One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you have a craving for something sweet and comforting but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen, this One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This delightful treat brings together soft, fluffy dough with a rich cinnamon-brown sugar filling and a luscious glaze that melts perfectly over each warm roll. Perfectly balanced and irresistibly fragrant, these cinnamon rolls can come together quickly, letting you enjoy a fresh batch of bakery-style goodness in just about an hour. Whether for a lazy weekend breakfast or a cozy afternoon indulgence, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each plays an essential role in giving your cinnamon rolls the perfect texture, flavor, and that golden-brown hue we all love. From the warm milk that activates the yeast to the rich butter and fragrant cinnamon, everything works in harmony.

• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C): Activates the yeast and creates a tender, moist dough.
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (or 1 packet): Ensures your rolls rise fluffy and light without extra wait time.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough’s crumb.
• 1 large egg: Contributes structure and helps bind the dough together.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the rolls their shape and soft chewiness.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: The star of the cinnamon filling, lending creamy texture and flavor.
• ¾ cup brown sugar: Infuses the filling with deep molasses notes for that signature caramelized sweetness.
• 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon: The warm, spicy heart of the filling you’ll instantly recognize and crave.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: For the irresistible glaze that crowns each roll in sweet, silky goodness.
• 2 tbsp milk: Helps create the perfect drizzling consistency for the glaze.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, comforting layer of flavor to the icing.

How to Make One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by whisking together the warm milk, instant yeast, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until it turns foamy—a sign that your yeast is lively and ready to work its magic on the dough.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Next, add the melted butter, one egg, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a rough dough forms. Then, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which will help create those soft, tender rolls.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rest

Cover your dough and let it rest for 10 minutes. This brief rest helps the gluten relax, making it easier to roll out and shape. Meanwhile, you can whip up the cinnamon filling that gives the rolls their signature flavor.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until fully combined. This mixture spreads smoothly and melts beautifully during baking, creating those lush swirls you see in every cinnamon roll.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Dust your work surface lightly with flour, then roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. This even size ensures your rolls bake uniformly and have the perfect thickness for rolling up.

Step 6: Fill and Roll the Dough

Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, making sure to reach all the edges for flavor in every bite. Roll the dough tightly from the long side, forming a neat log that will hold the spirals together during baking.

Step 7: Slice and Arrange

Cut the log into 12 even slices using a sharp knife. Place each cinnamon roll into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, giving them a little space to rise and puff up.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover the rolls loosely with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for 15 minutes. This step allows the rolls to become light and fluffy without requiring hours of waiting.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and fill your kitchen with that irresistible aroma.

Step 10: Prepare the Glaze and Serve

While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create your glaze. Drizzle this sweet icing over the warm cinnamon rolls just as they come out of the oven, letting it melt into every crevice for that final wow factor.

How to Serve One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

While the classic glaze is perfection on its own, you can make your presentation pop by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sweet-savory twist, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar right before serving. These little touches add texture and elevate the appearance.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making mornings extra special. For a more substantial breakfast, serve them alongside fresh fruit, creamy yogurt, or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness and provide a satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these rolls to a gathering, try placing them in a rustic basket lined with a pretty cloth for a cozy, homemade feel. You could also drizzle extra glaze in a decorative pattern or serve with small bowls of cream cheese frosting and honey butter on the side to invite guests to customize their treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious cinnamon rolls, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, perfect for a second or third helping.

Freezing

If you want to make these rolls well in advance, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy your cinnamon rolls warm, reheat them in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will revive their soft, gooey texture just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast, but you’ll need to proof it first in the warm milk for about 5-10 minutes until bubbly to activate it properly before mixing with other ingredients.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and swap the butter with a vegan margarine or coconut oil to keep the recipe dairy-free without compromising flavor or texture.

Why do the rolls need a second rise before baking?

The second rise allows the dough to relax and expand, producing lighter, fluffier rolls that bake evenly. Skipping this step can lead to denser cinnamon rolls that lack that coveted soft texture.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Definitely! Adding chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon filling can add delightful texture and bursts of flavor, making your cinnamon rolls even more special and personalized.

What’s the best way to store any leftover glaze?

Store leftover glaze in a small airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it thickens, simply whisk in a little milk to restore the perfect drizzling consistency.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about biting into a warm, gooey cinnamon roll fresh from the oven—and this One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe makes that magic accessible anytime without hours of waiting. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have bakery-quality rolls ready in no time, perfect for brightening your mornings or impressing friends and family. Give this recipe a try and discover how delicious and rewarding homemade cinnamon rolls can be!

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