Soft & Fluffy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls – Easy Homemade Recipe
If you’re craving warm, gooey cinnamon rolls but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this One Hour Cinnamon Rolls recipe is for you! These easy homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a delicious cinnamon-sugar swirl, then topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re making cinnamon rolls with cream, looking for a homemade cinnamon rolls easy recipe, or just want the perfect cinnamon roll recipe homemade, this quick version delivers all the classic flavors in half the time.
What Makes These Cinnamon Rolls Special?
Traditional cinnamon rolls take hours to make, requiring multiple rises and lots of patience. But these homemade cinnamon rolls easy version cuts down the time while keeping all the deliciousness! By using quick-rise yeast and a warm dough method, you can have cinnamon rolls easy and ready to enjoy in just an hour. Perfect for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or when you just need a sweet, comforting treat.
Ingredients for One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
For the Dough:
- All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups (sifted for a lighter texture)
- Quick-Rise Yeast: 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- Warm Milk: 1 cup (heated to about 110°F)
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (to lightly sweeten the dough)
- Butter: 1/4 cup (melted)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Eggs: 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup (packed)
- Ground Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons
- Butter: 1/4 cup (softened)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Cheese: 4 oz (softened)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (softened)
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Milk or Heavy Cream: 1-2 tablespoons (for consistency)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make these cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting, you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls – for combining ingredients
- Electric Mixer or Dough Hook – for kneading the dough
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – for accuracy
- Rolling Pin – for rolling out the dough
- Baking Dish (9×13-inch) – for baking the rolls
- Sharp Knife or Dough Cutter – for slicing the rolls evenly
How to Make One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
- Activate the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: Add melted butter, egg, salt, and half of the flour. Mix until combined. Gradually add the rest of the flour and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth.
- Let the Dough Rest: Cover and let the dough rest for 10 minutes while preparing the filling.
- Make the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly.
- Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 even rolls.
- Arrange in the Baking Dish: Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch dish. Cover and let rise for 10 minutes.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting over warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Rolls
- Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is active for a good rise.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead just until smooth to keep the rolls soft.
- Use Warm Milk: Too hot or too cold milk can affect yeast activation.
- Spread the Filling Evenly: This ensures every bite has the perfect amount of cinnamon sweetness.
- Let the Rolls Rest: Even a short rise helps the dough get light and fluffy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Dough Too Sticky or Dry: Add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky or a bit more milk if it’s too dry.
- Not Rolling Tightly Enough: Loose rolls can unravel while baking.
- Overbaking: Remove the rolls once they’re golden brown to keep them soft.
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
This frosting takes these rolls to the next level! For extra smooth frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese and butter first until fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar gradually for a lump-free texture.
- Adjust with milk to reach the desired consistency.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Classic Style: Serve warm with coffee or tea.
- Extra Decadent: Drizzle with extra cream or caramel sauce.
- Holiday Treat: Top with crushed nuts or cinnamon sugar for a festive touch.
- Brunch Platter: Pair with fresh fruit, eggs, and bacon for a complete breakfast.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Variations and Swaps
- Maple Cinnamon Rolls: Add a touch of maple syrup to the frosting.
- Nutty Rolls: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling.
- Caramel Cinnamon Rolls: Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting for extra sweetness.
- Whole Wheat Option: Use half whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier version.
FAQ About One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
- Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.
- What’s the best way to make them extra fluffy? Don’t skip the resting time and make sure your yeast is fresh.
- Can I make them dairy-free? Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese.
Conclusion
These One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting make them extra indulgent, while the quick prep time makes them a perfect last-minute treat.
Try this easy recipe today, and let us know how they turn out! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more delicious homemade treats! 😊
PrintSoft & Fluffy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls – Easy Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, then topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious—perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
✅ 4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
✅ 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) quick-rise yeast
✅ 1 cup warm milk (heated to 110°F)
✅ 1/4 cup granulated sugar
✅ 1/4 cup melted butter
✅ 1/2 teaspoon salt
✅ 1 large egg
For the Cinnamon Filling:
✅ 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
✅ 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
✅ 1/4 cup softened butter
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
✅ 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
✅ 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
✅ 1 cup powdered sugar
✅ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
✅ 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions
1️⃣ Activate Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2️⃣ Make the Dough: Add melted butter, egg, salt, and half of the flour. Mix until combined. Gradually add the rest of the flour and knead for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth.
3️⃣ Let Dough Rest: Cover and let rest for 10 minutes while preparing the filling.
4️⃣ Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
5️⃣ Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
6️⃣ Roll and Slice: Roll the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 even rolls.
7️⃣ Arrange in Baking Dish: Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 10 minutes.
8️⃣ Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
9️⃣ Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
🔟 Frost & Serve: Spread frosting over warm cinnamon rolls. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.
- Dairy-free option: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese.