Recipe for 1-Hour Cinnamon Rolls is made of fluffy dough, cinnamon sugar, and delicious, easy-to-make icing. Enjoy this quick & easy cinnamon roll recipe with a hot cup of coffee!
I don’t think there’s an aroma I love more than freshly baked cinnamon rolls in the oven. Hands down one of the most recognizable kitchen smell that just makes my mouth water! These one-hour cinnamon rolls take a bit of a shortcut, but they don’t skimp on any of the taste and texture we love about traditional rolls.
We’re using instant yeast which means we’re not waiting for hours for the dough to rise. Even still, we’re working with yeast, so I will walk you through it step by step. It’s going to be great!
You’ll want to keep this recipe for quick and easy cinnamon rolls handy. Not only are they great for whipping up a batch when the cravings hit, but they are also a wonderful treat for the holidays. From Christmas morning brunch to Easter dessert. Enjoy them anytime!
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Recipe Tips
- Test your yeast. Even though we’re using instant yeast, we still need it to work! Make sure it’s not expired. If it is, discard it and use a fresh batch.
- Milk should be warm, not hot. One way to kill yeast is to add it to a liquid that’s too hot. If after you microwave the milk and butter it’s too hot, wait til it cools to warm before adding in the yeast.
- Make sure you reserve some of the flour. This is so that you can adjust the consistency of the dough as it kneads. If it’s too sticky, you want to add a bit more.
- The best place to rest the dough is in a warm dry area. The warmth will help activate the yeast and will help the dough rise faster, like a closed oven with a light on.
- Trim the ends of the log roll. If you want to have neat-looking, even cinnamon rolls, you can trim the edges with dental floss, so that way you expose the ends to look like every other roll.
- The icing sugar can be as thick or as thin as you want. If it’s too thick, add more milk until it’s at your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Do not add icing to super hot cinnamon rolls because it will just melt away and become a thin, runny glaze. Wait until they cool just a bit!
Ingredients Needed
- Milk: Used in the dough as well as the icing sugar. Any type of milk will do, but one with a higher fat content will add a bit of extra richness to the dough.
- Butter: The fat needed to create moisture in the dough, so we’re using melted butter but also softened butter to spread over the dough to help the cinnamon sugar stick before rolling it up.
- All-purpose flour: The structure of the dough needs flour that will hold but also stay light and fluffy, so all-purpose is excellent for that.
- Granulated sugar: Needed to sweeten the dough itself as well as be a part of the cinnamon and sugar combination.
- Brown sugar: Adds a bit of a caramel flavor to the cinnamon sugar mix.
- Powdered sugar: Used along with milk to make simple icing sugar.
- Salt: Helps to enhance the flavor of all of the other ingredients, making sure the dough isn’t bland.
- Instant yeast: Also called rapid yeast. Make sure you’re not using regular active dry yeast!
- Egg: For binding of the dough.
- Cinnamon: Can’t have cinnamon rolls without cinnamon!
How to Make 1 Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Grab two bowls. First, you’ll heat the milk and butter in a microwave. Once the milk is warm and the butter has melted, sprinkle in the yeast and set it aside. In the other bowl, add the flour, reserving ½ cup which you’ll set aside, then add the sugar and salt. Give it a stir.
Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the flour mixture along with an egg and the milk, butter, and yeast mixture. Using a dough hook attachment, knead on medium-low until combined. If the dough is sticking add more flour until the ball forms away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 3: Remove the hook attachment (or remove the bowl) and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Meanwhile, mix sugars and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside while you roll out the dough into a 14x9 rectangle. Spread softened butter across the entire surface, then sprinkle an even layer of the cinnamon and sugar mixture overtop.
Step 5: Roll it up into a log, starting along the longer side. Once you’ve formed the log, use dental floss or a sharp knife to cut it into rolls. Place them side by side in a greased baking sheet, cover them, and allow them to rise for 10 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Step 6: Uncover the rolls and bake them for 15-20 minutes until golden in color. Allow them to cool for a few minutes and then drizzle or slather with icing sugar, made with milk and powdered sugar, and enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee!
