One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and bursting with delightful cinnamon-sugar goodness, these One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat that you can whip up in no time at all! Forget about waiting overnight for the dough to rise; with this quick recipe, you can enjoy fresh, warm cinnamon rolls in just one hour. They make a wonderful addition to any breakfast or brunch spread and are perfect for satisfying a late-night dessert craving.

With a sweet vanilla glaze drizzled on top, these rolls are buttery, gooey, and simply irresistible. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend, preparing for a festive holiday breakfast, or celebrating a special occasion, this foolproof recipe is destined to become your favorite go-to for cinnamon rolls!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✔️ No Overnight Rise: Enjoy them in just one hour!
- ✔️ Soft & Gooey: Experience the fluffy dough paired with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling.
- ✔️ Easy to Make: Minimal kneading and simple ingredients make preparation a breeze.
- ✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for brunches, holidays, or desserts.
- ✔️ Customizable: Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or caramel for an extra flavor boost!
Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy.
- Add the melted butter, salt, and egg to the mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth.
Step 2: Roll & Fill the Dough
- Roll the dough into a rectangular shape, about 12×18 inches, on your floured surface.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly on top of the buttered dough.
Step 3: Shape & Slice
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape.
- Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
- Place the sliced rolls into the prepared baking dish, making sure to leave a little space between each roll.
Step 4: Quick Rise & Bake
- Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm spot for about 15 minutes. (Tip: For a warm rising environment, turn your oven to the lowest setting for a couple of minutes, then turn it off and place the rolls inside.)
- Bake the rolls for 20-22 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
Step 5: Make the Glaze & Serve
- In a separate bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls and serve them fresh!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve:
- For the best experience, enjoy these rolls warm right out of the oven.
- Complement them with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- For an extra treat, add more glaze or a light dusting of cinnamon before serving.
How to Store:
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days; reheat before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze baked rolls without the glaze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, reheat and then drizzle with glaze.
Helpful Notes
- Use Instant Yeast: This type of yeast works quickly, making your rolls easier to prepare.
- For Extra Gooey Rolls: Drizzle ¼ cup of warm heavy cream over the rolls before baking for a deliciously gooey result.
- Dental Floss Trick: Unflavored dental floss can be a great tool for cutting the rolls neatly without mashing them.
- Want a More Caramelized Bottom? Spread a bit of melted butter and brown sugar in the baking dish before placing the rolls inside.
- Double the Glaze: If you can’t get enough glaze, feel free to double the glaze recipe for a thicker drizzle.
FAQs
1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can! Just remember to proof the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk and sugar for about 10 minutes before mixing it with the other ingredients.
2. How do I get my dough to rise faster?
You can accelerate the rising process by placing the dough in a warm oven or near a sunny window.
3. Can I prepare these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Definitely! After shaping the rolls, you can cover them and place them in the refrigerator overnight. Just be sure to allow them to rise for 30 minutes at room temperature before baking the next day.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftover cinnamon rolls?
To warm them up, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.
5. Can I include nuts or raisins in the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for added texture and flavor.