Cinnamon rolls don’t need to take all morning. These soft, sweet cinnamon rolls are ready in just one hour — and you won’t believe how fluffy and gooey they are! With a rich cinnamon sugar swirl and silky cream cheese frosting, they’re the kind of breakfast treat that turns a regular morning into something special. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, brunch, or simply craving warm baked goodness, this is the only quick cinnamon roll recipe you’ll ever need.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One hour from start to finish — no overnight proofing
- Ooey gooey centers with soft, pillowy dough
- Made with pantry basics — no fancy ingredients required
- Perfect cream cheese frosting — smooth, sweet, and spreads like a dream
- Freezer-friendly — bake ahead for breakfast anytime
Ingredients
For the Dough
- ½ cup warm milk (100–110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ – 3 cups all-purpose flour (add gradually)
For the Filling
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, mix warm milk and melted butter. Stir in sugar and yeast. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy. - Make the Dough
Add egg, salt, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead briefly, then cover and let rise in a warm oven (turned off) for 10 minutes. - Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until creamy. - Roll and Fill
Roll dough into a 14×18-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread filling evenly across dough. - Roll and Cut
Roll tightly from the short end to form a log. Slice into 12 rolls using a serrated knife. - Bake
Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden. - Frost and Serve
While rolls cool slightly, beat frosting ingredients until smooth. Spread over warm rolls and enjoy!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
Nutrition Facts (Per Roll – Approximate)
- Calories: 310
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 14g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 18g
Tips & Variations
- Use a thermometer for perfect yeast activation (100–110°F)
- Avoid too much flour — add just until dough is soft and workable
- No cream cheese? Use a vanilla glaze instead (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla)
- Make ahead — Freeze unbaked or baked rolls for later
- Want less sweet? Reduce sugar in filling to taste
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight before baking, or freeze them unbaked and bake when needed.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep covered at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I freeze these?
Absolutely. Freeze baked (unfrosted or frosted) or unbaked rolls. Reheat gently and frost after warming.
Cinnamon Rolls
Equipment
- – Mixing bowls
- – Measuring cups
- Rolling Pin
- – 9×13” baking dish
- – Serrated knife
- – Hand mixer
Ingredients
- **Dough:**
- – ½ cup warm milk 100–110°F
- – ¼ cup butter melted
- – 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- – ¼ cup granulated sugar
- – 1 egg
- – ½ tsp salt
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- – 2½ – 3 cups all-purpose flour
- **Filling:**
- – ⅓ cup softened butter
- – ½ cup brown sugar
- – ¼ cup sugar
- – 1½ tbsp cinnamon
- – 1 tsp vanilla
- **Frosting:**
- – 4 oz cream cheese
- – 1 cup powdered sugar
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- – 1–2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Mix milk, butter, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 10 min.
- Add egg, salt, vanilla, and flour to form dough.
- Knead briefly, rest 10 min in warm oven.
- Mix filling and roll out dough into rectangle.
- Spread filling, roll into log, slice into 12.
- Bake in greased 9×13 pan at 350°F for 20–25 min.
- Make frosting and spread on warm rolls.
Notes
– Add nuts or raisins for variation
– Freeze unbaked rolls for later
Conclusion
Cinnamon rolls this soft and gooey usually require hours of rising time — but not anymore. This one-hour recipe delivers big on flavor and texture with half the effort. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weekend treat, these quick cinnamon rolls will have everyone asking for seconds.