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    Home » Breakfast

    Under an Hour Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe

    Published: Sep 29, 2014 · Modified: Nov 24, 2023 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · 7 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Who doesn't love the sweet and spicy aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls? Imagine waking up to the smell of your own homemade cinnamon rolls, hot out of the oven. Not only are these treats a classic comfort food, but they are also perfect for impressing guests at brunch. And with this ultimate quick cinnamon roll recipe, you can whip up a batch of delicious rolls in no time. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and the results are guaranteed to be a hit. So, grab your apron and get ready to create a mouth-watering brunch dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

     A close up of a cinnamon roll with icing on a plate. The cinnamon roll is fluffy and golden brown, with a generous swirl of cinnamon filling and a drizzle of white icing. The plate is garnished with a few fresh cinnamon sticks.

    Ingredients for the Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe

    Over the years I've learned that my family hates waiting for food in the morning. Especially when it comes to cinnamon rolls. So we have to make sure that these are done and ready as quick as possible.

    We love this recipe because the dough is amazing. It's made with our under and hour bread dough and topped with a cream cheese or powdered sugar glaze. You can even do a healthier glaze too.

    Ingredient List

    To make the ultimate quick cinnamon rolls, you will need the following ingredients:

    • bread flour, or all purpose flour.
    • sugar
    • salt
    • yeast
    • oil
    • hot water
    • butter
    • brown sugar
    • ground cinnamon

    Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Quick Cinnamon Rolls

    1. In a mixer bowl with the dough hook attached, stir together the flour, sugar, salt and yeast for approximately one minute.
    2. Add the oil and water and continue stirring for one more minute. Stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl if necessary.
    3. Turn on mixer to low and mix for five minutes. The dough should form a soft, sticky ball after five minutes. If dough is not sticky, add water one teaspoon at a time, stirring just until dough becomes tacky, then turn off mixer immediately.
    4. Divide the dough into two equal parts and roll out each piece of dough into a 9x12 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread a generous amount of butter. Note: you may not use all the butter. Just spread it to include the amount you want. You want a light layer of butter to cover the entire dough piece.
    5. Spread the butter in an even layer over the dough, then sprinkle generously and evenly with sugar and cinnamon.
    6. Roll the dough tightly (like a hot dog!) and then cut evenly into eight pieces.
    7. Place dough cut side down with several inches of space into a lightly greased pan. I usually use a large baking sheet or two different Pyrex dishes. Leave several inches of space between cinnamon rolls to allow for rising.
    8. Allow rolls to rise for 20 minutes. During the last ten minutes of rise time, begin preheating the oven to 350 degrees.
    9. Bake cinnamon rolls at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until centers are cooked.
    10. Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and frost while warm.

    To Make the Frosting:

    • powdered sugar
    • milk
    • vanilla extract

    In a bowl, mix together frosting materials until smooth. Frost cinnamon rolls with desired amount of frosting.

    Esta imagen muestra un rollo de canela recién horneado sobre un plato. El rollo de canela está esponjoso y dorado, con un generoso remolino de relleno de canela y un rocío de glaseado blanco. El plato está adornado con unas ramitas de canela frescas.

    Tips for Perfecting the Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe

    • Make sure your milk mixture is warm to the touch (between 120-130°F). If the mixture is too hot, it can kill the yeast.
    • Kneading the dough for 5-10 minutes is important to develop the gluten in the dough, which will give your cinnamon rolls a nice chewy texture.
    • When rolling out the dough, make sure to roll it out evenly to ensure that your cinnamon rolls bake evenly.
    • When cutting the rolled dough into pieces, use a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss to avoid squishing the dough.

    Serving Suggestions for Quick Cinnamon Rolls

    These quick cinnamon rolls are perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra special treat, top your cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of maple syrup.

    Variations on the Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe

    Looking to switch things up? Here are a few variations to try:

    • Add chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
    • Swap out the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a seasonal twist.
    • Top your cinnamon rolls with a cream cheese glaze instead of the traditional confectioner's sugar glaze.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I Use Gluten Free Flour?

    No, I don't recommend substituting gluten free flour for this recipe. I do have some other great recipes that are gluten free including our gluten free monkey bread, or gluten free croissant french toast.

    Can I make quick cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the cinnamon rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight. When ready to bake, simply remove them from the refrigerator and follow the baking instructions.

    Can I freeze quick cinnamon rolls?

    Absolutely! Quick cinnamon rolls can be frozen either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, let them rise at room temperature, and then bake according to the recipe. If freezing after baking, allow the rolls to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze. Thaw and reheat as desired.

    How do I make the cinnamon rolls soft and gooey?

    To achieve soft and gooey cinnamon rolls, make sure not to overbake them. Follow the recipe's recommended baking time and monitor the rolls closely to avoid drying them out. Additionally, brushing the rolls with melted butter immediately after they come out of the oven can help keep them soft and add extra moisture.

    Can I make a smaller or larger batch of quick cinnamon rolls?

    Yes, you can easily adjust the recipe to make a smaller or larger batch of quick cinnamon rolls. Simply halve or double the ingredients while keeping the proportions consistent. Remember to adjust the baking time accordingly.

    Can I substitute ingredients in a quick cinnamon roll recipe?

    In some cases, you can make substitutions based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, you might use a different sweetener instead of sugar. You can use alternative ingredients like plant-based milk, vegan butter, or dairy free milk.

