Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls: Quick & Delicious Recipe

Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls: the very words conjure up images of warm, gooey goodness, don’t they? Imagine biting into a perfectly soft, sweet roll, the cinnamon swirling around your taste buds, all without spending half your day in the kitchen. That’s the promise of this recipe, and trust me, it delivers!

Cinnamon rolls, in their various forms, have been a beloved treat for centuries. While their exact origins are debated, many believe they evolved from similar spiced bread traditions in Northern Europe. Over time, they’ve become a staple in bakeries and homes worldwide, a symbol of comfort and indulgence.

But let’s be honest, who has hours to dedicate to making cinnamon rolls from scratch? That’s where this recipe for easy one hour cinnamon rolls comes in. People adore cinnamon rolls for their irresistible combination of flavors and textures: the soft, pillowy dough, the warm, spicy cinnamon filling, and the sweet, creamy frosting. This recipe captures all of that deliciousness in a fraction of the time. The secret? A clever shortcut that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delightful treats, perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy weeknight dessert.

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• For the Filling:
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk, or more to reach desired consistency

Preparing the Dough:

1. Proof the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This step is crucial to ensure your yeast is active and will help your cinnamon rolls rise properly. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it might be old or the milk might be too hot or cold. You’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast is foamy, add the sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg to the bowl. Whisk everything together until well combined. Make sure the melted butter isn’t too hot, or it could cook the egg.
3. Gradually Add Flour: Begin adding the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. I usually start with 3 ½ cups and then add more as needed. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not so sticky that it’s impossible to handle.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl and form a smooth ball.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. This quick rise is what makes these cinnamon rolls so fast! I often preheat my oven to 200°F, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise. Just be sure the oven isn’t too hot!

Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until everything is evenly combined and forms a paste-like consistency. Make sure your butter is truly softened, or it will be difficult to mix.
2. Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Try to keep the rectangle as even as possible for uniform cinnamon rolls.
3. Spread the Filling: Spread the softened butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough rectangle. Make sure to spread it all the way to the edges. This will ensure that every bite is filled with delicious cinnamon flavor.
4. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it tightly. This will prevent the cinnamon rolls from unraveling during baking.
5. Cut the Cinnamon Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. I find that dental floss works really well for this, as it doesn’t squish the rolls. To use dental floss, slide a piece of floss under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to cut.
6. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange them evenly, leaving a little space between each roll. This will allow them to rise and bake evenly.

Baking the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Second Rise: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the cinnamon rolls rise for another 15 minutes. This second rise will make them even more fluffy and delicious.
2. Preheat the Oven: While the cinnamon rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 200°F (93°C). If the tops are browning too quickly, you can tent the baking dish with foil.
4. Cool Slightly: Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before frosting. This will prevent the frosting from melting completely.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Combine Ingredients: While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and softened butter. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are truly softened, or the frosting will be lumpy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will prevent the powdered sugar from flying everywhere.
3. Add Vanilla and Milk: Add the vanilla extract and milk. Beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. I like my frosting to be thick enough to hold its shape, but still easy to spread.

Frosting and Serving:

1. Frost the Cinnamon Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can use a spatula or a knife to spread the frosting.
2. Serve: Serve the cinnamon rolls warm and enjoy! These are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Tips for Success:

• Use Warm Milk: The milk should be warm to the touch, but not hot. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cinnamon rolls. Mix until just combined.
• Use Softened Butter: Softened butter is essential for both the filling and the frosting. It will make them easier to mix and spread.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking the cinnamon rolls can make them dry. Bake until they are golden brown and cooked through.
• Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling and frosting to your liking.

Variations:

• Add Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty flavor.
• Add Raisins: Add raisins to the filling for a chewy texture.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger.
• Make a Maple Frosting: Substitute maple syrup for the vanilla extract in the frosting for a maple flavor.
• Add a Glaze: Instead of cream cheese frosting, you can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are truly a game-changer. I know, I know, you might be thinking, “One hour? For cinnamon rolls? Impossible!” But trust me, it’s not only possible, it’s incredibly delicious. The soft, pillowy dough, the warm, spiced filling, and that sweet, creamy frosting – it all comes together in a symphony of flavors that will have everyone begging for more.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the obvious deliciousness and the impressive speed, it’s the sheer satisfaction of creating something so comforting and impressive with minimal effort. Forget spending hours kneading and waiting for dough to rise; this recipe streamlines the process without sacrificing any of the flavor or texture you crave in a perfect cinnamon roll. It’s the ideal recipe for busy weeknights when you want a special treat, or for those weekend mornings when you’re craving something warm and comforting but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Plus, the aroma that fills your home while these bake is simply divine!

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. While these cinnamon rolls are absolutely perfect as is, there are plenty of ways to customize them to your liking. For a richer, more decadent experience, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling. A sprinkle of raisins or dried cranberries would also be a delightful addition. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even experiment with different spices in the filling – a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg would add a unique and warming touch.

As for serving, these cinnamon rolls are fantastic on their own, warm from the oven. But they also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a truly indulgent experience, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They’re also a wonderful addition to any brunch spread, and they make a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends and family.

If you want to elevate the presentation, consider using a decorative baking dish or arranging the rolls in a spiral pattern before baking. A dusting of powdered sugar after frosting adds a touch of elegance. You can also make individual mini cinnamon rolls by cutting the dough into smaller pieces before rolling them up. These are perfect for parties or for portion control!

I’m so confident that you’ll love these Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls that I urge you to give them a try. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of baking; this recipe is incredibly straightforward and easy to follow. And the results are well worth the effort, I promise!

Once you’ve made them, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? Did you serve them with anything special? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your cinnamon roll adventures. Happy baking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! I know you will be making these Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls for years to come.

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