about this recipe is how it transforms pantry staples into a bakery-worthy delight in just one hour, making it the ultimate go-to for weekends, brunches, or even a special breakfast surprise. You’ll fall in love with how simple ingredients and a few steps come together to create cinnamon rolls that taste like they took hours but only demand a fraction of the time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list, each playing a crucial role in building luscious flavor and texture. From the softness of the butter to the warmth of the cinnamon, each element works harmoniously to create those fluffy spirals everyone loves.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting): The foundation of your dough, providing the perfect structure for soft, pillowy rolls.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the dough itself.
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast: The secret to getting your cinnamon rolls to rise quickly and beautifully in just one hour.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender and moist.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and softness to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Contributes to a tender crumb and gives a light golden color.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Used in the filling to create that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: The caramel notes in brown sugar deepen the flavor of the cinnamon filling.
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and fragrance to every bite.
- 4 oz (1/2 cup) cream cheese, softened: For the silky, tangy glaze that finishes off these cinnamon rolls perfectly.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Blends into the glaze for extra richness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor to the icing.
- 1-2 tbsp milk (to thin as needed): Helps you achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
How to Make Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by combining the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt—in a large bowl. Warm milk acts as the yeast’s best friend here, activating it gently without killing its power. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough either by hand on a lightly floured surface for about five minutes or use your stand mixer with the dough hook attachment. The result should be smooth, elastic dough ready to spring back when poked.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rest
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps relax the gluten and makes rolling out the dough easier, speeding up the rising process and setting you on the path to those irresistibly fluffy cinnamon rolls within one hour.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While your dough is resting, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple combination is the heart of your cinnamon rolls, delivering that gooey, sweet, and spiced center that everyone adores.
Step 4: Roll and Fill
Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 16×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow. This even layer ensures every bite is packed with cinnamon goodness.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Starting from one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equally sized pieces. Place the rolls snugly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, allowing them just enough room to expand without squishing together.
Step 6: Rise and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Let the rolls rise while the oven heats, then bake them for 18 to 22 minutes until they’re golden brown and puffed up. The smell filling your kitchen at this stage is nothing short of heavenly!
Step 7: Make the Glaze and Serve
While the rolls bake, whip up the cream cheese glaze by blending softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a bit of milk to reach your desired glaze consistency. Once the cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, spread the luscious glaze over them while they’re still warm so it melts into every cozy crevice.
How to Serve Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While these cinnamon rolls are stunning on their own, you can jazz them up with a few simple garnishes. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a little flair and extra warmth to the flavor profile. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before glazing to introduce an irresistible texture contrast.
Side Dishes
For a complete breakfast or brunch experience, serve these rolls alongside a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream. A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk pairs beautifully, balancing the rolls’ sweetness while complementing their cinnamon charm.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the traditional baking dish! Try baking your cinnamon rolls in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve presentation, or arrange them in a pull-apart bread pan to encourage sharing. You can also drizzle a caramel or chocolate sauce over the glaze for an indulgent twist that will wow family and guests alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover cinnamon rolls (which is rare!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to two days to keep their softness intact.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! To freeze, wrap each roll individually or place them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy this Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe anytime without starting from scratch.
Reheating
When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw frozen rolls overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours. Warm them briefly in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. A quick refresh like this revives their gooey, fresh-baked magic just like the first time.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! If using active dry yeast, you’ll need to proof it first by dissolving it in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar for about 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your dough will rise properly within the one-hour timeframe.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes! This Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is designed with simplicity in mind. The steps are straightforward, the ingredients common, and the quick rise time means you get delicious results without hours of waiting or complicated techniques.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins with the cinnamon sugar filling for added texture and bursts of flavor that complement the cinnamon perfectly.
What’s the best way to prevent the rolls from drying out?
Covering the rolls tightly with plastic wrap or foil after baking and glazing is key. Also, storing them in an airtight container helps maintain their tender crumb and soft, moist texture.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with alternatives like almond or oat milk for the dough, and use a vegan butter substitute. For the glaze, vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter will work just as well to create that creamy topping.
Final Thoughts
This Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a true game-changer for anyone who loves the idea of homemade cinnamon rolls without all the waiting and fuss. Whether it’s a weekend treat, a welcoming brunch centerpiece, or simply a way to brighten an ordinary morning, these rolls promise a warm, sweet, and utterly satisfying experience from start to finish. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can bring a little bakery magic into your home!
Print
Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, perfect for a quick homemade treat. Made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, they are topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze that adds a rich, tangy finish. Ideal for breakfast or dessert, this recipe yields 12 delicious rolls in just one hour.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 4 oz (1/2 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin as needed)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and knead until the dough is elastic and no longer sticky.
- First Rest: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten and begin to rise slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined into a spreadable paste.
- Roll and Fill: Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 16×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick, using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place in Baking Dish: Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, evenly spaced to allow rising.
- Rise: Allow the rolls to rise for a short period while you preheat the oven, usually about 10-15 minutes, until they puff slightly.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 18-22 minutes until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Make the Glaze: While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until a spreadable consistency is achieved.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Use warm milk at about 110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Do not overbake; rolls should be soft, not dry.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Brown sugar packed tightly into the measuring cup will give a better filling texture.
- You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate for a slower rise if desired.
