If you’ve ever craved a batch of pillowy, gooey homemade cinnamon rolls but thought it would take hours in the kitchen, let me put your worries to rest: these Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls deliver epic bakery flavor fast! In under an hour, you’ll have golden swirls filled with warm cinnamon sugar and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or when that sweet tooth just won’t wait. This streamlined recipe is my go-to for delighting family and friends on lazy weekends or when I want to treat myself, and I’m so excited to share every step with you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These cinnamon rolls come together with simple pantry staples, but each ingredient really matters for bringing out the flavor, texture, and gorgeous look of the final bites. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls shine:
- Warm milk (1 cup, about 110°F): Helps activate the yeast for that irresistible fluffy rise.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons, 1 packet): The magic behind soft, airy layers—make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Feeds the yeast and brings a gentle sweetness to the dough base.
- Egg (1 large): Adds richness and helps bind everything together for a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Infuses the dough with buttery flavor and golden color.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The backbone for pillowy, chewy rolls—measure carefully for perfect texture.
- Salt (¾ teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and enhances every flavor note.
- Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Deep, caramel-like flavor that makes the cinnamon filling irresistible.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star of the show—warm, fragrant, and cozy!
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, softened): Spreads easily over the dough, helping the cinnamon-sugar stick to every swirl.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): For the frosting—rich, creamy, and tangy, the perfect finish.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Makes the frosting extra smooth and decadent.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Gives the frosting a silky sweetness that melts right into the warm rolls.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds cozy depth and bakery aroma to the frosting.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons, as needed for frosting): Adjusts the frosting to just the right, dreamy consistency.
How to Make Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
First things first! In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. The warmth of the milk gets the yeast going, while the sugar gives it a little “food” to work with. Let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes until it’s foamy on top—those bubbles are a sign your yeast is alive and ready to make magic happen!
Step 2: Make the Dough
Once your yeast has frothed up, add in the egg, melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix everything until a sticky dough forms—at this point, you can knead it by hand on a floured surface or use a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment. Five minutes of kneading is all it takes to turn the dough smooth and elastic, which means you’re on your way to soft, chewy Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 20 minutes in a warm spot.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While your dough is rising, stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This aromatic blend is the heart of every great cinnamon roll. If you want, you can add a pinch of cardamom or even a splash of vanilla extract for more depth—but honestly, cinnamon alone steals the show here.
Step 4: Roll and Fill the Dough
Turn your slightly risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 10×15-inch rectangle—it doesn’t need to be exact, so don’t stress! Spread the softened butter all over the surface, reaching the edges, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly. This layer is what creates those dreamy, gooey spirals in every bite.
Step 5: Shape and Slice the Rolls
Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife (or unflavored dental floss for ultra-clean cuts) to slice it into 12 equal pieces. Place each roll, cut side up, into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish—leave a little space between each one so they have room to puff up.
Step 6: Second Rise and Bake
Cover the pan and let your rolls rest for 10 minutes: this second rise gives them their signature height and softness. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F. Slide the rolls into the oven and bake for 20–22 minutes, or until golden brown and the kitchen smells like pure cinnamon heaven!
Step 7: Make and Spread the Frosting
While the rolls are still baking, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until your frosting is smooth and luscious. Adjust the milk—start with a tablespoon and add more if you want a thinner glaze. Spread the frosting over the warm rolls as soon as they’re out of the oven so every swirl gets a sweet, melty coating.
How to Serve Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, dust a bit of extra cinnamon over the frosting or sprinkle on chopped toasted pecans for nutty crunch. If you’re feeling extra festive, a little orange zest adds a burst of brightness that pairs beautifully with the sweet, spicy flavor of the Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon rolls always steal the show, but they’re lovely alongside creamy Greek yogurt with fresh fruit, a pile of crisp bacon, or a cool glass of milk. Pairing them with strong coffee or a chai latte turns breakfast or brunch into an absolute treat!
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls in a spiral on a cake plate or serving them in individual cupcake liners for a bakery-style display. For parties, top each roll with a swirl of extra frosting and a single raspberry or edible flower for that “wow” factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you actually have any leftovers (rare in my house!), pop them into an airtight container at room temperature for a day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. The frosting helps keep them moist and delectable even the next day.
Freezing
Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls freeze beautifully, frosted or unfrosted. Just let them cool completely, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and stash in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
For bakery-style softness, warm the rolls in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or cover loosely with foil and reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. The frosting will melt ever so slightly, making the rolls taste like you baked them that morning!
FAQs
Can I prepare Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls up to the point of baking, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them warm up at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as usual.
Do I have to use cream cheese in the frosting?
No, if you’re not a cream cheese fan, swap in more butter for a classic vanilla glaze. Or lighten things up by using half the cream cheese or adding extra milk for a pourable icing.
How do I know if my yeast is still good?
If your yeast mixture doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, it might be expired or the milk was too hot or too cold. Always check the expiration date and use milk that’s just warm to the touch (about 110°F).
Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?
Definitely! Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and opt for a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. The rolls will still be soft and scrumptious.
How do I keep the rolls soft and gooey after baking?
The secret is to not overbake and to frost the rolls while they’re still warm. Storing in an airtight container and reheating gently keeps that signature gooey texture going strong.
Final Thoughts
If the aroma of cinnamon and butter makes you smile, you owe it to yourself to whip up these Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls. With bakery-worthy swirls ready in under an hour, they’ll become a cherished recipe for every special breakfast, brunch, or cozy sweet craving. I can’t wait for you to try them—there’s truly nothing like pulling apart a warm, gooey roll and basking in all that homemade goodness!
Print
Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that can be made in no time. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a sweet cinnamon swirl and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for frosting consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until foamy. Add egg, melted butter, flour, and salt. Knead until smooth. Let rise for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out dough, spread softened butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.
- Shape and Bake: Roll dough, cut into rolls, place in a baking dish. Let rest, then bake at 375°F for 20–22 minutes.
- Make the Frosting: Mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- To speed up rising, place dough in a slightly warmed oven.
- For a lighter frosting, reduce cream cheese to 2 oz or use more milk.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
