Try Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for soft, delicious, ooey gooey homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing in just 1 hour. These cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast gatherings, family brunches, or even a cozy weekend treat. What makes this recipe special is the quick preparation time without sacrificing flavor or texture. You’ll have warm, fresh cinnamon rolls ready to enjoy in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just one hour from start to finish, you can satisfy your cravings without the long wait.
- Soft and Gooey: The texture is perfectly soft and gooey, making them irresistible to everyone.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a breakfast treat or a dessert with cream cheese icing for added sweetness.
- Homemade Flavor: Experience the comforting taste of homemade cinnamon rolls right in your kitchen.
- No Rise Time Needed: Unlike traditional recipes, this one skips the long rising processes, making it ideal for busy mornings.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the essential tools before starting your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. Having everything ready will help you follow the steps seamlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Dough scraper or sharp knife
- Baking pan (9×13)
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Tea cloth or plastic wrap
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric hand mixer: Makes mixing ingredients effortless and ensures a smooth consistency for both dough and icing.
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly to achieve the perfect thickness.
- Dough scraper or sharp knife: Helps in cutting the rolls neatly without squeezing out the filling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (I recommend whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 packet (0.25 ounce) active dry yeast (make sure it’s not expired!)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 Tbsp milk (add 1 tbsp at a time)
How to Make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Begin by melting 1/2 stick of unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl for about 40–45 seconds until melted. Pour it into a medium-sized bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
- Heat the milk in the same microwave-safe bowl for about 45 seconds. Combine it with the melted butter.
- Ensure that the mixture’s temperature is between 100–110 degrees F; use a digital thermometer if available.
Step 3: Mix Yeast Mixture
- Stir in the granulated sugar and yeast until dissolved.
- Cover with a tea cloth or plastic wrap and let sit for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Preheat Oven
- While waiting for the yeast mixture to activate, preheat your oven to its lowest setting (around 170 degrees F).
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- After 10 minutes, check that your yeast mixture is frothy. Remove the towel and add in one egg, salt, and vanilla extract.
Step 6: Add Flour
- Gradually add flour in increments of half a cup while folding with a spatula until combined. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky.
Step 7: Proofing Time
- Form dough into a ball, cover it with a tea cloth, turn off the oven, and place it inside to proof for an additional 10 minutes.
Step 8: Make Cinnamon Filling
- In another mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to blend softened butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 9: Roll Out Dough
- Once proofed, place dough on a lightly floured surface and roll into a rectangle measuring approximately 14” x 18” and about ¼” thick.
Step 10: Spread Filling
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Use an offset spatula to spread the cinnamon filling over the rolled-out dough almost to its edges.
Step 11: Roll Dough Into Log
- Start rolling tightly from one short side away from you to form a log shape.
Step 12: Cut Cinnamon Rolls
- Pre-mark slices by dividing the rolled dough into halves then quarters. Finally cut each section into three slices for twelve even pieces total using slow sawing motions.
Step 13: Bake Rolls
- Place cinnamon rolls into a greased baking pan and bake at 350 degrees F for about 20–25 minutes or until they turn light golden brown.
Step 14: Cooling Time
- Allow rolls to cool on a wire rack for about ten minutes after baking.
Step 15: Prepare Cream Cheese Icing
- In another bowl, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust milk quantity based on desired consistency.
Step 16: Serve
- Drizzle cream cheese icing over warm rolls before serving. Enjoy this delightful treat!
How to Serve Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Serving your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe can elevate the experience for you and your guests. These soft, gooey rolls are not only delicious on their own but can also be paired with various accompaniments to enhance their flavor.
Pair with Coffee
- Enjoy a warm cinnamon roll alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a perfect morning treat.
Add Fresh Fruit
- Serving with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas adds a refreshing touch and balances the sweetness.
Top with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of whipped cream adds an airy texture that complements the rich cream cheese icing.
