Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you believe homemade cinnamon rolls take all morning, think again: with my Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls, you get that classic gooey center and punchy cinnamon swirl in just about an hour—without sacrificing a stitch of flavor or fluffiness. This is one of those magical recipes that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, and it’s guaranteed to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your table with smiles. Whether you’re planning a weekend treat, impressing overnight guests, or just giving in to a sweet craving, this quick bake is your new best friend.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things simple—these Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls are all about pantry staples coming together in the most delicious way. Each ingredient brings something special to the table, from the rich dough to the sweet, spiced filling and the luscious glaze on top. Here’s what you need and why:

• Warm milk (1 cup, 110°F): The warmth wakes up the yeast and helps create that pillowy, soft dough.
• Instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons or 1 packet): The secret to making these rolls rise quickly and cut down on wait time.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Feeds the yeast and adds a gentle sweetness to the dough itself.
• Unsalted butter (¼ cup melted + ¼ cup softened, divided): Adds richness and that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture—half in the dough, half for spreading.
• Large egg (1): Binds everything together and gives the rolls a tender crumb.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Just the right pinch to balance out all the sweetness and bring out flavors.
• All-purpose flour (3 to 3 ½ cups): The backbone of your dough—add just enough for it to come together cleanly.
• Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Deep, caramel-like sweetness for that classic cinnamon roll filling.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The star spice—don’t skimp!
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): The foundation of a silky-smooth glaze to finish things off.
• Milk for glaze (2–3 tablespoons): Helps achieve your preferred glaze consistency—go thicker or thinner as you like.
• Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds a dreamy, bakery-style aroma and depth to your glaze.

How to Make Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the warm milk, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about five minutes. You’ll see a bubbly, foamy layer forming on top—that’s your yeast, ready to work its magic. This step ensures your Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls get that essential lift and soft, puffy texture.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Now, mix in the melted butter, large egg, salt, and three cups of flour. If you’re using a mixer, switch to the dough hook. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, scraping the sides as needed. Add the remaining flour a spoonful at a time if the dough feels sticky. Knead (by hand or mixer) for five minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and just barely tacky. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for ten minutes—enough time for you to prep your filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This aromatic mixture is the heart of your Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls, turning every layer into a swirl of sweet spice. Take your softened butter and have it ready to spread—this will help the cinnamon-sugar stick and melt into the rolls as they bake.

Step 4: Roll Out and Fill the Dough

Roll the rested dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 10×15 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly all over, reaching the corners for maximum gooeyness. Sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon blend across every inch, pressing it in gently so it stays put when you roll things up. This is your moment to channel your inner pastry chef!

Step 5: Shape the Cinnamon Rolls

Gently roll up the dough tightly from the long side, keeping the swirl neat but not too tight. Pinch the seam to seal, then slice into 12 equal pieces (dental floss or a sharp knife works great here). Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, giving them just a bit of space to expand. Cover and let them rise for 20 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F.

Step 6: Bake

Pop the rolls into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until lightly golden. The aroma is your first reward—expect to find everyone wandering into the kitchen right about now. You want them baked through but still tender; don’t overdo it or you’ll lose that coveted pillowy center!

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, luscious glaze. Drizzle it generously over the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven, so it melts into every spiral. Serve your Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls warm for peak coziness.

How to Serve Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls

Garnishes

A glossy vanilla glaze is classic, but you can make these Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls even more special by adding a sprinkling of toasted pecans, a dusting of extra cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For decadence, a swirl of cream cheese frosting never hurts.

Side Dishes

Pair these cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit salads (think juicy berries or orange slices) for a colorful breakfast spread. They’re fantastic alongside scrambled eggs or a simple yogurt parfait for a full-brunch vibe, and of course, they go perfectly with hot coffee, cocoa, or a latte on a chilly morning.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls in a spiral “pull-apart” pattern or bake mini rolls in muffin tins for individual treats. Stack them high on a cake stand for a dramatic breakfast centerpiece, or pack them up in parchment for a picnic-style brunch surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra rolls (if you’re lucky enough to have them!) can be covered tightly and kept at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days, but bring to room temp or reheat before serving for best texture and flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, let the baked Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls cool completely, then wrap each roll individually or the entire pan in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat before serving to restore that just-baked softness.

Reheating

For warm, gooey rolls, pop individual servings in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or warm larger batches in a 300°F oven, covered in foil, for about 10 minutes. A quick warm-up brings back their irresistible, fresh-from-the-oven charm.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes! If you only have active dry yeast, just dissolve it in the warm milk with sugar and let it sit until foamy—this may take a few minutes longer than instant yeast, but you’ll get great results for your Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls.

Why did my dough not rise enough?

Make sure your milk isn’t too hot, which can kill the yeast, or too cold, which slows things down. Also, check that your yeast is fresh—expired yeast won’t rise as expected.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling, roll, and slice the rolls, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking fresh in the morning.

How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner, more pourable glaze, add a bit more. Feel free to adjust until it’s just how you like it for topping your Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Try adding chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a pinch of orange zest to the filling for a fun twist. Swirling a little cream cheese into the glaze gives a tangy, decadent finish too.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t wait for you to taste just how extraordinary (and easy!) homemade cinnamon rolls can be, especially when you can whip up these Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls any day of the week. Set aside an hour, grab those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to the delight of warm, freshly baked rolls—your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone will be asking for seconds!

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