Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (Ooey Gooey)

Cinnamon rolls are the ultimate comfort treat. From their warm, fluffy centers to the creamy, sweet icing that melts over the top, cinnamon rolls offer a homemade bakery experience in every bite. These one-hour cinnamon rolls are soft, gooey, and packed with buttery cinnamon sugar—all without the hassle of overnight rising. Perfect for weekend brunches, birthday mornings, or when you’re just craving something extra cozy.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

• Ready in just 1 hour — no overnight rise required
• Soft, fluffy dough with rich cinnamon-sugar filling
• Simple pantry ingredients you likely already have
• Perfect for holidays, brunch, or dessert
• Freezer-friendly and easily reheatable

Ingredients

Dough

• ½ stick (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup warm milk (100–110°F)
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour

Filling

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 6 tbsp softened unsalted butter

Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–4 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast
   In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast. Stir and cover with a towel. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough
   Add egg, salt, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir in flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft, tacky dough forms. Knead briefly by hand or with a dough hook until smooth.
3. Proof the dough
   Shape dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rest in a warm oven (turned off) for 10 minutes.
4. Prepare the filling
   In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla into a smooth paste.
5. Roll & fill
   Roll dough on a lightly floured surface into a 14×18″ rectangle. Spread filling evenly over the dough.
6. Roll & cut
   Roll the dough tightly from the short side. Mark and slice into 12 equal rolls using a serrated knife.
7. Bake
   Place rolls in a greased 9×13″ pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden.
8. Cool slightly & frost
   Let cinnamon rolls cool for 10 minutes. In the meantime, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 12 cinnamon rolls
• Calories: ~380 per roll (estimate)

Nutrition Facts (per roll, approx.)

• Calories: 380
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 16g
• Sugar: 27g
• Sodium: 150mg

Tips & Variations

• Make-ahead tip: Assemble and refrigerate unbaked rolls overnight. Bake the next morning.
• Less sweet? Reduce the sugar in the filling to ⅓ cup each.
• Flavor boost: Add orange zest or cardamom to the filling for a twist.
• Don’t love cream cheese? Substitute glaze: powdered sugar + vanilla + milk.
• Need gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum if needed.

FAQs

Can I freeze cinnamon rolls before baking?
Yes! Slice and arrange them in the baking pan, wrap well, and freeze. Thaw 1–2 hours before baking.

Can I use instant yeast?
Yes—skip the proofing and mix everything directly into the dough.

What if my dough is too sticky?
Add flour 1 tbsp at a time until tacky but manageable. Humidity can affect dough texture.

How long do they last?
Stored at room temp, they last up to 3 days. Refrigerate for longer shelf life or freeze up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Cinnamon rolls don’t have to be an all-day affair. These one-hour cinnamon rolls deliver all the flavor and fluffiness of a classic bakery roll in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, these rolls are guaranteed to warm hearts and fill the kitchen with the irresistible scent of cinnamon.