One Hour Cinnamon Rolls

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked One Hour Cinnamon Rolls wafting through the house. I remember the first time I made them for my family; it was a chilly Sunday morning, and my kids were still bundled up in their pajamas. As those rolls rose and baked, anticipation filled the air and soon, the whole kitchen was buzzing with laughter and excitement. We couldn’t wait to dig in, and the smiles on their faces as they took that first bite were absolutely priceless. It’s moments like these that remind me of the magic that happens in the kitchen.

These One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weekend brunch or a special holiday treat. They’re quick and easy to whip up, making them an ideal choice when you want something indulgent without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love a warm, gooey cinnamon roll topped with a sweet glaze? Trust me, you’ll want to add this recipe to your collection for those moments when you want to create a little warmth and sweetness in your home.

Why You’ll Love "One Hour Cinnamon Rolls"

• Quick and easy to make, ready in just one hour!
• Minimal ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
• Perfectly fluffy and gooey, making them a family favorite.
• Fun to make with kids, creating lasting memories together.
• Great for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon treat.
• Can be frozen for later, so you can enjoy them anytime!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient List

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (I love using King Arthur Flour for its consistent results)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast (no need to activate this one, just toss it in!)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt (kosher salt is my go-to)
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C, I usually use whole milk for creaminess)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (always ensure it’s not too hot, or it’ll kill the yeast!)
• 1 large egg (make sure it’s at room temperature to help with dough consistency)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading over the dough)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark, depending on your taste preference)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (don’t be shy; sprinkle a bit more if you love that cinnamon kick)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for that sweet glaze)
• 2 tablespoons milk (adjust based on how thin you like your glaze)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla makes all the difference)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt, giving it a good stir to mix everything together.
2. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms; it should start to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Don’t worry if it’s a bit sticky; add a sprinkle of flour as needed.
4. Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 10 minutes. You want it to puff up just a little!

Roll and Fill

1. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle, about 15 by 10 inches.
2. Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, going all the way to the edges.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough, making sure to cover every inch.
4. Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it when you reach the end.
5. Using a sharp knife or dental floss (yes, really!), cut the roll into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cut side up.
6. Cover the rolls with the kitchen towel and let them rise for another 20 minutes. They should puff up nicely!

Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, grab a cup of coffee or tea — you deserve it!
2. Once preheated, bake the rolls for about 20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and smell heavenly. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

Prepare the Glaze

1. While the rolls are baking, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Adjust the milk depending on how thick you want your glaze.
2. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top. The warmth from the rolls will help the glaze melt into all the nooks and crannies!

Variations

• For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling.
• Use maple syrup in the glaze for a fall-inspired flavor.
• Try adding a splash of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy note.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour.
• Make them dairy-free by using almond milk and coconut oil.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

These One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk for the ultimate treat experience. For extra indulgence, add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of extra cinnamon on top of the glaze.

Storage

To store leftovers, place the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm and gooey again!

Helpful Notes

• If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast; just activate it in warm milk before mixing.
• Feel free to swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
• For a fun twist, add chocolate chips to the filling for chocolate cinnamon rolls!
• These rolls can be made egg-free by using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water).
• Remember, the nutritional values may vary based on ingredient substitutions, so adjust as needed!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze One Hour Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes, you can! After baking, let the rolls cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.

How do I substitute ingredients in One Hour Cinnamon Rolls?

You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand. For example, use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option, or swap out granulated sugar for brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Just keep in mind that some substitutions may alter the final texture slightly.

What can I use instead of instant yeast?

If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in the warm milk first and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy before adding it to the dry ingredients. This will help activate the yeast properly!

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about making One Hour Cinnamon Rolls. They’re more than just a treat; they’re a way to fill your home with warmth and joy. I hope you give this recipe a try and create your own cozy memories in the kitchen. Whether you're sharing them with family or savoring them all by yourself, these rolls are sure to bring a smile to your face. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting, so don’t be afraid to make it your own. Enjoy every gooey, cinnamon-sweet bite!

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