Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Introduction

These easy one-hour cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet treat, they come together quickly without compromising on taste. With a creamy cream cheese icing, they are sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 0.25 ounce packet active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for icing)
• 2-4 Tbsp milk (for icing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl for 40-45 seconds. Pour into a medium bowl and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat milk in the same bowl for 45 seconds. Add it to the melted butter. Ensure the mixture is between 100-110°F for activating the yeast.
3. Step 3: Stir in the sugar and yeast until dissolved. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (around 170°F).
5. Step 5: After 10 minutes, add the egg, salt, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture.
6. Step 6: Gradually add flour in 1/2 cup increments, folding with a spatula until combined. Use your hands if needed; the dough should be soft and slightly tacky, not sticky.
7. Step 7: Form the dough into a ball, cover it, and place it in the turned-off warm oven to proof for 10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
9. Step 9: After proofing, roll the dough out on a greased or floured surface into a 14” x 18” rectangle about 1/4” thick.
10. Step 10: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the cinnamon sugar butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small margin at the edges.
11. Step 11: Roll the dough tightly from the short side into a log.
12. Step 12: Pre-mark the dough to cut into 12 rolls by halving, quartering, and then marking slices for three rolls per quarter. Slice carefully with a serrated knife using a gentle sawing motion.
13. Step 13: Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until light golden brown.
14. Step 14: Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
15. Step 15: Prepare the cream cheese icing by mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Gradually add more milk until desired consistency is reached.
16. Step 16: Spread icing on warm rolls, serve, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use a digital thermometer to ensure the milk/butter mixture is the perfect temperature to activate the yeast.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar filling.
• Swap cream cheese icing for a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a lighter option.
• Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for added texture.

Storage

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, then add icing fresh before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast, but reduce the rising time since instant yeast activates faster. Mix it directly with the flour instead of proofing it first.

Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it proof in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and baking as directed.

Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 62 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe delivers soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet cinnamon rolls topped with a rich cream cheese icing. Made from scratch with straightforward ingredients and a quick proofing method, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful dessert, ready to enjoy in just about an hour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 (0.25 ounce) packet active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–4 Tbsp milk (added 1 Tbsp at a time)

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Instructions

1. Prepare butter and milk: Melt 1/2-stick unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl for 40-45 seconds. Pour into a medium bowl. Heat milk in the same bowl for 45 seconds and add it to the melted butter. Ensure the temperature is between 100-110°F for proper yeast activation.
2. Activate yeast: Stir sugar and yeast into the warm milk and butter mixture until dissolved. Cover with a tea cloth or plastic wrap and let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
3. Preheat oven low: During yeast activation, preheat your oven to the lowest setting (around 170°F) for proofing.
4. Mix dough: After yeast activation, add egg, salt, and vanilla extract. Gradually add flour in 1/2 cup increments, folding with a spatula until combined. Use hands to incorporate the last bit. Dough should be soft and slightly tacky.
5. Proof dough: Shape dough into a ball, cover with a tea cloth, and place in the turned-off warm oven to proof for 10 minutes.
6. Prepare filling: Using an electric mixer, combine softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Roll out dough: Remove dough from oven, place on a floured surface, and roll into a 14″ x 18″ rectangle about 1/4″ thick.
8. Spread filling: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread the cinnamon sugar butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
9. Form rolls: Roll dough tightly from the short side toward you to form a log.
10. Slice rolls: Pre-mark the log into 12 equal sections using a dough scraper or knife, then cut with a serrated knife using gentle sawing motions to avoid filling leakage.
11. Bake: Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13 baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until light golden brown.
12. Cool rolls: Transfer rolls to a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes.
13. Make icing: In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (starting with 1 Tbsp) using an electric mixer until smooth. Add more milk to reach desired consistency.
14. Ice and serve: Spread the cream cheese icing over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Use a digital thermometer to ensure milk and butter mixture temperature is between 100-110°F for optimal yeast activation.
• Don’t press down too hard when cutting rolls to prevent filling from leaking out.
• Adjust icing consistency with milk according to preference — thinner for drizzling, thicker for spreading.
• You can substitute 2% milk with whole milk for richer flavor.
• Make sure yeast is fresh and not expired to guarantee good rise.
• For softer rolls, do not over-flour the dough when rolling out.
• Use serrated knife with gentle sawing to keep cinnamon rolls neat and intact.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, quick cinnamon rolls, easy cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastry, cream cheese icing, cinnamon sugar rolls