Making your own cinnamon rolls at home can be both fun and rewarding. These Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for beginners and can be made quickly, giving you freshly baked rolls ready to enjoy in just one hour. This recipe provides a delicious way to start your day or enjoy as a sweet treat. Besides the incredible taste, making them from scratch allows you to customize the sweetness and icing to your preference.
how to make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
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 (make sure it’s not expired!)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 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
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 Tbsp milk (add 1 tbsp at a time)
Directions:
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. Next, heat the milk in the same bowl in the microwave for 45 seconds and pour it 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. Stir in the sugar and yeast packet until dissolved. Cover with a tea cloth or plastic wrap and let sit for 10 minutes.
While you are waiting for your dough to activate, preheat your oven to the lowest setting (mine is 170 degrees F). After 10 minutes, the yeast mixture should be fully frothy or foamy. Remove the towel and add in the egg, salt, and vanilla extract. Next, begin adding the 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. Form the dough into a round ball in the bowl and cover it with a tea cloth. Turn your oven OFF and place the covered dough in the warm oven to proof for 10 minutes.
While your dough is proofing, prepare your cinnamon sugar filling. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to combine softened butter, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until combined. Set aside. Once the dough has proofed for 10 minutes, remove the towel and place the dough on a large pastry mat or a clean, lightly greased or floured surface to roll out. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to form a 14” x 18” rectangle and 1/4” thick.
Next, begin preheating the oven to 350 degrees and use an offset spatula to spread the cinnamon sugar butter mixture on your dough almost to the edges. Starting with the short side towards you, tightly roll vertically away from you to form a log. Once rolled, use a dough scraper or knife to pre-mark the dough for cutting. First, pre-mark the dough in half, then pre-mark half of those halves, and lastly pre-mark three slices in each section for a total of 12 even cinnamon rolls. Once your slices are pre-marked, use a serrated edge knife to cut each slice. Use slow, back and forth sawing motions for the cleanest cuts, and make sure you don’t press down too hard or the filling will seep out.
Next, place the cinnamon rolls in a 9×13 baking pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until the cinnamon rolls are a light golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes on a wire cooling rack. While the cinnamon rolls are cooling, prepare your cream cheese icing. Use an electric hand mixer to combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (1 tbsp at a time) in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and continue adding milk until the desired icing consistency is reached. (Add more milk for a thinner drizzle, and less for a thicker icing). Spread cream cheese icing on warm cinnamon rolls, serve, and enjoy!
how to serve Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
These cinnamon rolls are best served warm, straight out of the oven, with a generous drizzle of cream cheese icing on top. They make a perfect breakfast treat, a sweet afternoon snack, or even a delightful dessert. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a wonderful combination!
how to store Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
To store any leftovers, allow the cinnamon rolls to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can also refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them at room temperature.
tips to make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Check the temperature: Always check the temperature of the milk/butter before adding yeast to help it activate properly.
- Don’t rush the proofing: Allow the dough to proof in a warm environment for optimal fluffiness.
- Experiment with flavors: You can add nuts, raisins, or other spices for different tastes.
variation
You can easily adapt this recipe by adding chocolate chips into the filling or using different extracts like almond instead of vanilla. Brown butter icing or maple icing can also be great alternatives to the cream cheese icing.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight before baking the next day. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling out.
2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
In place of cream cheese, you can use powdered sugar mixed with a bit of milk and vanilla extract for a simple glaze.
3. Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls before they proof. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. To bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as directed.
Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%) Use fresh milk for best results.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter Melted.
- 1 packet active dry yeast (0.25 ounce) Ensure it’s not expired.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Add more if necessary to achieve the right dough consistency.
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk Add 1 tbsp at a time for desired consistency.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Melt 1/2-stick unsalted butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl in the microwave for 40-45 seconds.
- Pour melted butter into a medium-size bowl and set aside.
- Heat the milk in the same bowl for 45 seconds, then pour it over the melted butter.
- Check the temperature of the milk/butter mixture between 100-110 degrees F. Add more time if necessary.
- Stir in the sugar and yeast packet until dissolved, cover with a tea cloth or plastic wrap, and let sit for 10 minutes.
Mix Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to the lowest setting.
- After 10 minutes, add the egg, salt, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture.
- Add flour in 1/2 cup increments, mixing with a spatula until combined.
- Form into a round ball, cover with a tea cloth, and place in the warm oven to proof for 10 minutes.
Prepare Filling
- Combine softened butter, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl with an electric mixer.
Assemble Cinnamon Rolls
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the proofed dough into a 14″ x 18″ rectangle and 1/4″ thick.
- Spread the cinnamon sugar filling on the dough almost to the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly from the short side to form a log.
- Cut the log into 12 even pieces using a serrated knife with sawing motions.
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13 baking pan.
Bake the Rolls
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
Prepare Icing
- Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl until smooth.
- Continue adding milk until desired icing consistency is reached.
Serve
- Spread cream cheese icing on warm cinnamon rolls and serve.
