If you’ve ever craved warm, sticky, and absolutely irresistible cinnamon rolls without the all-day wait, you’re in for a treat with this Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe. These rolls come together quickly, baking up soft and fluffy with a perfect swirl of sweet cinnamon filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that melts right in your mouth. Whether it’s a casual weekend brunch or a special morning surprise, this recipe delivers on the comforting flavors and that delightful gooey texture everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet vital to creating the soft dough and the indulgently sweet filling and glaze. Each item plays a special role, from the warm milk that activates the yeast, to the cinnamon that gives the rolls their signature spice, to the cream cheese that makes the glaze so irresistibly creamy and smooth.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our dough, providing structure and softness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough itself.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast: Helps our dough rise quickly and beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast without killing it, key for a perfect rise.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- 1 large egg: Creates structure and adds moisture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Essential for the gooey cinnamon filling spread.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Gives that deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes cinnamon rolls so crave-worthy.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Delivers tangy richness to the glaze.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Blends into the glaze for extra creaminess.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze to perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes to the glaze.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency for that perfect drizzle.
How to Make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by combining 2 cups of flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and egg, stirring until everything comes together into a smooth mixture. Slowly add the remaining flour, mixing as you go until a soft dough forms. It may be a little sticky, but that’s exactly what you want.
Step 2: Knead and Rest
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. This kneading develops gluten for soft, elastic rolls that rise beautifully. Once smooth, place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the dough and make rolling easier.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough rests, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This sweet and spicy mixture is going to be spread all over the rolled-out dough for that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Step 4: Roll and Fill
Roll your dough out into a 12 by 15-inch rectangle—it doesn’t have to be perfect, just try to keep it even. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface, making sure to cover all the way to the edges so every bite is packed with flavor. Then roll the dough tightly from one long edge, creating a log.
Step 5: Cut and Bake
Slice the log into 12 even rolls and arrange them in a greased baking dish. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for 15 minutes, giving them just enough time to puff up. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When ready, bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown on top and smell absolutely heavenly.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls bake, combine softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk in a bowl. Mix until smooth and silky, then set aside. This glaze is what takes these cinnamon rolls from wonderful to unforgettable.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
Once the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the warm cream cheese glaze generously over them. The glaze will melt slightly into the warm rolls, creating an ooey gooey finish that’s impossible to resist. Serve immediately and watch everyone come back for seconds!
How to Serve Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe
Garnishes
If you’re feeling creative, sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the glaze for a delightful crunch that complements the soft rolls wonderfully. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a charming snowy effect that makes your rolls look even more tempting.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee or a fragrant chai latte to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or orange segments adds a nice, bright contrast to the rich rolls, making your brunch both balanced and beautiful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the cinnamon rolls in a circular pattern on a large plate, letting the glaze drizzle create a centerpiece. You can also serve individual rolls in small ramekins for a cute presentation at brunch or parties. Adding a small sprig of fresh mint on top can offer a pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This way, they stay soft and moist. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them but bring them to room temperature before reheating for the best texture.
Freezing
To enjoy cinnamon rolls at your convenience, freeze unbaked rolls right after shaping. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, let rise, and bake as usual. You can also freeze baked rolls wrapped tightly to preserve freshness for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftover cinnamon rolls in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness. Add a touch more glaze or butter before warming to keep them moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast but you’ll need to proof it in warm milk with a bit of sugar for about 5-10 minutes until bubbly before adding it to the rest of the ingredients. This recipe is designed for instant yeast to keep things quick and easy.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. It won’t be as rich and creamy but will still add sweetness and shine.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls vegan?
For a vegan version, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk, use vegan butter, and swap the egg with a flaxseed or chia egg. You’ll also need vegan cream cheese for the glaze. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and feel light and fluffy when you gently press them. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should be about 190°F when fully baked.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or raisins can be sprinkled over the cinnamon sugar filling before rolling up the dough. They add texture and extra flavor that many people enjoy.
Final Thoughts
No matter your experience level in the kitchen, the Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a warm, homemade treat to your table fast. These rolls are not just a quick fix—they’re a hug wrapped in dough, filled with cinnamon and finished with the kind of glaze that dreams are made of. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite for those special mornings!
Print
Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and ooey gooey with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling. Made from scratch with a simple dough and a rich cream cheese glaze, these cinnamon rolls come together quickly, making them perfect for a cozy breakfast or a special treat any day of the week.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk (110°F/43°C), melted butter, and egg. Mix until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well blended to create the cinnamon filling.
- Roll and Shape: Roll the rested dough into a 12×15-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
- Proof the Rolls: Place the cinnamon rolls evenly spaced in a greased baking dish. Cover them with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let them rise for 15 minutes until slightly puffed. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Make the Glaze: While the rolls are still warm, prepare the glaze by mixing softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth and creamy.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the ooey gooey delight!
Notes
- For best results, make sure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can add extra cinnamon or sugar in the filling to adjust sweetness and spice level.
- These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Try using a stand mixer with a dough hook for easier kneading.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
