If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to freshly baked, ooey gooey cinnamon rolls without spending hours in the kitchen, you’re in for a treat. This Easy One Hour Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving that warm, comforting sweetness with a tender dough and a luscious cream cheese glaze. In just about an hour, you get to enjoy the magic of soft, cinnamon-spiced rolls that practically melt in your mouth, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime a cozy indulgence calls.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together beautifully to create that soft dough and rich filling. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding sweetness, moisture, or that signature cinnamon kick, ensuring the rolls are as delicious as they are easy to whip up.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, provides structure and softness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the cinnamon.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly, making this an easy one hour recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Gives the dough elasticity and a golden color.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: For the cinnamon sugar filling, ensures a gooey texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings warmth and caramel notes to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes cinnamon rolls irresistible.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: The base of the luscious glaze that adds tang and sweetness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Combined with cream cheese for a creamy finish.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze for that perfect drizzle.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and a hint of warmth to the glaze.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency to silky perfection.
How to Make Easy One Hour Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by combining 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and egg, stirring until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour to form a soft dough that’s not too sticky but still tender to the touch.
Step 2: Knead and Rest
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This is the secret to those soft and fluffy rolls you’ll love. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest for 10 minutes to start the rise.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is resting, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This sweet, spicy filling is what makes these rolls ooey gooey and deeply satisfying with every bite.
Step 4: Roll and Fill
Roll the dough into a 12×15-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the surface, ensuring every corner gets a generous coating. Then roll the dough tightly from one long edge into a log, and slice it into 12 equal rolls with a sharp knife or dental floss.
Step 5: Rise and Bake
Place the cinnamon rolls into a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover and let them rise for an additional 15 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and irresistible.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls bake, whip together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. This glaze is where the “ooey gooey” magic happens, adding a creamy, tangy sweetness that transforms these rolls into a true delight.
Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy
Once the rolls are warm out of the oven, generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top. The glaze will melt slightly into the rolls, making each bite gloriously sticky and flavorful. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Easy One Hour Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon powder can add a lovely touch to these rolls. Fresh berries on the side also brighten the plate and add a pop of color and tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet glaze.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn this recipe into a full brunch event, serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a savory balance. A fresh fruit salad or a smoothie can also complement the warm cinnamon flavor perfectly without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls stacked high on a rustic wooden board for a casual brunch feel, or place them in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. You can also experiment with flavored glazes, like adding a hint of lemon zest or maple syrup for a new twist on the classic glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They remain soft, but the glaze may slightly set, so you’ll want to reheat them gently to revive that ooey gooey texture.
Freezing
This Easy One Hour Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the unbaked rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze, then thaw and bake as directed for fresh-tasting rolls anytime. You can also freeze baked rolls, just be sure to cover them well to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen cinnamon rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. Warmth brings back their softness and refreshes that gooey glaze, making every bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without cream cheese in the glaze?
Absolutely! You can replace the cream cheese with extra butter or mascarpone for a different flavor profile. The glaze will still be deliciously creamy and sweet, but cream cheese adds that signature tang that pairs perfectly with cinnamon rolls.
Is it necessary to let the dough rest twice?
Yes, the two resting periods are essential for developing flavor and texture. The first rest allows the gluten to relax after kneading, and the second rise after shaping lets the rolls become light and fluffy instead of dense.
Can I use all whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
While you can substitute some whole wheat flour, using all whole wheat flour may make the rolls denser and less tender. Mixing half whole wheat with half all-purpose can give you great flavor with a lighter texture.
How can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?
Swap the milk for a plant-based milk like almond or oat, and use vegan butter alternatives. For the glaze, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes. The rolls will still be deliciously ooey and gooey without dairy.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight to bake fresh in the morning. Just cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to come to room temperature and rise before rolling and baking.
Final Thoughts
This Easy One Hour Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a total joy to make and even more joyful to eat. Whether you’re a cinnamon roll lover or just looking for a quick homemade treat, these rolls deliver on flavor, texture, and comfort in no time. I encourage you to dive into the process and share these warm, sticky delights with family and friends—you’ll be amazed at how fast they disappear!
Print
Easy One Hour Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and incredibly gooey with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a quick homemade treat, they come together in just one hour, making them an ideal sweet breakfast or dessert option with minimal waiting time.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until smooth, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon thoroughly until well combined to create the cinnamon filling.
- Shape the Rolls: Roll the rested dough into a 12×15-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal-sized rolls.
- Proof the Rolls: Place the 12 rolls into a greased baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly but have some space to expand. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for 15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
- Make the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, combine softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2-3 tablespoons of milk. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the cinnamon rolls are baked and still warm, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top. Serve immediately for the best ooey-gooey experience.
Notes
- Use warm milk (about 110°F) to activate the yeast properly but avoid overheating, which can kill it.
- Make sure the butter for the filling is softened to spread easily and blend well with the sugar and cinnamon.
- The dough rises relatively quickly due to instant yeast; do not over-rise to keep rolls tender.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with margarine and cream cheese glaze with a vegan frosting alternative.
- Leftover cinnamon rolls can be reheated in the microwave for 15-20 seconds; add extra glaze if desired.
