why make this recipe
These Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for a quick and delightful breakfast or sweet snack. They are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor. In just about an hour, you can have fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. Plus, they’re easy enough for beginners to tackle, making them a great project for a weekend or special occasion.
how to make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (I recommend whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 packet (0.25 ounces) active dry yeast (make sure it’s not expired!)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon 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 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (add 1 tablespoon at a time)
Directions
First, melt the 1/2 stick of unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl for 40-45 seconds or until melted. Pour it into a medium bowl and set aside.
Next, heat the milk in the same bowl in the microwave for 45 seconds and then pour it over the melted butter. Pro tip: To ensure your yeast mixture activates properly, check that the mixture is between 100-110 degrees F. You can use a digital thermometer for this. If it’s too hot, let it cool down a bit before adding the yeast and sugar.
Stir in the sugar and the yeast packet until everything is dissolved. Cover the bowl with a tea cloth or plastic wrap and let it sit for 10 minutes.
While waiting, preheat your oven to its lowest setting (about 170 degrees F).
After 10 minutes, the yeast mixture should be frothy. Remove the cover and add the egg, salt, and vanilla extract.
Now, start adding the flour in 1/2 cup increments, folding it in with a spatula until combined. 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 the dough into a round ball in the bowl and cover it with a tea cloth. Turn off your oven and place the covered dough inside to proof for 10 minutes.
While the dough is proofing, prepare the cinnamon sugar filling. In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well mixed. Set aside.
Once the dough has proofed for 10 minutes, place it on a lightly greased or floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll it out into a 14” x 18” rectangle, about 1/4” thick.
Now, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spread the cinnamon sugar butter mixture on the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Starting from the short side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
Next, use a dough scraper or knife to mark the dough for cutting. First, mark it in half, then half of each half, and finally mark three slices in each section for a total of 12 rolls. Cut each slice using a serrated knife, with slow, gentle sawing motions to keep the filling intact.
Place the cinnamon rolls in a 9×13 baking pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until they are light golden brown.
Let them cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack.
While the cinnamon rolls are cooling, prepare the cream cheese icing. Use an electric mixer to combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (1 tablespoon at a time) in a bowl. Mix until smooth, adding more milk for thinner icing if needed.
Spread the cream cheese icing on the warm cinnamon rolls, serve, and enjoy!
how to serve Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Serve these delicious cinnamon rolls warm, drizzled with cream cheese icing. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a sweet treat. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a complete experience.
how to store Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm again.
tips to make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Don’t skip the proofing step; it helps the dough become light and fluffy.
- You can customize the filling by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit if you like.
variation
Try adding a little bit of nutmeg to the cinnamon filling for an extra spice kick. You can also experiment with different icings, such as chocolate or maple, instead of the cream cheese icing.
FAQs
How long do these cinnamon rolls take to make?
This recipe takes about one hour from start to finish.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Just place them in the freezer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the 1/2 stick of unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl for 40-45 seconds or until melted. Pour it into a medium bowl and set aside.
- Heat the milk in the same bowl in the microwave for 45 seconds, then pour it over the melted butter.
- Stir in the sugar and dry yeast until dissolved. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (about 170 degrees F).
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, remove the cover and add the egg, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Incorporate flour in 1/2 cup increments until the dough is soft and slightly tacky. Form the dough into a ball, cover, and let it proof in a turned-off oven for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Roll out the dough into a 14” x 18” rectangle. Spread the filling on the dough, leaving a small border.
- Roll the dough tightly from the short side into a log. Cut into 12 rolls.
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9x13 baking pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let them cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack.
- While the rolls cool, prepare the cream cheese icing by mixing softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Spread icing on warm cinnamon rolls, serve, and enjoy!