Oh, sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen, is there? And when those rolls are warm, gooey, and ready in just an hour, it feels like pure magic! This Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe delivers on that promise, offering soft, fluffy spirals swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, all crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s a classic for a reason, a truly delightful treat that tastes like it took all day to make, but only asks for a little of your time.
I remember countless childhood afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, her hands dusted with flour as she meticulously rolled out dough. While her cinnamon rolls were a labor of love that stretched over hours, the joy they brought was immeasurable. My journey with baking has always been about capturing that feeling of warmth and home, finding ways to make those cherished moments more accessible for everyone.
This recipe for Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is perfect for those busy mornings when you crave something special, or when you want to surprise loved ones with a heartwarming dessert. It’s incredibly rewarding and will fill your home with an irresistible sweetness. My practical tip for this recipe? Don’t skimp on the butter in the filling – it’s what makes them so wonderfully gooey!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting these delightful rolls relies on a handful of simple ingredients. From the soft all-purpose flour that forms the tender dough to the rich unsalted butter and fragrant cinnamon that creates that iconic swirl, each component plays its part. I always use real vanilla extract in the frosting for a deeper, more comforting flavor. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements for this Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe in the recipe card below.
How to Make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Preparing these heavenly Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is surprisingly straightforward, a wonderful journey from simple ingredients to a show-stopping treat. You’ll swiftly prepare a tender, yeasted dough, then generously spread it with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling and slicing. A quick bake in the oven, followed by a generous slathering of creamy frosting, brings these beauties to life in under an hour!
Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine 2 cups of the flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the milk to 105-115°F (40-46°C). Stir in the melted butter and room temperature egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon or the paddle attachment of a stand mixer until just combined. Gradually add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Switch to the dough hook if using a stand mixer.
- Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes on medium speed (or 5-7 minutes by hand on a lightly floured surface) until it’s smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not overly sticky. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and place in a warm spot for a quick 20-minute rise. (A warm oven turned off or a sunny spot works well).
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until a thick paste forms.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Once the dough has risen slightly (it won’t double, but will be noticeably puffy), turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.
- Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small 1/2-inch border along one of the long edges.
- Starting from the long edge opposite the clean border, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed to seal.
- Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces, approximately 1 1/2 inches thick. Arrange the cut rolls in the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a small space between them.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and cooked through. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil.
- While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy (using an electric mixer is best here).
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. While still warm, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Achieving perfectly soft and gooey cinnamon rolls is truly a delightful art, and over the years, I’ve gathered a few tricks to ensure your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe turns out beautifully every time.
My Secret Trick: I always make sure my milk and egg are at room temperature before mixing them into the dough. This helps the yeast activate more effectively and results in a much softer, fluffier roll! It’s a small step that makes a world of difference for an Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
When you’re rolling out your dough, avoid using too much extra flour. A lightly floured surface is all you need. Too much flour can make the dough tough, and we want that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture for our cinnamon rolls.
Don’t be afraid to be generous with the filling! Ensure the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon mixture is spread evenly to the edges before rolling. This guarantees every bite of your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is packed with that comforting, spiced sweetness we all adore.
Finally, keep an eye on your rolls as they bake. Ovens can vary, and you want them to be golden brown and just cooked through, not overbaked. A slightly underbaked roll is better than an overbaked one for that ultimate soft texture!
Fun Variations for Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
One of the joys of home baking is making a recipe truly your own, and this Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ways to add a personal twist or seasonal flair to your soft, sweet spirals.
Zesty Orange Swirl
My friend always asks me to add a touch of citrus! Before spreading the cinnamon filling, gently mix a teaspoon of orange zest into the melted butter. The bright, zesty notes pair beautifully with the warm spice, adding a lovely surprise to your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
Nutty Delight
If you adore nuts, consider finely chopping about half a cup of pecans or walnuts and sprinkling them over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling. They add a wonderful crunch and a deeper, roasted flavor that elevates the whole experience of these delightful treats.
Pumpkin Spice Twist
For a seasonal touch, especially in autumn, you can add a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to your cinnamon filling. You could even swirl a tablespoon of pumpkin puree into the cream cheese frosting for a truly autumnal version of this Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
What to Serve With Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
These warm, gooey Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe are a complete delight on their own, but pairing them with a few simple accompaniments can truly elevate the experience! My mom always says a good cup of coffee or hot cocoa makes breakfast feel like a hug.
For a comforting breakfast or brunch, I love serving these rolls alongside a steaming mug of coffee or a rich hot chocolate. The slight bitterness of coffee wonderfully balances the sweetness of the rolls, creating a perfect morning indulgence.
If you’re serving them as a dessert, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over the warm roll is simply divine. The cold, creamy ice cream against the soft, warm pastry is a match made in heaven.
Sometimes, for a lighter touch, a side of fresh berries – think juicy raspberries or sweet blueberries – provides a lovely contrast in flavor and texture. It’s a beautiful way to brighten up this Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. And for a quick serving idea? Just add a tiny drizzle of caramel sauce right before serving for an extra layer of decadence!
How to Store Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Making sure your delicious Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe stays fresh is key to enjoying their wonderful flavor beyond the first bite. Proper storage helps preserve that soft, fluffy texture and the gooey filling we all love.
Once completely cooled, store your leftover Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If they have cream cheese frosting, I actually prefer to keep them in the refrigerator, especially in warmer climates, for up to 5 days.
Reheating for Freshness
To revive them and bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, I like to pop individual rolls into the microwave for 15-20 seconds. If reheating a larger batch, cover them loosely with foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. My personal tip? A quick dusting of powdered sugar after reheating makes them look and taste freshly baked!
Nutritional Benefits
While enjoying a sweet treat like our Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is certainly about pleasure, it’s lovely to know that even simple ingredients contribute. Made with all-purpose flour, they provide carbohydrates for energy, and the milk and egg add a touch of protein. It’s a delightful indulgence that can be part of a balanced approach, celebrating the simple joy of wholesome ingredients combined with love.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I prepare the dough for Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! After the first rise, you can cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and continuing with the Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe instructions.
Faq 2
What if my cinnamon rolls don’t rise in one hour?
Rising time can vary based on your kitchen’s temperature. Ensure your milk is warm (not hot!) to activate the instant yeast effectively. A warm spot can help speed up the rise for your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
Faq 3
Can I freeze Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! You can freeze either baked and frosted rolls, or the unbaked rolls after slicing. For unbaked, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight bag. Thaw overnight and let rise before baking your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.
Faq 4
How can I make the cream cheese frosting extra smooth?
Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and ensures a super smooth, spreadable frosting for your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. A little extra milk or cream can also help achieve the perfect consistency.
Conclusion
There you have it, sweet friends – a recipe for Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe that promises all the warmth, comfort, and deliciousness of a classic, but fits perfectly into your busy life. It’s a testament to the fact that with a little love and patience, even the simplest ingredients can become magical treats that bring immense joy. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, fill your kitchen with the most inviting aromas, and create some sweet memories with these delightful home-baked desserts. Happy baking!