One Hour Cinnamon Rolls – Are Soft, Fluffy, and Gooey

There’s just something magical about the smell of warm cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. It’s the kind of aroma that makes your kitchen feel like a cozy bakery and instantly lifts your mood. Whether you’re getting ready for a slow weekend brunch or surprising your family with a sweet after-dinner treat, these easy one hour cinnamon rolls are about to become your new go-to recipe.

What makes these cinnamon rolls so special? First of all, the speed. Unlike traditional cinnamon roll recipes that require hours of rising time—or even overnight resting—this one comes together from start to finish in just about an hour. That means you can have freshly baked, gooey, fluffy cinnamon rolls on your table faster than a delivery order from your local bakery.

But speed isn’t the only thing these rolls have going for them. They’re tender and flaky with a perfectly balanced cinnamon-sugar filling that melts into the soft layers of dough. And the cream cheese icing? Rich, creamy, and just the right touch of tangy sweetness to finish them off.

I first made these during a lazy Saturday morning when I woke up craving something sweet but didn’t want to wait half the day for the dough to rise. I was skeptical—can you really get good cinnamon rolls in an hour? But after one bite, I was completely sold. My family now asks for these almost every weekend, and I’m more than happy to oblige because they’re just that simple to make.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by homemade cinnamon rolls, don’t worry. This recipe walks you through every step, and I promise, you’ve got this. So preheat that oven, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make the easiest, fluffiest, most delicious cinnamon rolls of your life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this cinnamon roll recipe, but let’s start with the most important one: they taste incredible. Each bite is soft and pillowy, swirled with gooey brown sugar and cinnamon, and topped with a silky cream cheese frosting that melts into all the nooks and crannies. It’s pure comfort food with a hint of indulgence.

You’ll also love how approachable this recipe is, even for beginners. If you’ve never worked with yeast before, this is the perfect recipe to start with. It uses active dry yeast, which is easy to activate, and the dough comes together with just a few pantry staples. No special equipment, no complicated techniques—just good old-fashioned baking.

Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:

• Quick and Easy: No overnight rising, and no waiting around for hours. You’ll go from mixing to baking in about 60 minutes.
• Everyday Ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your kitchen already.
• Soft and Fluffy Dough: Thanks to a quick proofing method, the dough turns out perfectly soft and chewy.
• Gooey Cinnamon Filling: A luscious mixture of brown sugar, white sugar, butter, and cinnamon creates that irresistible filling.
• Rich Cream Cheese Frosting: The final touch that makes these rolls bakery-quality.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them at brunch, for dessert, or just because you deserve a treat.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want to treat yourself, these rolls deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

Health Benefits

Okay, let’s be honest—cinnamon rolls are not exactly health food. But when you make them at home, you do have a bit more control over the ingredients, which means they can be a slightly better-for-you treat than store-bought or fast food options.

Here are a few surprising health benefits you can take comfort in:

• Cinnamon: This warm spice isn’t just delicious—it’s also loaded with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies even suggest it may help regulate blood sugar.
• Homemade Goodness: When you bake at home, you can skip preservatives and artificial flavors commonly found in packaged rolls.
• Less Sugar, More Flavor: Because you’re making the filling and frosting yourself, you can reduce the sugar to your taste without sacrificing flavor.

While these cinnamon rolls should definitely be enjoyed in moderation, it’s nice to know that a homemade version is a more wholesome choice than a processed one.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 60 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls

Per Serving (approximate):
Calories: 360
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 15g
Sugar: 25g

Ingredients List

The Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (100–110°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour

The Cinnamon Filling:

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

The Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)

Each ingredient has its purpose. The warm milk helps activate the yeast. The butter and egg enrich the dough for softness. Cinnamon and brown sugar bring the deep flavor you expect from a classic cinnamon roll, and the cream cheese frosting ties it all together with a tangy, sweet finish.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be inactive—start over with fresh yeast.

2. Make the Dough

Once your yeast is activated, add the melted butter, egg, salt, and vanilla. Mix to combine.

