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If you crave that irresistible blend of soft, sweet dough and a gooey cinnamon-sugar center, you’re going to love this Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe. Imagine freshly baked cinnamon rolls that come together quickly without skimping on that classic, melt-in-your-mouth texture or the rich, creamy glaze that makes every bite an absolute delight. This recipe takes you from simple ingredients to bakery-quality rolls in just about an hour, perfect for cozy mornings, spontaneous brunches, or whenever you need a comforting treat that feels like a warm hug fresh out of the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating those soft, fluffy, and deeply flavorful rolls. With basic pantry staples like flour and sugar combining with warm milk and a touch of yeast, you get the perfect dough base. The brown sugar and cinnamon provide that signature sweet-spicy filling, while butter and cream cheese in the glaze add richness and tang that elevate these rolls beyond ordinary.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, offering structure and tenderness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough itself.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavor and enhances all the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast and keeps the dough soft.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and richness right into the dough.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind everything together and gives the dough a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Used in the cinnamon filling for creamy texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Provides the deep molasses flavor that cinnamon rolls are famous for.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: That warm, spicy aroma and taste essential for a cinnamon roll.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Key to the luscious glaze that adds a tangy creaminess.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Combines with cream cheese for the smooth frosting.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze perfectly without graininess.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brightens and deepens the flavor of the frosting.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency for easy drizzling.
How to Make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. The yeast loves that warm milk, so add 3/4 cup at just the right temperature along with the melted butter and egg. Stir until smooth and gradually add the remaining flour until a soft, workable dough forms—the perfect base for those ooey gooey cinnamon rolls.
Step 2: Knead and Rest
Kneading the dough on a floured surface for about five minutes turns it silky and elastic—this step develops the gluten that makes your rolls soft yet sturdy. Once smooth, tuck the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest for 10 minutes. This short rest helps the dough relax, making it easier to roll out smoothly in the next step.
Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough rests, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This sweet and spiced mixture is the heart of what makes these rolls irresistibly delicious. The butter helps the filling spread easily and melts into the dough during baking, creating those ooey gooey pockets of joy.
Step 4: Roll and Fill the Dough
Roll your dough into a 12 by 15-inch rectangle—this shape makes rolling it up and cutting easy and even. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface so every roll gets that perfect swirl of sweet-spicy flavor. Then, roll it up tightly from the long edge and slice into 12 equal rolls, the promise of individual bundles of warm comfort.
Step 5: Rise and Bake
Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish and cover them for a brief 15-minute rise. This quick second rise is enough to encourage them to puff up beautifully in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re golden brown, which means the exterior is perfectly crisp while the insides remain tender and gooey.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the rolls bake, mix together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. This glaze is creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough, designed to melt over those warm rolls in luscious drizzles or a generous coating that everyone will swoon over.
Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the cream cheese glaze all over them while they’re still warm so it seeps into every crevice. Then, grab a roll, take that first bite, and savor the ooey gooey perfection that makes this Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe a fast favorite for any time of day.
How to Serve Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze right before serving for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft rolls. You can also add a handful of fresh berries or a pinch of cinnamon powder on top for a pop of color and extra flavor that will impress without any extra fuss.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon rolls with fresh fruit like sliced apples or citrus segments to balance the sweetness with refreshing brightness. A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk complements the comforting flavors perfectly and rounds out a cozy breakfast or brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these rolls warm on a rustic wooden board or colorful ceramic plate to make them feel extra inviting. If you’re sharing with guests, individual mini serving plates with a drizzle of icing and a sprig of mint turns this simple treat into an elegant dessert or snack anyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh. If you want to extend their life, refrigeration can help, but be aware it may slightly firm up the dough, so warm gently before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze both the shaped rolls before the second rise and the fully baked rolls. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and heat gently in the oven for that fresh-baked feeling.
Reheating
To bring your cinnamon rolls back to life, warm them in a preheated 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, then add any extra glaze or butter for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience each time.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in place of butter and cream cheese. It might change the texture slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Do I really need to knead the dough?
Kneading is important for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their soft but sturdy texture. A quick 5-minute knead as described helps the dough rise properly and creates that tender chew everyone loves.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to activate it by dissolving in warm milk first and possibly allowing a longer rise. Instant yeast speeds up the process, which is why this recipe hits the one-hour mark so nicely.
Why do the rolls need two rests?
The first short rest helps relax the dough for easier rolling and shaping. The second, after cutting into rolls, allows them to rise and puff up, ensuring that light, fluffy texture that’s essential for cinnamon rolls.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Absolutely! Add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon filling for extra texture and flavor twists. Just sprinkle them evenly before rolling up the dough so they get baked right into every roll.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite as comforting as warm, freshly baked cinnamon rolls, especially when they come together quickly and easily like in this Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend or surprising family and friends, these rolls deliver that perfect combination of softness, sweetness, and melty glaze every single time. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma you can imagine—you’ll be glad you did!
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Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls deliver a soft, fluffy texture with a sweet and gooey cinnamon filling. The cream cheese glaze adds a smooth, tangy finish that perfectly complements the warm rolls. Perfect for a quick homemade breakfast or dessert, these cinnamon rolls come together in just about an hour, making them a delicious treat without the long wait.
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 flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg, mixing until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 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 and start rising.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined and spreadable.
- Shape the rolls: Roll the rested dough into a 12×15-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 12 equal-sized rolls.
- Rise and bake: Place the cut rolls into a greased baking dish, cover them, and allow to rise for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Prepare the glaze: While the rolls bake, combine softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2-3 tablespoons of milk in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy to create the glaze.
- Glaze and serve: Once the cinnamon rolls are warm from the oven, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over them generously. Serve immediately for the best ooey-gooey experience.
Notes
- Use warm milk to activate the yeast properly but ensure it is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading is important for gluten development, which gives the rolls their soft texture.
- Rolling tightly helps keep the filling intact and gives the rolls their classic spiral shape.
- Letting the rolls rise before baking ensures a light and fluffy result.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more or less milk.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer storage.
