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Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls baking in the kitchen? I’ve always been a fan of these warm, gooey treats, but traditional recipes can take forever with all that rising time. That’s why I developed this Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls recipe—it’s a game-changer for busy mornings or impromptu brunches. In just about 60 minutes, you’ll have homemade cinnamon rolls that taste like they’ve been proofing all day.
Let me tell you, the first time I tried making Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls, I was skeptical. Could they really be as soft and flavorful without the long wait? But after one bite of that cinnamon-swirled dough topped with creamy icing, I was hooked. It’s perfect for when you want that comforting bakery vibe without the hassle, and I’ve shared it with friends who now request it every weekend.
Here’s the thing: these Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls use a quick-rise method with instant yeast and warm ingredients to speed things up. Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe will make you feel like a cinnamon roll master. Stick around, because I’m excited to walk you through every step and share some tips to make yours irresistible. For more quick baking ideas, check out our air fryer pizza bombs or the best cheesy garlic bread.
Key Takeaways:
- These Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls come together in under 60 minutes for fresh, homemade goodness without the wait.
- Quick-rise yeast and warm ingredients cut down proofing time dramatically, perfect for busy schedules.
- Bursting with cinnamon flavor and topped with a simple glaze, they deliver that classic taste everyone craves.
- Measure ingredients accurately and don’t skip the butter for the softest, fluffiest results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze for longer enjoyment.
Why You’ll Adore This Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Speedy Preparation: Imagine whipping up cinnamon rolls in the time it takes to watch a sitcom episode. This recipe skips the long rise, so you can have warm rolls on the table fast. It’s a lifesaver for weekend mornings when you’re craving something sweet but short on time.
Irresistible Homemade Flavor: Nothing beats the real deal—these rolls ooze with cinnamon and sugar, just like grandma’s but quicker. I love how the dough turns out so pillowy soft, and that glaze? Pure heaven. You’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought.
Customizable and Foolproof: Whether you add nuts or swap icings, these Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls adapt easily to your taste. In my experience, even first-timers nail it because the steps are straightforward. It’s baking joy without the stress.
Family-Pleasing Comfort: These rolls bring everyone to the table with their cozy aroma. Serve them fresh, and watch the smiles. Let’s be honest, who can resist a warm cinnamon roll? They’re perfect for holidays or just because.
Essential Ingredients for Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Warm Milk: This is the base that activates the yeast quickly for that speedy rise. I always heat it to about 110°F—too hot and it’ll kill the yeast, but just right, and your dough will double in no time. In these Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls, it creates a tender crumb that’s melt-in-your-mouth soft. Plus, whole milk adds richness that elevates the whole batch.
Instant Yeast: The secret weapon here, instant yeast doesn’t need proofing and works fast in warm dough. It ensures your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls puff up beautifully without hours of waiting. I’ve found that high-quality yeast makes all the difference in flavor and texture—don’t skimp!
Cinnamon and Brown Sugar: The heart of the filling, this duo swirls through the dough for that signature spicy-sweet taste. Mixed with softened butter, it creates a gooey layer that’s pure bliss. For the best Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls, use fresh ground cinnamon to amp up the aroma that fills your kitchen.
How to Make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Prepare the Quick Dough
Start by warming your milk and stirring in the instant yeast and a bit of sugar—this wakes it up fast for our Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls. In a large bowl, mix in melted butter, an egg, salt, more sugar, and flour until a soft dough forms. Knead it gently on a floured surface for about 3-5 minutes until smooth; it should be tacky but not sticky. Let it rest covered for 10 minutes while you prep the filling—the warmth from your hands helps it relax and become pliable. This step sets the foundation for fluffy rolls without the long wait.
Roll, Fill, and Slice
Roll the dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface; aim for even thickness so every bite is consistent. Spread softened butter generously, then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture—inhale that scent, it’s heavenly! Starting from the long side, tightly roll it up like a jelly roll, pinching the seam to seal. Use a sharp knife or floss to cut into 12 even slices; the dough’s quick rise means it holds together well. Place them cut-side up in a greased baking dish, and you might notice they already start puffing a bit.
Bake and Glaze
Let the sliced rolls rise in a warm spot for 20-25 minutes until puffy; cover with a damp towel to keep them moist. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden—watch for that perfect swirl. While hot, whisk up a simple icing with powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and butter, then drizzle over your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls. The heat makes the glaze seep in just right for ultimate gooeyness. Cool slightly before digging in, but honestly, they’re best warm.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for icing)
Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Instructions
- Warm the milk in a microwave or on the stove to 110°F. Stir in the instant yeast and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture with the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until smooth, then gradually add the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 3-5 minutes until elastic. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll the dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll up tightly from the long side, pinch the seam, and cut into 12 rolls. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 20-25 minutes until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and melted butter for icing. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve.
Pro tip: For extra fluffiness, try our matcha milk bread turtles technique if you want to experiment with the dough.
Pro Tips for the Best Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Activate Yeast Properly: Always check that your yeast foams in the warm milk; if not, it’s dead and your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls won’t rise.
Don’t Overbake: Pull them out when just golden to keep the centers soft and gooey—overbaking dries them out.
Room Temperature Butter: For the filling, let butter soften fully so it spreads evenly without tearing the dough.
You Must Know
- Instant yeast is key for the one-hour timeline; active dry yeast will add extra time.
- These rolls are best fresh, but freezing unbaked ones lets you bake later.
- Gluten development from kneading ensures a chewy yet tender texture.
- Cinnamon quality matters—freshly ground intensifies the flavor profile.