Serve with Ice Cream
- For a decadent dessert, serve your cinnamon rolls warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Drizzle with Maple Syrup
- A light drizzle of maple syrup enhances the sweetness and provides a delightful flavor contrast.
Garnish with Nuts
- Chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top provide a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the soft rolls.

How to Perfect Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
To ensure your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date on your active dry yeast. Fresh yeast will give your rolls the best rise and fluffiness.
Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. This prevents dense rolls caused by excess flour.
Warm Environment for Proofing: If your kitchen is cold, find a warm spot for proofing. A slightly warmed oven (turned off) is ideal.
Don’t Overbake: Watch your rolls closely while baking. Remove them from the oven when they are lightly golden brown to keep them soft.
Customize Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings like nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins for unique flavor combinations.
Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the cinnamon rolls warm right out of the oven. They taste best when they are fresh!
Best Side Dishes for Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Complementing your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe with side dishes can create a balanced meal suitable for any occasion. Here are some great options:
Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and make for a hearty breakfast alongside sweet cinnamon rolls.
Bacon or Sausage Links: The savory flavors of crispy bacon or sausage links pair wonderfully with sweet cinnamon rolls.
Yogurt Parfait: A yogurt parfait layered with granola and fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the rich cinnamon rolls.
Fresh Salad: A light green salad drizzled with vinaigrette provides a crisp and healthy side option that balances sweetness.
Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and savory flavor, making them an excellent side dish for brunch.
Sliced Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado toast brings healthy fats to your meal and offers a modern twist that complements sweet flavors well.
Fruit Smoothie: A berry or banana smoothie can be served as a refreshing beverage choice that pairs nicely with breakfast treats.
Chia Seed Pudding: This nutritious pudding can be made ahead of time and provides an interesting contrast in texture to soft cinnamon rolls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, avoiding common pitfalls can ensure perfect results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Ignoring yeast freshness: Always check that your yeast is not expired. Fresh yeast is crucial for dough rising.
- Overheating liquids: If the milk and butter mixture is too hot, it can kill the yeast. Aim for a temperature of 100-110 degrees F.
- Skipping dough proofing: Allowing the dough to proof is essential for a light and fluffy roll. Don’t skip this step, even if you’re short on time.
- Cutting rolls unevenly: Using a serrated knife with slow, gentle motions helps create evenly sized rolls. This ensures they bake uniformly.
- Not letting rolls cool before icing: Icing warm rolls can cause it to melt away. Allow them to cool slightly for better icing adherence.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh.
Freezing Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Freeze unbaked rolls before baking for up to 2 months.
- Place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm rolls for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual rolls for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a covered pan over low heat, adding a few drops of water to create steam, warming for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe:
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling in advance, then refrigerate overnight before rolling and baking.
What makes this an Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
This recipe uses quick-rise techniques and simplifies traditional methods, allowing you to enjoy delicious cinnamon rolls in just one hour!
Can I customize the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
How do I ensure my cinnamon rolls are fluffy?
Properly activate your yeast and allow the dough to proof in a warm environment without drafts.
Final Thoughts
The Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering warmth and comfort in every bite. With its customizable options like adding nuts or chocolate chips, this recipe invites creativity while delivering delightful results. Give it a try and savor the joy of fresh homemade cinnamon rolls!
Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Satisfy your sweet cravings with this Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, perfect for any occasion! In just one hour, you can create soft, gooey cinnamon rolls topped with a luscious cream cheese icing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for filling)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon
- 4 ounces cream cheese (for icing)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-4 Tbsp milk (for icing, add 1 tbsp at a time)
Instructions
- Melt the butter and heat the milk until warm (100–110°F). Combine with yeast and sugar; let sit for 10 minutes.
- Mix in the egg and salt. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
- Allow dough to proof in a warm spot for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the filling by mixing softened butter, sugars, and cinnamon.
- Roll out the dough, spread the filling, and roll tightly into a log before slicing into rolls.
- Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Whip up your cream cheese icing and drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg








