Try Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for soft, delicious, ooey gooey homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing in just 1 hour! These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any occasion when you crave something sweet and comforting. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful aroma, they are sure to impress family and friends. Plus, the quick preparation time means you can enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls without waiting all day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe allows you to whip up cinnamon rolls in just one hour, making it perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Soft and Gooey Texture: Enjoy pillowy soft rolls that are filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Decadent Cream Cheese Icing: The sweet cream cheese icing elevates these rolls to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them warm for breakfast or as a delightful dessert after dinner.
- Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is simple and easy to follow.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Electric hand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Dough scraper or knife
- 9×13 baking pan
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients effectively without mess.
- Electric hand mixer: Makes mixing the icing smooth and effortless.
- Rolling pin: Helps achieve a perfect thickness when rolling out the dough.
Ingredients
Try Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for soft, delicious, ooey gooey homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing in just 1 hour time!
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (I recommend whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 packet (0.25 ounce) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Icing Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 Tbsp milk (add 1 tbsp at a time)
How to Make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First begin preparing your dough by melting 1/2-stick unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl in the microwave for 40–45 seconds, or until melted. Pour into a medium size bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Heat Milk
Next, heat milk in the same small microwave-safe bowl in the microwave for 45 seconds and pour into the bowl with the melted butter.
Pro tip: To ensure your yeast mixture properly activates, I recommend using a digital thermometer to check that the temperature of the milk/butter is between 100–110 degrees F. If needed you can microwave a little longer until the temperature is reached or if the liquid is too hot, wait until it has lowered to between 100–110 degrees F before combining with the yeast/sugar.
Step 3: Activate Yeast
Stir in sugar and yeast packet until dissolved. Cover with a tea cloth/towel or plastic wrap and let sit for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Preheat Oven
While you are waiting for your dough to activate, preheat your oven to the lowest setting (mine is 170 degrees F).
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
After 10 minutes, the yeast mixture should be fully frothy/foamy. Remove towel and add in egg, salt, and vanilla extract.
Step 6: Add Flour
Begin adding in flour in 1/2 cup increments, folding in with a spatula until combined. If easier, you can use your hands to incorporate the last bit of flour. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not too sticky.
Step 7: Proof Dough
Form dough into a round ball in the bowl and cover with a tea cloth. Turn your oven OFF and place covered dough in the warm oven to proof for 10 minutes.
Step 8: Make Filling
While your dough is proofing, begin preparing your cinnamon sugar filling. In a medium size mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to combine softened butter, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until combined. Set aside.
Step 9: Roll Out Dough
Once dough has proofed for 10 minutes, remove towel and place dough on a large pastry mat or clean lightly greased or floured surface to roll out. Use a rolling pin and roll the dough to form a rectangle measuring about 14” x 18” and about 1/4” thick.
Step 10: Spread Filling
Next, preheat oven to 350 degrees F and use an offset spatula to spread the cinnamon sugar butter mixture on your dough almost to the edges.
Step 11: Roll Up Dough
Starting with the short side towards you, tightly roll vertically away from you to form a log.
Step 12: Cut Rolls
Once rolled, use a dough scraper or knife to pre-mark the dough for cutting. First pre-mark it in half; then pre-mark half of those halves; finally pre-mark three slices in each section for a total of twelve even cinnamon rolls. Once marked, use a serrated edge knife to cut each slice using slow back-and-forth sawing motions for cleanest cuts without pressing down too hard.
Step 13: Bake Rolls
Next place cinnamon rolls in a greased or non-stick sprayed baking pan (9×13). Bake at 350 degrees F for about twenty-five minutes or until light golden brown.
Step 14: Cool Rolls
Let cool for ten minutes on a wire cooling rack.
Step 15: Prepare Icing
While cinnamon rolls are cooling prepare your cream cheese icing by combining softened cream cheese with powdered sugar using an electric hand mixer along with vanilla extract and milk (add one tablespoon at a time). Whisk until smooth; continue adding milk until desired consistency is reached.
Step 16: Serve & Enjoy!
Spread cream cheese icing on warm cinnamon rolls right before serving! Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
These delightful cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Classic with Cream Cheese Icing
- Spread the luscious cream cheese icing generously on warm cinnamon rolls for a classic touch that highlights their rich flavor.
