Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch (1 Hour!)

Soft and swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, these homemade cinnamon rolls are everything a cozy morning, or afternoon treat, calls for. Made in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for beginners! Whether fresh from the oven or gently reheated the next day, these cinnamon rolls are sweet, soft, and downright irresistible—perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or any time you need a little comfort.

You will love this recipe!

• Minimal Effort: Cinnamon rolls can be intimating for people to make. This recipe will break that stigma! Making cinnamon rolls for your family and friends will become a breeze with the recipe coming together in under an hour.

• Quick and Convenient: When you’re craving a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, waiting for hours can feel like torture. With a 1-hour recipe, you get that fresh-baked delight in no time, satisfying your sweet tooth.

• Fluffy and Soft: The shorter rising time still yields soft, fluffy rolls without sacrificing the texture. 

• Perfect for Last-Minute Cravings: Whether it’s an unexpected guest, a sudden breakfast craving, or a lazy weekend morning, the quick cinnamon roll recipe fits into even the busiest schedules, giving you a homemade treat quickly.

• Fresh and Warm: The best part of cinnamon rolls is when they’re still warm from the oven, and with a 1-hour recipe, you can have that experience nearly right away, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar.

FAQ

1. What ingredients do I need for homemade cinnamon rolls?

• Dough: All-purpose flour, salt, sugar or honey, water and yeast.

• Filling: Brown sugar, cinnamon, butter.

• Frosting: Powdered sugar, cream cheese (optional), butter, vanilla extract, salt and possibly milk (or heavy cream).

2. How do I make cinnamon rolls soft and fluffy?

• Make sure you don’t overwork the dough.

• Don’t skip the resting periods for the dough to develop a light, airy texture.

3. Can I freeze homemade cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can freeze both the unbaked and baked cinnamon rolls.

• Unbaked rolls: Prepare and cut the rolls, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, increasing the baking time.

• Baked rolls: Freeze the baked rolls after cooling and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the microwave or oven.

4. How long do homemade cinnamon rolls last?

These will last no time! But homemade cinnamon rolls are best eaten within 2-3 days if kept at room temperature. After that, they may dry out. For longer storage, freeze them.

5. Can I make the cinnamon rolls without yeast?

Yes! You can make no-yeast cinnamon rolls using baking powder or baking soda instead of yeast. These rolls won’t require rising time, and they’ll be ready much quicker, though they will have a slightly different texture.

6. What’s the best way to roll out cinnamon roll dough?

Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a rectangle shape, about 1/4 inch thick. Be gentle with the dough to avoid deflating it. Spread the filling evenly on the dough before rolling it up tightly.

7. Why is my cinnamon roll dough too sticky or too dry?

• Too sticky: You might have added too much liquid or not enough flour. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour while kneading, 1 T at a time.

• Too dry: If the dough feels too dry, add a splash of water or milk to help bring it together.

8. Can I add anything extra to my cinnamon rolls?

Yes! You can add nuts (like pecans or walnuts), raisins, fruit or even chocolate chips to the filling for an extra twist.

9. How can I make cinnamon rolls healthier?

• Use whole wheat flour instead of white flour.

• Use a sugar substitute like stevia or coconut sugar for a lower-calorie version.

• Consider a lighter frosting made with less sugar or a yogurt-based glaze, or no frosting! My kids like these on their own too. 

Substitutes…

1. Flour:

• All-Purpose Flour: You can swap this for whole wheat flour for a more nutritious option (you might need to adjust the liquid ratio slightly).

• Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend if you need to make your rolls gluten-free. Make sure it has xanthan gum or guar gum to help with the texture.

2. Sugar:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Replace sugar with a liquid sweetener. Reduce the liquid in your dough slightly to account for the extra moisture.

• Coconut Sugar: A great option for a lower glycemic index sweetener with a caramel-like flavor.

• Stevia or Erythritol: If you’re watching your sugar intake, these are good sugar-free substitutes (but may need adjustments in texture or sweetness).

3. Yeast:

• Baking Powder: If you don’t have active dry yeast, baking powder can work, but your rolls won’t have quite the same fluffy texture. You’ll also need to adjust the recipe to be a quick bread style rather than a yeasted dough.

