Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
These Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for beginners, quick to make, and incredibly delicious, offering a customizable sweetness and icing to enjoy for breakfast or a sweet treat.
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 9x13 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.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients and check the temperature of the mixture to ensure proper yeast activation. Allow proper proofing time for fluffiness. Experiment with flavors by adding nuts or different extracts if desired.