If you have a craving for something sweet, warm, and utterly comforting, this Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls filled with a buttery cinnamon swirl, finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze that melts in your mouth. The best part is you can enjoy these delights fresh from the oven in just about an hour, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat anytime. This recipe balances speed and indulgence, so you don’t have to wait all day to savor homemade cinnamon rolls.

Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and come together beautifully to create the perfect texture, taste, and aroma in your cinnamon rolls. Each one plays a key role, from the yeast that makes the dough rise to the cinnamon and brown sugar filling that gives that classic sweet-spicy flavor.

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting): The foundation of your dough, responsible for that tender yet sturdy roll texture.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough and aids yeast activation.
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet): The magic ingredient that makes your dough rise quickly and fluffy.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast and adds moisture for a soft dough.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Enriches the dough with buttery goodness and tenderness.
1 large egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to the dough’s structure.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Essential for the rich filling that melts into gooey layers.
3/4 cup brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes that pair perfectly with cinnamon.
2 tbsp ground cinnamon: The star spice of this recipe, warming and fragrant.
4 oz (1/2 cup) cream cheese, softened: Creates a silky, creamy glaze topping.
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Blends into the glaze for extra richness.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze with smooth texture.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and a comforting aroma to the glaze.
1-2 tbsp milk (to thin as needed): Adjusts the glaze consistency for perfect drizzling.

How to Make Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by combining warm milk, melted butter, and the egg in a large bowl or your stand mixer. Gradually add in the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt, stirring until a rough dough forms. Kneading is where the magic happens—work the dough for about five minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rests, mix softened butter with brown sugar and ground cinnamon until fully combined into a luscious paste. This filling will melt and spread flavor throughout every bite of your cinnamon rolls, making sure each spiral is packed with that irresistible sweet and spicy goodness.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, roughly 12 by 18 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edges to prevent spillage during rolling. This step is where your cinnamon rolls start taking shape and the scent alone will make your kitchen feel like a bakery.

Step 4: Roll and Cut

Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log shape, sealing the edge by pinching the dough. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into 12 even pieces. Place each piece cut side up in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish, leaving a tiny bit of space between them so they can puff up beautifully.

Step 5: Rise and Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, let your rolls rise just a little longer, about 10 minutes, so they become puffy and light. Then bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and the aroma fills your entire home with irresistible warmth.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While your cinnamon rolls bake, whip up the glaze by blending softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Adjust the milk quantity to create a smooth glaze perfect for drizzling or spreading generously. The cream cheese gives the glaze that classic tangy-sweet finish that makes cinnamon rolls unforgettable.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. This final touch transforms traditional cinnamon rolls into a melt-in-your-mouth treat you’ll want to share with everyone around (or keep all to yourself, no judgment here!).

How to Serve Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Add an extra touch with chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy contrast, or sprinkle a bit of finely grated nutmeg to amp up the spice quotient. A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving also makes them look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls are perfect paired with a hot cup of coffee or fresh brewed tea. For a fuller breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples to balance out the sweetness with natural freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these rolls as a part of a brunch buffet where guests can drizzle their own glaze and add toppings like whipped cream or chocolate chips. You can also slice these into smaller bite-sized portions for a delightful party appetizer or dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The rolls remain soft, but if they start to dry out, a quick warm-up refreshes them nicely.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cinnamon rolls by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to two months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm your cinnamon rolls in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 8 minutes. Reheat covered loosely with foil to retain moisture, and drizzle with extra glaze if desired.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! This recipe is very forgiving and can be made entirely by hand. Just mix your ingredients in a bowl and knead on a floured surface for about five minutes until smooth. It’s a great way to get a feel for the dough and enjoy the process.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can use active dry yeast instead, but you’ll need to dissolve it in warm milk first and allow it to bloom for about 5 to 10 minutes before adding it to the other ingredients. This will ensure your dough rises properly within the hour.

Can I substitute cream cheese in the glaze?

If you want a lighter glaze, you can omit the cream cheese and make a simple powdered sugar glaze with vanilla and milk. However, the cream cheese adds a lovely richness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

How do I know when the cinnamon rolls are done baking?

Look for a golden-brown top and a slightly firm exterior. The rolls should feel springy when gently pressed. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep an eye on the oven between 18 and 22 minutes.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

While this recipe is designed for quick preparation, you can refrigerate the dough after kneading overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling and adding the filling. This method adds a bit more depth to the flavor and gives you fresh rolls in the morning.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls baking in your kitchen, and this Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe makes achieving that joy simple and quick. Whether you’re making them for a lazy weekend breakfast or a special occasion, these rolls promise a delicious, warm hug in every bite. Go ahead, give them a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this speedy, scrumptious recipe in your baking repertoire!

Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.3 from 88 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This recipe for Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy homemade cinnamon rolls without the long rising times. Soft, fluffy dough is filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or special treat, these cinnamon rolls serve 12 and can be prepared in just about an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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Instructions

Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook to knead for 4-5 minutes. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined and smooth.
Roll and Spread Filling: Roll the rested dough out into a large rectangle approximately 16 by 12 inches. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
Roll and Cut: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them evenly.
Rise and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Allow the rolls to rise for about 10-15 minutes while the oven heats up. Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
Make the Glaze: While the rolls bake, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk as needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Glaze and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly for 5 minutes. Generously spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving. Enjoy warm.

Notes

Use instant yeast for quicker rise times without needing to proof.
Ensure milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
For softer rolls, cover the dough and rolls with a kitchen towel during rising.
The glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before spreading.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and warm before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American