    A close up of a cinnamon roll with icing on a plate. The cinnamon roll is fluffy and golden brown, with a generous swirl of cinnamon filling and a drizzle of white icing. The plate is garnished with a few fresh cinnamon sticks.

    Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe

    Traci Wennerholm
    Just smell that aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls with this quick and easy recipe. These yummy treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without requiring hours of preparation. The soft, fluffy dough envelops a generous swirl of cinnamon sugar filling, creating a perfect and quick cinnamon roll recipe!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    20 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr
    Course Breakfast, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 rolls
    Calories 330 kcal

    Equipment

    • Rolling Pin
    • 9x13 inch baking dish

    Ingredients
      

    • 5 ¼ cups bread flour can substitute all purpose flour
    • 3 tablespoon sugar
    • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 ½ tablespoon yeast
    • 1 ½ tablespoon oil
    • 2 cups hot water
    • ½ cup (1 stick) butter softened
    • ½-¾ cup brown sugar
    • 1-2 tablespoon ground cinnamon

    Instructions
     

    • In a mixer bowl with the dough hook attached, stir together the flour, sugar, salt and yeast for approximately one minute.
    • Add the oil and water and continue stirring for one more minute. Stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl if necessary.
    • Turn on mixer to low and mix for five minutes. The dough should form a soft, sticky ball after five minutes. If dough is not sticky, add water one teaspoon at a time, stirring just until dough becomes tacky, then turn off mixer immediately.
    • Divide the dough into two equal parts and roll out each piece of dough into a 9x12 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread a generous amount of butter. Note: you may not use all the butter. Just spread it to include the amount you want. You want a light layer of butter to cover the entire dough piece.
    • Spread the butter in an even layer over the dough, then sprinkle generously and evenly with sugar and cinnamon.
    • Roll the dough tightly (like a hot dog!) and then cut evenly into eight pieces.
    • Place dough cut side down with several inches of space into a lightly greased pan. I usually use a large baking sheet or two different Pyrex dishes. Leave several inches of space between cinnamon rolls to allow for rising.
    • Allow rolls to rise for 20 minutes. During the last ten minutes of rise time, begin preheating the oven to 350 degrees.
    • Bake cinnamon rolls at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until centers are cooked.
    • Remove the cinnamon rolls from the oven and frost while warm.
    • For Freezing:
    • If freezing, flash freeze the cut dough for 20 minutes in the freezer on a baking sheet, then transfer the dough into an airtight Ziploc container. To cook, thaw the dough at room temperature and allow it to rise. Bake as directed above.

    Notes

    Cinnamon Roll Glaze:
    In a mixing bowl mix stir together two cups powdered sugar, 2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1-2 tablespoon of milk. In a bowl mix together with a whisk until smooth. Pour evenly over the cinnamon rolls.
    Cream Cheese Frosting: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (we use greek yogurt/cream cheese mix), ¼ cup butter, softened, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoon milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix the butter and cream cheese in the mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Turn mixer to low, add in the remaining ingredients until blended, then turn to mixer and mix an additional minute until light and fluffy. Frost each cinnamon roll.
    Health(ier) Glaze: 8 tablespoon melted butter or melted coconut oil, 4 tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch, 2 teaspoon maple syrup or honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. In a bowl, mix together all of the ingredients in a bowl and evenly drizzle over the cinnamon rolls.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 330kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 357mgPotassium: 77mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 239IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword cinnamon roll in a hurry, easy cinnamon roll recipe, quick cinnamon roll recipe, soft and fluffy cinnamon roll recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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      5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Paula

      October 10, 2014 at 10:53 am

      My husband would lovvvvve this. This is such a super cute post. I would love it if you would share it at our WIW Linky Party. I hope you can join us.

      Paula
      ivyandelephants.blogspot.com

      Reply
    2. Sette Design

      October 11, 2014 at 9:02 am

      one word - YUM

      Reply
    3. Judy

      October 11, 2014 at 8:37 pm

      Thanks for coming and linking up at The Weekend Social. Please be sure to come back next week starting Thursdays at 9PM EST The Midnight Baker ! I hope to see you there!
      Judy@ http://www.bakeatmidnite.com

      Reply
    4. Miz Helen

      October 14, 2014 at 8:32 pm

      Your Cinnamon Rolls look wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with Full Plate Thursday and have a fabulous day!
      Hope to see you soon,
      Miz Helen

      Reply
    5. ange

      October 15, 2014 at 7:37 pm

      I'm so wishing I was at home to make these! Yummy! I'm featuring this on Fridays Unfolded! Thanks for linking up this delicious recipe!

      Reply
    6. Carrie Parker

      January 14, 2023 at 3:50 pm

      My family of 7 LOVED this recipe. My 11 year old said, "This is awesome! It tastes like we got this from a bakery or something!" I like it because from one batch of the Under an Hour Bread recipe, we made the Cheese Bread recipe and a pan of cinnamon rolls for lunch one Saturday. Easy and quick!

      Reply
      • burntapple

        January 15, 2023 at 10:21 am

        I'm so glad your 11 year old loved it! I've got a couple kids too around that age and they are hard to please! So I'm glad that they liked it! Thanks for reaching out and letting me know! --Traci

        Reply

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