How to Store Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Once cooled, store your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, though they’ll soften nicely when reheated. To refresh, pop them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave briefly with a damp paper towel—the icing will melt just right, bringing back that fresh-baked warmth.
Customizing Your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Want to switch things up? Add chopped pecans or raisins to the filling for texture, or try cream cheese icing instead of the classic glaze. If you’re dairy-free, swap milk and butter for plant-based alternatives—these Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls hold up great. For an international twist, incorporate cardamom like in our rainbow spring rolls inspiration. Experiment freely; the base dough is versatile.
What to Serve with Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Pair these sweet rolls with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast bliss. For a brunch spread, add fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfaits to balance the richness. If you’re feeling savory, try them alongside cheesy garlic bread from our recipe collection—the contrast is divine. In summer, iced lattes or smoothies make a refreshing combo.
Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Try Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for soft, delicious, ooey gooey homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing in just 1 hour time!
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 02 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 03 1 0.25 ounce packet active dry yeast (make sure it’s not expired!)
- 04 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 05 1 large egg
- 06 1/2 tsp salt
- 07 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 08 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 09 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, softened)
- 10 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 11 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 12 1 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon
- 13 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 14 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 15 2 cups powdered sugar
- 16 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 17 2-4 Tbsp milk (add 1 tbsp. at a time)
Instructions
First begin preparing your dough by melting 1/2-stick unsalted butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl in the microwave for 40-45 seconds, or until melted. Pour into a medium size bowl and set aside.
Next, heat milk in the same small microwave-safe bowl in the microwave for 45 seconds and pour in the bowl with the melted butter. **Pro tip: To ensure your yeast mixture properly activates, I recommend using a digital thermometer to check that the temperature of the milk/butter is between 100-110 degrees F. If needed you can microwave a little longer until the temperature is reached, or if the liquid is too hot, wait until it has lowered to between 100-110 degrees F before combining with the yeast/sugar.**
Stir in sugar and yeast packet until dissolved. Cover with a tea cloth/towel or plastic wrap and let sit for 10 minutes.
While you are waiting for your dough to activate, preheat your oven to the lowest setting (mine is 170 degrees F)
After 10 minutes, the yeast mixture should be fully frothy/foamy (see top left photo below for visual). Remove towel and add in 1 egg, salt, and vanilla extract.
Next, begin adding in flour in 1/2 cup increments, folding in with a spatula until combined. *If easier, you can use your hands to incorporate the last bit of flour. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not too sticky.
Form dough into a round ball in the bowl and cover with a tea cloth. Turn your oven OFF and place covered dough in the warm oven to proof for 10 minutes.
While your dough is proofing, begin preparing your cinnamon sugar filling. In a medium size mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to combine softened butter, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until combined. Set aside.
Once dough has proofed for 10 minutes, remove towel and place dough on a large pastry mat or a clean, lightly greased or floured surface to roll out. Use a rolling pin and roll the dough to form a 14″ x 18″ rectangle and 1/4″ thick.
Next, begin preheating oven to 350 degrees and use an offset spatula to spread the cinnamon sugar butter mixture on your dough almost to the edges.
Starting with the short side towards you, tightly roll vertically away from you to form a log. (see photos in post for reference)
Once rolled, use a dough scraper or knife to pre-mark the dough for cutting. First, pre-mark the dough in half, then pre-mark half of those halves, and lastly pre-mark three slices in each section for a total of 12 even cinnamon rolls. Once your slices are pre-marked, use a serrated edge knife to cut each slice. Use slow, back and forth sawing motions for the cleanest cuts, and make sure you don’t press down too hard or the filling will seep out.
Next, place cinnamon rolls in a 9×13 baking pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until the cinnamon rolls are a light golden brown.
Let cool for 10 minutes on a wire cooling rack.
While cinnamon rolls are cooling, prepare your cream cheese icing. Use an electric hand mixer to combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (1 tbsp at a time) in a medium size mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and continue adding milk until desired icing consistency is reached. (Add more milk for a thinner drizzle, and less for a thicker icing)
Spread cream cheese icing on warm cinnamon rolls, serve, and enjoy!
FILED UNDER:
NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Must-Know Tips
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Can I make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the rolls up to the rising step, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking. This method keeps flavors developing without much extra effort.
How long does Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls last in the fridge?
They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently to restore moisture. Freezing works even better for longer storage—up to a month.
Can I use bread flour for Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely, bread flour adds extra chewiness if you prefer a heartier texture. It absorbs more liquid, so you might need a tad more milk. The results are still quick and delicious.
What’s the best way to cut the dough for Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls?
Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to avoid squishing the rolls. Slide the floss under the log, cross it over, and pull to slice cleanly. This keeps your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls intact and pretty.
Are Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can adapt with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add xanthan gum if your blend lacks it for better binding. Test a small batch first for perfect texture.
Can I add nuts to Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls?
Definitely—sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans in the filling for crunch. Toast them lightly first for enhanced flavor that complements the cinnamon. Your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls will have even more appeal.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Look for golden tops and a hollow sound when tapped; internal temp should hit 190°F. Don’t rely on color alone, as oven variations matter.
Can I make a vegan version of Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg substitute. The yeast will still rise quickly. For icing, opt for coconut milk to keep it dairy-free and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the simplest way to enjoy bakery-fresh cinnamon rolls without the all-day commitment. These Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls have become a staple in my home, bringing warmth and smiles every time. Give the recipe a try this weekend; I promise you’ll love how easy and rewarding it is. Share your twists with us or explore more like our finto sushi for fun baking ideas!