• Sourdough Starter: If you have a sourdough starter, you can use it as a natural yeast substitute.

4. Frosting/Icing:

• Cream Cheese Substitute: Use a dairy-free cream cheese or a non-dairy yogurt mixed with powdered sugar for a vegan-friendly frosting.

• Coconut Cream: Whip up some coconut cream and add powdered sugar to create a light, dairy-free frosting.

• Greek Yogurt: For a tangy twist and a little extra protein, you can use Greek yogurt in your frosting instead of cream cheese.

What to serve it with…

• Fresh Fruit: A fruit salad or even just a few slices of citrus, berries, or apples can balance out the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.

• Coffee or Tea: These drinks pair perfectly with cinnamon rolls, especially with the rich, spiced flavor of the rolls.

• Scrambled Eggs: A savory dish like scrambled eggs or an omelet works well to balance the sweetness of the rolls and create a hearty breakfast or brunch.

• Bacon or Sausage: If you’re looking for something savory, crispy bacon or breakfast sausage can be a great addition to complement the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.

• Yogurt: A creamy Greek yogurt with honey or granola can offer a nice contrast to the cinnamon rolls while adding a bit of tanginess.

• Milk: A cold glass of milk is a classic pairing with cinnamon rolls, helping to balance out the sweetness and richness.

Equipment needed to make cinnamon rolls…

• Electric mixer (You can mix them by hand!)
• A rolling pin
• Sharp knife
• Baking dish – cast iron skillet, stoneware/glass/aluminum baking dish
• A utensil for spreading butter on the dough

How to store and reheat…

• Cool the cinnamon rolls: Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool to room temperature before storing them. If you store them while they’re still warm, condensation can form and make them soggy.
• Store in an airtight container: Place the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container to keep them from drying out. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the container.
• Refrigerate for longer storage: If the frosting contains cream cheese, it’s best to store the cinnamon rolls in the fridge if you’re planning to keep them for more than a day or two. They can last up to 5-7 days in the fridge.
• Freeze for longer storage: If you need to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Wrap the cinnamon rolls tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm them in the oven or microwave.

Tips for success…

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

• Fresh Yeast: Always use fresh yeast (active dry or instant) for the best rise. If using dry yeast, make sure it’s still active. You can test it by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar—if it bubbles and foams, it’s good to go!

• Quality Butter: Use high-quality butter for the filling. It makes a noticeable difference in flavor.

2. Warm, But Not Too Hot, Water

• When you’re mixing your yeast and water, make sure the water is warm. Too hot, and you risk killing the yeast. Too cold, and the dough won’t rise properly.

3. Knead the Dough Well

• Kneading the dough helps to develop the gluten, giving you soft and fluffy rolls. Aim for about 8-10 minutes of kneading.

• Don’t be afraid to add a little flour if the dough feels too sticky, but be careful not to add too much, as it could make the dough tough.

4. Let the Dough Rise Properly

• Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot.

5. Rolling and Shaping

• When rolling out the dough, keep it even and don’t roll it too thin. Aim for about ¼-inch thickness. You want the rolls to be thick and fluffy when baked.

• When adding the filling, make sure to spread it evenly from edge to edge for consistent flavor in each bite. Don’t skimp on the butter, sugar, or cinnamon—this is where a lot of the flavor comes from!

6. Tightly Roll the Dough

• After adding the cinnamon-sugar filling, roll the dough tightly to avoid gaps and ensure the rolls stay packed and fluffy. Try not to roll too loosely, or your rolls may be too airy and uneven.

7. Slice with Sharp Knife

• For clean, even slices, simply slide the sharp knife through the dough without squashing the rolls.

8. Bake at the Right Temperature

• Preheat your oven and make sure it’s fully heated before placing your rolls inside. Usually, cinnamon rolls bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 minutes, but this can vary depending on your oven.

• Keep an eye on them! You don’t want to overbake them in order to keep them soft.

9. Frosting (Optional But Highly Recommended!)

• Once your cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before adding frosting. A classic cream cheese frosting (cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla) pairs perfectly with cinnamon rolls.

• For an extra treat, drizzle the frosting on when the rolls are still slightly warm so it melts into every crevice.

I hope this quick, easy recipe blesses you and your family as much as it has mine! Enjoy!