Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Delicious, warm, and gooey cinnamon rolls made in just one hour — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the dough
- 1 cup milk (I recommend whole or 2%) Heated to a temperature of 100-110°F
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick) Melted for the dough
- 1 packet active dry yeast (0.25 ounces) Ensure it’s not expired
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg At room temperature
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
For the filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the icing
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened At room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 Tbsp milk Add 1 tbsp at a time until desired consistency is reached
Instructions
Preparation of Dough
- Melt 1/2-stick unsalted butter in a microwave for 40-45 seconds.
- Pour melted butter into a medium-sized bowl and set aside.
- Heat milk in the microwave for 45 seconds and pour into the bowl with melted butter.
- Stir in sugar and yeast packet until dissolved, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to the lowest setting (170°F).
- After 10 minutes, add in egg, salt, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture.
- Add flour in 1/2 cup increments, folding until combined.
- Form dough into a round ball, cover with a tea cloth, and place in the warm oven for 10 minutes to proof.
Making the Filling and Rolling the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract for the filling using an electric mixer.
- Remove proofed dough, roll it into a 14” x 18” rectangle and 1/4” thick.
- Spread the cinnamon sugar butter mixture over the rolled dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from the short side to form a log.
- Pre-mark dough into 12 even slices and cut using a serrated knife.
Baking
- Place cinnamon rolls in a greased 9x13 baking pan.
- Bake in preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
Making the Icing
- Combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Add more milk for desired icing consistency.
- Spread icing on warm cinnamon rolls and enjoy.
Notes
Ensure ingredients are at room temperature. If yeast does not froth, start again. Adjust cinnamon and sugar according to taste. Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for a variation.