Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Cinnamon rolls are one of the most comforting treats you can make at home. With their soft, pillowy dough and rich, sweet cinnamon filling, they’re a perfect breakfast or snack. While traditional recipes might require hours of preparation, this easy one-hour cinnamon rolls recipe simplifies the process, making it possible to enjoy warm, homemade cinnamon rolls in just about an hour.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring you end up with delicious, gooey cinnamon rolls every time. It’s perfect for a weekend morning or a special occasion when you want to impress friends and family with a homemade treat, but without all the time-consuming work.

Why You Should Try This Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Making homemade cinnamon rolls might sound daunting, but it’s actually much easier than you think. This easy homemade cinnamon rolls recipe takes just one hour from start to finish, so you don’t have to plan ahead or wait around all day. In just 60 minutes, you’ll have cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing, ready to be devoured.

Not only are these homemade cinnamon rolls easy to make, but they also offer a few key benefits:

Quick Preparation: Unlike traditional cinnamon roll recipes that require hours of proofing and resting, this one-hour version uses quick-acting yeast to get the dough ready in a fraction of the time.
Soft and Fluffy: The dough is soft and fluffy, and the rolls turn out perfectly tender with every bite. The filling of cinnamon and sugar melts into the dough, creating pockets of sweet, sticky goodness.
Homemade Taste: There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly baked cinnamon rolls homemade from scratch. The combination of warm cinnamon filling, soft dough, and the creamy icing makes this treat a standout.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the filling, use different types of icing (such as a classic cinnamon roll recipe homemade with cinnamon rolls with cream icing or a more indulgent version with cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting), or add extra ingredients like raisins or nuts.

Now that you’re convinced, let’s dive into how you can make these delightful cinnamon rolls easy to enjoy in just one hour!

Ingredients for Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need for the dough, cinnamon filling, and cream cheese icing:

For the Dough:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
2 teaspoons instant yeast (quick-acting yeast)
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 egg

For the Cinnamon Filling:

½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing together the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Stir until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and pour in the warm milk and melted butter. Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until the dough begins to come together. At this point, you can use a wooden spoon or a dough hook on a stand mixer to knead the dough. If kneading by hand, work the dough for about 5-6 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Once the dough is ready, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This short resting time helps the dough rise, even with the quick yeast.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

After letting the dough rest, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Then, spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

Step 4: Roll the Dough

Carefully roll the dough up from one long edge, ensuring the filling stays inside. Once you have a log, pinch the edges together to seal. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

Step 5: Arrange the Rolls in the Pan

Place the cinnamon rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, arranging them close together. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and allow the rolls to rest for about 10-15 minutes. They will rise slightly during this time.

Step 6: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The rolls should be soft and slightly puffed.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The icing should be spreadable but not too runny.

Step 8: Ice the Cinnamon Rolls

Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking and have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese icing over the top. The warmth of the rolls will cause the icing to melt, creating a delicious glaze.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy the sweet, gooey goodness. These rolls are best enjoyed the same day they are baked, but they can be stored in an airtight container for a few days if necessary.

Tips for Making the Best Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

While this recipe is quick and simple, here are a few tips to ensure that your cinnamon rolls easy come out perfectly every time:

Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your instant yeast is fresh and hasn’t expired. Old yeast can result in flat or dense rolls.
Don’t Overproof the Dough: Since this recipe doesn’t require hours of rising, be careful not to let the dough rise for too long, as it can become overly airy and difficult to handle.
Check for Doneness: The cinnamon rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and the dough has cooked through. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick into the center to check.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling by adding nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips for an extra flavor boost.
Glaze Variations: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese icing, you can opt for a classic glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

Conclusion

This easy one hour cinnamon rolls recipe is a fantastic option for anyone craving homemade cinnamon rolls without spending all day in the kitchen. By using quick-acting yeast and simple ingredients, you can enjoy soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing in under an hour. The recipe is easy to follow and offers a delicious result that will have your family or guests asking for more.

The warm cinnamon-sugar filling combined with the creamy icing is the perfect indulgence. And since it’s so easy to make, you can whip up a batch anytime you need a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re a cinnamon roll enthusiast or a beginner baker, this cinnamon roll recipe homemade is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a fresh batch of homemade cinnamon rolls that will impress everyone!