Quick and Easy Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that can brighten any day. Whether you’re preparing for a special breakfast or just want something sweet to enjoy, these cinnamon rolls are perfect. They combine soft, fluffy dough with a sweet cinnamon filling and creamy frosting, making them irresistible.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for those who love fresh-baked goods but don’t have a lot of time. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious cinnamon rolls in no time. Plus, they are great for sharing with family and friends or enjoying all by yourself. If you want a treat that is both comforting and easy, these cinnamon rolls are the way to go!
How to Make Quick and Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (divided)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup water
- ¾ cup milk
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 5 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 3 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup half & half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Start by spraying a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan with pan spray and set it aside.
- In a bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the egg, water, milk, and softened butter.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Slowly add the remaining flour until you form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle shape. Spread the softened salted butter over the surface.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the butter.
- Roll the dough tightly and slice it into pieces. Place them in the prepared pan.
- Let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, half-and-half, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy.
- Spread the frosting over warm cinnamon rolls once they are out of the oven.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Serve these delicious cinnamon rolls warm. You can cut them into pieces and drizzle with extra frosting if desired. They are an excellent addition to any breakfast table or a lovely snack to enjoy throughout the day.
How to Store Quick and Easy Cinnamon Rolls
You can store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until they are soft and warm.
Tips to Make Quick and Easy Cinnamon Rolls
- Use warm water and milk for the yeast to activate better.
- Don’t skip the resting time; it helps the dough rise.
- Feel free to experiment with different fillings, like nuts or raisins, for extra flavor.
- Make sure your ingredients, especially butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Variation
For a twist, try adding chocolate chips to the filling or using a maple glaze in place of the cream cheese frosting.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.
2. What if I don’t have instant yeast?
If you only have active dry yeast, you can use it. Just dissolve it in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it bubbles up before mixing with the other ingredients.
3. Can I make these cinnamon rolls gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour. Just make sure to choose a blend that works well for baking.
Enjoy making these Quick and Easy Cinnamon Rolls and savor the wonderful moments they bring!
Quick and Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (divided)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup water Use warm water for better yeast activation.
- ¾ cup milk Use warm milk for better yeast activation.
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter Softened.
Cinnamon Filling
- ¾ cup brown sugar Packed.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 5 tablespoons salted butter Softened.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese Softened.
- 3 tablespoons salted butter Softened.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup half & half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Spray a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan with pan spray and set it aside.
- In a bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the egg, water, milk, and softened unsalted butter.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Slowly add the remaining flour until you form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
Filling and Baking
- Roll the dough into a rectangle shape. Spread the softened salted butter over the surface.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the butter.
- Roll the dough tightly and slice it into pieces. Place them in the prepared pan.
- Let the rolls rise for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- While the rolls are baking, beat the softened cream cheese and salted butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, half-and-half, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy.
- Spread the frosting over warm cinnamon rolls once they are out of the oven.
