One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are quick and delicious rolls with soft, fluffy dough, a sweet cinnamon filling, and a whipped cream cheese frosting. They are ready in about an hour (start the timer)! Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or any time you want a warm, comforting treat. If you enjoy these quick-to-make cinnamon rolls (which you will), you will love my traditional Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, which takes a bit longer to rise but results in an extra soft, tender texture that’s totally worth the wait!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Flour: All-purpose flour gives the dough its structure. I have not tested these rolls with other kinds of flour, so I cannot speak to their effectiveness.
- Sugar: You need granulated sugar for the dough and light brown sugar for the filling.
- Yeast: I used instant yeast in these rolls to help them be ready so quickly! The ‘proof’ing is in the heated oven to speed up the rise time. If using active dry yeast, let it activate for 5-10 minutes in the warm liquid mixture before adding it to the dry ingredients. For a yeast-free option, check out my Air Fryer Cinnamon Roll!
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds flavor and makes the dough tender. If you don’t have any on hand, make buttermilk at home!
- Filling: The filling is a classic cinnamon roll filling! It is made with melted butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. This combination gives the rolls the sweet, spiced flavor that everyone (including me) loves.
- Heaving Whipping Cream: Heavy whipping cream, or heavy cream, is drizzled over the risen rolls (before being baked). It adds extra moisture and richness, helping the rolls stay soft and giving them a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Frosting: The frosting is made with softened cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. It’s mixed together until light and fluffy. Then, it is spread over the warm rolls for a creamy, sweet topping that makes them extra delicious!
Can I Make One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make the rolls ahead of time! I love how this recipe is versatile—you can make it quickly (in about an hour) or take your time. After rolling and assembling the rolls, cover them and refrigerate overnight. Don’t proof them in the warm oven if making ahead. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to rise before baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh, warm cinnamon rolls with minimal effort in the morning!
Why Didn’t My Rolls Rise Properly?
The main reason the rolls may not have risen properly is the temperature of the liquid mixture. Heat the water and buttermilk in the microwave for about 30 seconds before mixing it with the melted butter. Then, check that the liquid temperature is between 105°F and 110°F before adding it to the dry ingredients—too hot will kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it. Also, make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired.
Can You Add Fillings Like Raisins or Nuts To One Hour Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, you can definitely add extra fillings like raisins or nuts to the cinnamon rolls! I think pecans or walnuts would be delicious. Simply sprinkle them over the cinnamon sugar filling before rolling up the dough. You can add as much or as little as you like, just make sure not to overstuff them, so they still roll up easily. Enjoy the added texture and flavor!
How To Store One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Once cooled, store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days. Refrigerating can make them dry out faster, but you can easily reheat them in the microwave or oven (my favorite way to enjoy one, anyway!). To keep them for a few months, freeze the rolls!
How To Freeze Baked Cinnamon Rolls
If freezing the baked rolls, freeze them without the frosting for best results. Once the rolls have cooled completely, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, let the rolls thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then add the cream cheese frosting, if desired!
One Hour Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- ½ cup water, warmed in the microwave for about 30 seconds (to reach 105°F to 115°F)
- ¼ cup (61 g) buttermilk, warmed in the microwave for about 30 seconds (to reach 105°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
Filling
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, then slightly cooled
- ⅓ cup (67 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Topping
Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (187.5 g) confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, add the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix on low speed for a few seconds to combine.
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, warm buttermilk, and melted butter. Stir to combine. The mixture should be about 105°F to activate the yeast in the next step.
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the warm liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Stop to scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Once combined, add the egg and increase the mixer speed to medium. Knead the dough in the mixer for 4-5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. (If the dough looks too dry, add a tablespoon of water; if it looks too wet, add a tablespoon of flour.)
- Form the dough into a ball and leave it in the mixer bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 200°F. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- After the dough has rested, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 10×15-inch rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
Filling
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Spread the filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
Assembly
- Starting on one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 9 evenly sized rolls. Place the rolls into the prepared baking dish with the cut sides facing up. Cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Turn off the warmed oven and place the covered baking dish inside. Let the rolls rise for 40 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven, discard the plastic, and drizzle the heavy cream evenly over the tops of the rolls.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Once preheated, bake the rolls for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- While the rolls are baking, make the frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Mix on low speed until just combined. Then, increase the speed to high and beat for 4–5 minutes, until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- While the rolls are still warm, generously spread the frosting over the tops. Serve warm.
Did you make this recipe?
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This recipe is adapted from Cooking Classy’s 45 Minute Cinnamon Roll {From Scratch}
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
A quick cinnamon roll recipe that actually works! The dough is soft, and the cream cheese frosting is a perfect touch. I love this recipe!
Elizabeth
I will rarely turn down a cinnamon roll, and these are no exception Wow! I might have to try making these!
Annabelle
I’m impressed by how fast these cinnamon rolls are. The dough is light, and the frosting adds extra richness!
Bella
These cinnamon rolls are quick and sweet! The dough is fluffy, and the cream cheese frosting is delicious!
Stephanie
What a neat (and delicious) idea when craving cinnamon rolls–who wants to wait to enjoy one?!? I will be making these, for sure.
I only have unsalted butter – do I need to to buy unsalted?