Easy One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe – Soft, Gooey & Delicious

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. It’s warm, sweet, and absolutely irresistible. But if you’ve ever made traditional cinnamon rolls from scratch, you know that the long proofing times can be a hassle. That’s where this easy one-hour cinnamon roll recipe comes in.

This recipe is perfect for those who want fluffy, gooey, homemade cinnamon rolls without the wait. With a few simple tricks, we’re cutting down the rising time while still achieving that soft, buttery texture with a perfectly spiced cinnamon filling. The secret? A quick-rise dough that lets you enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls in just one hour.

Imagine biting into a warm, melt-in-your-mouth roll, bursting with rich brown sugar and cinnamon, topped with a silky-smooth cream cheese icing that seeps into every crevice. It’s the kind of indulgence that turns an ordinary morning into something special.

Whether you’re making these for a cozy Sunday breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe is foolproof, beginner-friendly, and guaranteed to impress. You don’t need any fancy equipment or baking experience—just a love for warm, gooey cinnamon rolls.

Get ready to skip the store-bought cinnamon rolls and make a batch of homemade goodness in no time. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for cinnamon roll lovers who don’t have the patience for a traditional overnight dough. Here’s why you’ll love it:

1. Quick & Easy

Unlike most homemade cinnamon rolls that take 3-4 hours to rise properly, this recipe gets it done in one hour. No overnight proofing, no long waits—just quick, fluffy perfection.

2. Soft, Fluffy, and Gooey

The rolls come out pillowy soft, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The gooey cinnamon-sugar filling caramelizes beautifully, making each bite pure bliss.

3. Simple Ingredients

You probably have everything you need in your pantry right now: flour, yeast, sugar, cinnamon, butter, and eggs. No need for complicated or hard-to-find ingredients.

4. Tastes Better Than Store-Bought

If you love Cinnabon, you’ll adore these. They have the same rich cinnamon flavor and creamy icing, but they’re homemade, fresher, and even more delicious.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s Christmas morning, Easter brunch, a birthday breakfast, or just a cozy weekend treat, these cinnamon rolls fit the bill. They’re also great for making ahead and freezing for later!

Health Benefits

While cinnamon rolls are undeniably an indulgence, they do have a few surprising benefits—especially when enjoyed in moderation.

1. Cinnamon is Packed with Antioxidants

Cinnamon isn’t just for flavor; it’s loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help boost immunity and may even help regulate blood sugar levels.

2. Homemade Means Fewer Preservatives

Store-bought cinnamon rolls often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and unhealthy additives. Making them at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, cleaner treat.

3. Butter and Eggs Provide Healthy Fats

While butter and eggs are often seen as indulgent, they also offer healthy fats and essential nutrients like vitamin A, D, and B12, which support brain function and overall health.

4. Enjoyment & Stress Relief

Let’s be honest—there’s something therapeutic about baking. The process of kneading, rolling, and frosting can be a great stress reliever, and enjoying a homemade cinnamon roll brings pure joy.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls
• Calories per Roll: ~350
• Macronutrients: 12g fat, 50g carbs, 6g protein

Ingredients List

The Dough:

• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon salt

The Cinnamon Filling:

• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup softened butter

The Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Activate the Yeast

1. Warm the milk to about 110°F (lukewarm but not too hot).
2. Stir in the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired.

Make the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, egg yolk, melted butter, and remaining sugar.
2. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 minutes, until soft and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 20 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
2. Soften the butter and set aside.

Roll and Fill

1. Roll the dough into a 14×9-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
2. Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.

Roll and Cut the Dough

1. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
2. Use a serrated knife or floss to cut it into 12 even rolls.

Second Rise

1. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes.

Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

Make the Cream Cheese Icing

1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

Frost and Serve

1. Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes, then spread the icing over the warm rolls.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with coffee or tea.
• Sprinkle with chopped pecans for extra crunch.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Pairing Suggestions

• Beverages: Chai tea, cappuccino, or hot cocoa.
• Side Dishes: Fresh fruit salad, yogurt, or scrambled eggs.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Microwave for 15–20 seconds to soften.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not activating the yeast properly.
• Overbaking, which leads to dry rolls.
• Using cold ingredients, which slows down rising.

Pro Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients for the best results.
• Roll the dough evenly to prevent thin spots.
• Let the rolls cool slightly before adding icing to prevent melting.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls Without a Stand Mixer

If you don’t have a stand mixer, don’t worry! You can still make these cinnamon rolls by hand with just a little extra effort. Start by mixing the wet ingredients in a large bowl, then gradually add the flour while stirring with a wooden spoon. Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a floured surface and knead it for about 8–10 minutes. The key is to develop the gluten structure, which gives the rolls their soft and fluffy texture. Look for a smooth and slightly elastic dough that bounces back when you press it. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it—too much flour will make the rolls dense. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise as directed. Making the dough by hand might take a few extra minutes, but the results are just as good as using a mixer!

The Secret to Extra Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

For cinnamon rolls that are extra gooey, there are a few tricks you can use. First, make sure to use softened, not melted, butter in the filling. Softened butter spreads evenly and helps the brown sugar and cinnamon stick to the dough, creating that classic caramelized gooey texture. Second, don’t skimp on the cinnamon-sugar mixture—a generous filling means more gooey goodness. If you want them even stickier, try pouring a little heavy cream over the rolls just before baking. This technique, sometimes called the TikTok cinnamon roll hack, helps create a rich, caramel-like bottom layer. Finally, if you prefer your rolls super soft, bake them until they are just lightly golden on top—overbaking can dry them out. Let them rest for a few minutes after baking, then slather on the icing while they’re still warm so it melts into every layer.

How to Make Cinnamon Rolls Ahead of Time

If you want fresh cinnamon rolls in the morning without waking up early, you can prepare them the night before. Follow the recipe all the way through rolling and cutting the dough into rolls. Instead of letting them rise at room temperature, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The cold slows down the yeast activity, allowing the rolls to rise slowly while you sleep. In the morning, take them out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking. This allows the yeast to fully activate and gives the dough a final proof. Bake as usual, then frost and enjoy! If you prefer, you can also freeze the unbaked rolls for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight and follow the same steps. This method is perfect for holidays or busy mornings when you want fresh cinnamon rolls without the wait.

How to Make Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

If you want a dairy-free or vegan version of these cinnamon rolls, it’s easier than you think. Instead of butter, use vegan butter or coconut oil, both of which work well for the dough and filling. For the milk, swap it with almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk—just make sure it’s warm to activate the yeast. The eggs can be replaced with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and left to sit for 5 minutes). The dough will still turn out soft and fluffy without eggs. For the icing, replace the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese or simply make a glaze with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and dairy-free milk. With these substitutions, you’ll still get delicious, fluffy cinnamon rolls that everyone can enjoy, whether they’re vegan or not!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these ahead? Yes! You can refrigerate the dough overnight and bake fresh in the morning.

Can I use instant yeast? Yes, but skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour.

Conclusion & Call to Action

These one-hour cinnamon rolls are fast, easy, and incredibly delicious. If you try this recipe, leave a comment or tag me on social media—I’d love to see your results!

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