Fresh Fruit Pairing
- Serve with a side of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or bananas to add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the rolls.
Coffee Companion
- Pair your cinnamon rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The warm beverages complement the flavors perfectly and create a cozy atmosphere.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each roll for an indulgent dessert-like treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ice Cream Delight
- For a decadent dessert twist, serve your cinnamon rolls warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The melting ice cream adds a creamy texture that’s irresistible.
Nutty Crunch
- Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for an added crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft dough.
How to Perfect Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Perfecting your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is simple with these helpful tips. Follow them to achieve fluffy and flavorful results every time!
Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast packet. Fresh yeast ensures your dough rises properly and creates light, fluffy rolls.
Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk and butter mixture is between 100-110 degrees F before adding yeast. This temperature activates the yeast efficiently.
Knead Gently: When incorporating flour, knead just until combined. Over-kneading can make the dough tough instead of soft and tender.
Don’t Rush Proofing: Allowing the dough to proof in a warm oven helps it rise well in just one hour. Patience leads to fluffy rolls!
Cut Evenly: Use a serrated knife for clean cuts when slicing the rolled dough. This prevents filling from spilling out and keeps each roll intact.
Cool Before Icing: Let the rolls cool slightly before drizzling cream cheese icing on top. This helps maintain the texture of the icing and prevents it from melting away.
Best Side Dishes for Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal even further. Here are some fantastic side dish ideas:
Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness of cinnamon rolls, making for a hearty breakfast.
Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon offers a savory crunch that contrasts nicely with the sweet flavors of cinnamon rolls, creating a satisfying meal combination.
Yogurt Parfait: A yogurt parfait layered with granola and fresh fruits adds freshness and nutrition while harmonizing beautifully with cinnamon rolls.
Hash Browns: Golden-brown hash browns add crispy texture to your breakfast spread and pair well with both sweet and savory flavors.
Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds provides a refreshing break from the richness of cinnamon rolls while adding nutrients.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits brightens up your plate while adding natural sweetness that complements cinnamon flavors.
Breakfast Sausages: Savory breakfast sausages bring hearty satisfaction alongside sweet cinnamon rolls, making for a fulfilling brunch experience.
Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado toast adds healthy fats to your meal, balancing out the sweetness from the cinnamon rolls beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making cinnamon rolls can be easy, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using expired yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast packet. Expired yeast won’t rise, leaving you with dense rolls.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups for liquids and dry ingredients. Incorrect measurements can lead to poor texture and flavor.
- Ignoring dough temperature: Your milk and butter mixture should be between 100-110 degrees F. If it’s too hot or too cold, it can kill the yeast or hinder its activation.
- Rolling dough too thin: Ensure your dough is about 1/4 inch thick when rolling out. If it’s too thin, the rolls will be dry and lack filling.
- Cutting rolls too aggressively: Use a serrated knife and gentle sawing motions to cut the rolls. Pressing down hard can cause the filling to ooze out.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Wrap individual cinnamon rolls tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat each roll for about 15-20 seconds on high, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place rolls in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe:
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, then refrigerate overnight before baking.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and that your milk-butter mixture is at the correct temperature for activation.
How do I customize my Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or different spices like nutmeg for variety in flavor.
Can these cinnamon rolls be made vegan?
Yes! Substitute milk with plant-based milk and use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Final Thoughts
This Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is not just quick; it delivers soft, gooey delights perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day. Customize with your favorite fillings or toppings to make it truly yours!
Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Indulge in homemade bliss with this Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, designed for those who crave soft, gooey treats without the wait. In just an hour, you can whip up these delightful rolls filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with luscious cream cheese icing. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up, these cinnamon rolls will impress family and friends with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible aroma. Whether served warm or as a delightful dessert, they are sure to become a favorite!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 rolls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Filling: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon
- Icing: 4 ounces cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt butter and heat milk in separate bowls until warm (100-110°F).
- Combine melted butter and warm milk; stir in sugar and yeast; let sit for 10 minutes.
- Add egg, salt, vanilla extract; mix in flour gradually until soft dough forms.
- Cover and let dough proof in a warm oven for 10 minutes.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread filling mixture evenly over the surface.
- Roll tightly into a log, slice into rolls, and place in a greased baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly and drizzle with cream cheese icing before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (80g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
