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)
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