Gradually add in the flour, starting with 3 ½ cups and adding more as needed. Stir until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. It should be soft and slightly tacky, but not overly sticky.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3–5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 10 minutes. A warm (but turned off) oven works perfectly for this step.

4. Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla together in a small bowl until it forms a thick paste.

5. Roll and Fill

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle (about 9×14 inches) on a lightly floured surface or pastry mat.

Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough using a spatula or the back of a spoon, reaching all the way to the edges.

6. Roll and Slice

Starting with the long side, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal.

Using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the roll into 12 even pieces. For best results, mark the dough first so the rolls are uniform.

7. Bake the Rolls

Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.

8. Make the Frosting

While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a little milk until smooth and spreadable.

9. Cool Slightly and Frost

Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes after baking. Then, generously spread the frosting over the warm rolls and serve.

How to Serve

These cinnamon rolls are best served warm, right out of the oven. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

• With a mug of hot coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast
• As a special treat during brunch with family and friends
• Drizzled with a little extra glaze if you like them sweeter
• Topped with chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon for extra texture

Pairing Suggestions

Pairing these rolls with the right drinks or sides can elevate the entire experience:

• Beverages: Try a rich hot chocolate, spiced chai latte, or a classic cup of black coffee.
• Side Options: Serve alongside a fruit salad, yogurt parfait, or scrambled eggs for a balanced brunch.
• Kids’ Treat: Serve with a glass of cold milk or a vanilla smoothie for younger ones.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Room Temperature: Store cooled cinnamon rolls tightly covered for up to 3 days.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving.

Freezing (Baked): Once cooled, wrap individual rolls in plastic and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the microwave or oven.

Freezing (Unbaked): After slicing the rolls, place them on a baking tray and freeze until solid. Transfer to a container and bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using milk that’s too hot: This can kill the yeast. Aim for 100–110°F.
• Adding too much flour: Over-flouring makes the dough dry and tough. Add just enough for a soft, tacky dough.
• Overbaking: This dries out the rolls. Check at 25 minutes and remove once golden.
• Skipping the rise time: Even a short 10-minute proof makes a big difference in texture.
• Spreading icing too early: Wait 10 minutes or it will melt and run off the rolls.

Pro Tips

• Use a pastry mat: It makes cleanup easier and keeps the dough from sticking.
• To make ahead: Prep the dough and filling the night before and refrigerate separately. Assemble and bake in the morning.
• Make it extra gooey: Double the filling for a super-rich center.
• Keep dough warm: If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl near a warm oven or wrap in a warm towel.
• Try different frostings: Swap cream cheese for vanilla glaze or add a touch of maple syrup for variation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes, just skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour. It may rise slightly faster.

How do I know if the yeast is working?
After 10 minutes, the mixture should look frothy and bubbly. If not, the yeast may be expired.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes. Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, but the rolls may be chewier. Stick with all-purpose for a softer texture.

What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and the liquid temperature is correct. Cold dough will rise slowly.

Can I reduce the sugar in the filling?
Yes, reduce the sugar slightly if preferred, but keep enough for the classic gooey texture.

Can I make smaller rolls?
Absolutely. Cut the log into 16 pieces instead of 12. Reduce bake time by a few minutes.

How long do these stay fresh?
They’re best eaten within 3 days, but can be frozen for longer storage.

Why did my rolls bake unevenly?
Make sure they’re spaced evenly in the pan and your oven is preheated properly.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use two 9×13 pans or a larger baking dish.

Conclusion & Call to Action

These one hour cinnamon rolls are proof that you don’t need all day—or a culinary degree—to bake something truly special. With simple ingredients, clear steps, and a whole lot of flavor, they’re perfect for weekend treats, holiday breakfasts, or just satisfying a serious cinnamon craving.

I hope you give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself. When you do, don’t forget to take a picture and share it online. I’d love to see your cinnamon roll creations! If you have any questions or tweaks, drop them in the comments—I’m here to help.

Now go grab your apron, turn on your favorite playlist, and start baking. You’re just one hour away from cinnamon roll bliss.

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