Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Delicious and quick cinnamon rolls that can be prepared in just one hour, filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with cream cheese icing.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (I recommend whole or 2%) Make sure it's warm for yeast activation.
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter Melted for dough.
- 1 packet active dry yeast (0.25 ounce) Ensure it’s not expired.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Plus more for dusting.
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Icing
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 Tbsp milk Add 1 tbsp. at a time for desired consistency.
Instructions
Dough Preparation
- Melt 1/2-stick unsalted butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl for 40-45 seconds.
- Heat the milk in the same bowl for 45 seconds. Check temperature between 100-110 degrees F.
- Stir in sugar and yeast, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- Add egg, salt, and vanilla extract into the yeast mixture.
- Incorporate flour in 1/2 cup increments until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.
- Cover dough with a tea cloth and place in a warm oven (turned OFF) for 10 minutes.
Filling Preparation
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until combined.
Rolling and Baking
- Roll dough into a 14" x 18" rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread cinnamon filling onto the dough almost to the edges.
- Tightly roll the dough into a log starting from the short side.
- Pre-mark the dough into 12 equal pieces and slice using a serrated knife.
- Place in a greased 9x13 baking pan and let rise for 10 minutes, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before icing.
Icing
- Using an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Spread icing over warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
Notes
For freshness, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate. Can be frozen before baking or after cooling.