One Hour Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch: A Delicious Quick Recipe

If you’re a fan of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls but don’t have hours to spend waiting for dough to rise, this one-hour cinnamon roll recipe is the perfect solution. These cinnamon rolls come together quickly without sacrificing flavor or texture, making them ideal for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or any occasion where you want to enjoy a sweet treat fast.

The secret to speeding up the process lies in using instant yeast, which reduces the rising time significantly. With a soft, fluffy dough, cinnamon-sugar filling, and a creamy frosting, these cinnamon rolls will become a favorite in your recipe collection.

If you’re new to working with yeast or baking cinnamon rolls, check out these tips on working with yeast to ensure perfect results.

Ingredients for One Hour Cinnamon Rolls

Before we dive into the steps, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup softened butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Raisins or dried fruit

Step-by-Step Guide to Making One Hour Cinnamon Rolls

Let’s break down the steps to achieve fluffy, from-scratch cinnamon rolls in just one hour.

1. Preparing the Dough

The first step is making the dough. Using instant yeast will cut down the rising time, allowing you to have rolls ready much faster.

Instructions:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Warm the Milk: Heat the milk until it’s warm but not hot (around 110°F). Stir the melted butter and egg into the warm milk.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until the dough comes together.
4. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Rest the Dough: Let the dough rest for 5-10 minutes. While not required, this step helps to develop the dough’s texture.

For tips on how to handle yeast and ensure your dough rises properly, visit Working with yeast.

2. Rolling Out the Dough and Adding the Filling

Now that the dough is ready, it’s time to roll it out and add the classic cinnamon-sugar filling.

Instructions:

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
2. Spread the Butter: Spread softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
3. Add the Filling: Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the buttered dough.
4. Roll Up the Dough: Starting at one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly into a log.
5. Cut into Rolls: Slice the dough into 1-inch thick rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

3. Quick Baking for Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls

Once the rolls are cut, you’re ready to bake them.

Instructions:

1. Place in the Pan: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
2. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.

4. Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting so it’s ready to spread once the rolls come out of the oven.

Instructions:

1. Whip the Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and spreadable.

5. Frosting and Serving the Cinnamon Rolls

Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before adding the frosting.

Instructions:

1. Frost the Rolls: Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls so it melts into the crevices.
2. Serve Warm: These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, with the frosting melting over the top.

If you’re looking for more ideas on making perfect frosting for cinnamon rolls, check out this cream cheese frosting recipe.

Variations of One Hour Cinnamon Rolls

Here are a few variations to make these cinnamon rolls your own:

1. Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze

For a lighter topping, you can replace the cream cheese frosting with a vanilla glaze.

• Instructions: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls just before serving.

2. Cinnamon Rolls with Pecans or Walnuts

For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling up the dough.

• Instructions: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling. This adds a delicious crunch to every bite.

3. Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting

For a fall-inspired variation, replace the cream cheese frosting with a maple frosting.

• Instructions: Add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to the cream cheese frosting. The maple flavor complements the cinnamon perfectly.

FAQs About One Hour Cinnamon Rolls

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but it may increase the rising time by 10-15 minutes. Instant yeast is preferred because it helps the dough rise faster.

2. How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the rolls before serving.

3. Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Yes, cinnamon rolls can be frozen. You can freeze them either before baking (after cutting the rolls) or after they’ve been baked. If freezing before baking, place the rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

4. What if my dough doesn’t rise enough?

Ensure that your milk is warm, but not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. Additionally, make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired. If you’re using active dry yeast instead of instant yeast, the rising time may be slightly longer.

Conclusion: Fast, Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls in Just One Hour

One hour cinnamon rolls from scratch are a game-changer for anyone craving cinnamon rolls without the long wait. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have freshly baked, warm cinnamon rolls on your table in under an hour. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the variations, these cinnamon rolls are sure to become a go-to recipe for quick and easy indulgence.

For additional tips on making the perfect dough, check out these perfect cinnamon roll dough tips, which provide insights on handling dough and achieving the ideal texture.