Recipe FAQs
You’ll know because they are golden and color and when you stick a toothpick into the centermost part of the dough, it should come out clean.
Absolutely! You can use whatever frosting you like. Cream cheese frosting is always a fantastic alternative.
If you’re lucky enough to have any of these 1 hour cinnamon rolls left, you can freeze them once they have completely cooled.
Store them in an airtight container or freezer-friendly bag. When you want one or two, take them out and thaw them overnight so they’re ready to be enjoyed in the morning!
If you want to warm them up a quick zap in the microwave will do it!
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📖 Recipe
Easy 1-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup butter
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour divided 3 cups & ½ cups
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant or ‘rapid rise’ yeast
- 1 egg
For the Filling:
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup butter softened
For the Icing:
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Milk and Yeast: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine milk and butter. Heat in the microwave for about 1 minute, stirring every 20 seconds, until the butter is melted and milk is warm.
- Remove from microwave and allow to cool to warm temperature (not hot). Sprinkle yeast over the warm milk mixture, stir gently, and set aside for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour mixture with the egg and milk-yeast mixture. Using the dough hook, mix on medium-low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
- If the dough sticks to the bowl, gradually add the remaining ½ cup of flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides.
- Knead the Dough: Continue mixing for an additional 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling. Mix well and set aside.
- Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 14 x 9 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
- Shape the Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from the 14-inch edge. If desired, trim the ends for a neater finish. Use dental floss or a sharp knife to cut the roll into 10-12 equal pieces.
- Rise the Rolls: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise in a warm place for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Icing: In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (if using), whisking until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Bake: Once the rolls have risen, uncover and bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling with icing. Serve warm with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy your delicious cinnamon rolls!
Notes
- Use Warm Ingredients: Ensure your milk and butter are warm, but not hot (around 110°F or 43°C). This helps activate the yeast quickly, reducing rising time.
- Knead Well: Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This promotes gluten development, which is essential for a good rise.
- Warm Environment: Proof the dough in a warm, draft-free area, like an oven that’s turned off but the light ON. You can also cover it with a warm towel to create a cozy environment.
- Roll Thin: Roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick. This not only makes it easier to roll up but ensures there’s more surface area for the filling, resulting in better flavor distribution.
- Cut Uniformly: When slicing the rolls, use a sharp knife or dental floss. This helps maintain their shape and size, allowing for even baking.
- Glaze While Warm: Drizzle the glaze over the rolls while they are still warm from the oven. This allows the glaze to soak in, enhancing the flavor and moisture.
- Extras: Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture and flavor. Or if you prefer a gooier cinnamon roll, increase the amounts of butter and sugars slightly in the filling.
With these tips, your 1-hour cinnamon rolls will be fluffy, flavorful, and a delightful treat! Enjoy the baking process! Don't forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes and tips! Your support inspires me to keep creating!
Nutrition
Happy Baking!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood
Thank you for sharing these!! They look amazing! We're big cinnamon roll fans over here, though I usually stick to overnight ones to make life a little easier- a one hour option is awesome!
Munchkin Time
Thank you Morgan, I am glad you like this recipe!
Jhuls | The Not So Creative Cook
These look fantastic. I love cinnamon rolls, too, and sometimes the waiting process is to much. I love that this is a one-hour recipe.
By the way, I also have a fabulous recipe that comes in the same shape. 😀 It takes more than an hour, but it is really worth it. In case you want to check it out: https://thenotsocreativecook.wordpress.com/2015/12/25/from-selmas-table-nutella-espresso-sticky-buns-for-fiesta-friday-100/
Thanks!
x Jhuls
Munchkin Time
Thank you, I am so glad you like this recipe!
Lexie Robinson
These look so good! Thanks for sharing.
I found you at Raising Homemakers.
Lexie
http://www.thegenesisfeminist.com
Munchkin Time
Thank you for stopping by Lexie!