Few things make a home smell as magical as a batch of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. The aroma of buttery dough, warm cinnamon, and sweet cream cheese icing feels like a hug in the air. These Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls bring that bakery-style comfort to your kitchen — without the long rise time or complicated steps. In just about an hour, you’ll have soft, gooey rolls that taste like you spent all morning baking them.

This recipe is perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday breakfasts, or those moments when you just need something warm, sweet, and comforting. With simple pantry ingredients, quick-rising dough, and a silky cream cheese glaze, these cinnamon rolls deliver classic flavor with easy prep. Let’s bake happiness — fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One hour total: Quick-rising yeast means you can have homemade cinnamon rolls in just 60 minutes.
Soft & gooey: Melted butter and brown sugar create that signature sticky-sweet swirl.
Bakery taste, homemade ease: All the flavor and texture of traditional cinnamon rolls — without overnight proofing.
Cream cheese icing: Sweet, tangy, and creamy perfection on top of warm rolls.
Beginner-friendly: Simple ingredients, step-by-step ease, and consistent results every time.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 rolls

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 cup warm milk (whole or 2%)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 packet (0.25 oz) active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1½ tablespoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–4 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the yeast Warm the milk and melted butter to 100–110°F. In a large bowl, combine the mixture with sugar and yeast. Let it rest for 10 minutes until foamy and fragrant.
Mix the dough Whisk in the egg, salt, and vanilla extract. Gradually add flour, stirring until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. Knead gently for 2–3 minutes until smooth.
Quick proof Cover the dough and place it in a warm oven (turned off) for 10 minutes to rise. It should puff up slightly.
Prepare the filling In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
Roll and fill Roll out the dough into a 14×18-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly, leaving a small border. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 even rolls.
Bake Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool for 10 minutes.
Make the icing Whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread generously over warm rolls and enjoy!

Chef Emma’s Tips for Success

Use instant yeast if you want to skip activation — just mix it straight in with the flour.
Roll the dough evenly to ensure consistent baking.
Spread the icing while rolls are warm for that perfect gooey melt.
To reheat, microwave for 15 seconds for that “fresh-baked” texture again.

Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips

Make ahead: Prepare rolls the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for a cozy breakfast treat.
Freeze baked rolls: Let cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F for 15 minutes, then frost.
Freeze unbaked: Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw at room temperature and bake as directed.

Nutrition Info per Roll

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugars: 22g
Fat: 12g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 220mg

Final Thoughts

These Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls bring together the warmth of a homemade breakfast with the ease of a quick recipe. Soft, fluffy dough, gooey cinnamon filling, and rich cream cheese icing — all in one cozy hour. Whether you’re baking for brunch, the holidays, or just a sweet craving, these rolls promise instant comfort. Save this quick comfort bake to your Pinterest board today — your kitchen will smell like heaven!