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
Scale
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.
