Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (Ooey Gooey)

I absolutely love these Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls—they’re soft, pillowy, and laced with gooey cinnamon sugar, and they come together in just one hour. No waitings, no fuss—just warm, comforting rolls ready fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because I get tender, buttery cinnamon rolls with a melty center and luscious glaze—all within about an hour. It’s the perfect solution when I want fresh-baked treats but don’t have time for multiple rises. They deliver that bakery vibe in minimal time, and everyone always raves about them!

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Dough:

• 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)

• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp salt

• Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 Tbsp milk (or cream)

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F (205 °C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together yeast, warm milk, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until bubbly.

3. Stir in egg and melted butter. Add flour and salt; mix until a soft dough forms.

4. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead briefly—about 1–2 minutes—until smooth and elastic.

5. Roll dough into a 12×9-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface.

6. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.

7. Tightly roll the dough from the long edge into a log. Pinch seam to seal.

8. Slice the log into 9 rolls (about 1¼-inch thick). Place rolls cut-side up in the prepared pan, leaving a bit of space between them.

9. Bake for 18–22 minutes until rolls are puffed and golden (center should be set but still soft).

10. Meanwhile, whisk glaze ingredients until smooth.

11. Remove rolls from oven and let cool 5 minutes before drizzling glaze generously over the top.

12. Serve warm for the most gooey experience!

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes 9 rolls

• Total time: Approx. 1 hour

  • Prep & dough: 15 minutes

  • Rolling & slicing: 10 minutes

  • Bake: 20 minutes

  • Cooling & glazing: 5 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or raisins to the filling for extra texture.

• For a richer version, I swap softened butter in the filling with cream cheese.

• I’ll stir a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the glaze for a bright flavor twist.

• To make them extra indulgent, I spread a layer of caramel sauce before adding cinnamon sugar.

• I occasionally bake in a muffin tin for individually portable buns that crisp at the edges.

storage/reheating

I store cooled rolls covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm them in a 350 °F oven for 5–7 minutes until soft and gooey again. For freezing, I wrap cooled rolls individually and freeze for up to a month—then thaw and warm in the oven before serving.

FAQs

How can I speed this up even more?

I use a warmed (not hot) bowl to proof the dough. It ferments faster and still delivers softness without compromising structure.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes—I swap milk for almond or oat milk and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. They turn out just as tender.

What if my rolls bake too quickly on top?

I loosely tent the pan with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning while ensuring the center cooks.

Do I need gluten-free flour?

I haven’t tried it, but some gluten-free flour blends with xanthan gum can work. I’d let the dough rest a bit longer before rolling.

Can I prep these ahead of time?

Yes—I roll and slice the rolls, then cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. I bake them straight from the fridge—just add 5 minutes to the bake time.

Conclusion

These One Hour Cinnamon Rolls deliver big flavor, warm sweetness, and tender dough—for a fraction of the time of traditional recipes. I love how fast they come together and how they taste like cozy indulgence. Give them a whirl when you crave something special without the wait—you won’t regret it!