One Hour Cinnamon Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect solution when you’re craving warm, gooey cinnamon rolls but don’t want to wait for hours of rising time. These soft, fluffy rolls are filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with a rich cream cheese glaze, all ready in just about 60 minutes. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, these rolls bring bakery-level goodness to your kitchen fast.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
salt
instant yeast
warm milk
unsalted butter
egg
brown sugar
ground cinnamon
cream cheese
powdered sugar
vanilla extract
milk (for thinning glaze, if needed)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Add melted butter, egg, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 3–5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Roll the dough out into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.

Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.

Tightly roll up the dough from the long side and slice into even rolls.

Place the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Let them rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

While baking, prepare the glaze by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a bit of milk until smooth.

Spread the glaze over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 cinnamon rolls.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 60–65 minutes

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty crunch.
Use orange zest in the glaze for a citrusy twist.
Replace cream cheese glaze with a simple vanilla icing.
Add raisins or dried cranberries for extra texture and sweetness.

storage/reheating

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
You can also freeze them (unglazed) for up to 2 months—thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?

Yes, just proof it in the warm milk with sugar for 10 minutes before using.

Why didn’t my rolls rise well?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk is warm—not hot—to activate the yeast.

Can I prepare these the night before?

You can prepare and shape the rolls, refrigerate overnight, then let them rise at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk, margarine or oil, and a dairy-free glaze alternative.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes, simply reduce all ingredients by half and use a smaller baking dish.

Do I need a stand mixer?

No, you can mix and knead the dough by hand—it just takes a few extra minutes.

What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?

Use a butter-based glaze or mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla.

How do I keep the rolls soft?

Don’t overbake and store them in an airtight container once cool.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can substitute up to half with whole wheat flour, but rolls may be denser.

How thin should I roll the dough?

About ¼-inch thick to ensure even filling and rolling.

Conclusion

One Hour Cinnamon Rolls offer all the comfort of classic cinnamon rolls in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re baking for a special morning or satisfying a sudden craving, these quick rolls deliver tender dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and luscious glaze in just an hour. Fast, fluffy, and full of flavor—this recipe is a game-changer for cinnamon roll lovers.

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