There is something utterly comforting about warm, gooey cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven, and this Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe delivers that cozy satisfaction without the usual all-day commitment. Designed to bring a delightful, soft texture paired with the perfect swirl of cinnamon and sugar, these rolls bake up golden and fluffy in less than an hour. Whether you’re whipping them up for a weekend treat or an impromptu breakfast surprise, this recipe balances simplicity with delicious results that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first joyful step toward baking these irresistible cinnamon rolls. Each element is chosen not only for flavor but also for texture and appearance, making this recipe both straightforward and wonderfully rewarding.
- Milk (1 cup): Provides moisture and tenderness, creating a soft dough; any milk variety works to suit your preference.
- Butter or coconut oil (1/4 cup, melted and cooled): Adds richness and enhances the dough’s fluffiness while contributing subtle flavor nuances.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups plus extra for dusting): The backbone of your dough, offering structure and the right chewiness for perfect rolls.
- Sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the flavors by adding just a hint of sweetness to the dough itself.
- Sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Elevates the overall taste by highlighting the sweetness and cinnamon’s warmth.
- Instant yeast or active dry yeast (1 packet or 2 1/4 teaspoons): The magical ingredient that makes the dough rise beautifully, ensuring soft, pillowy rolls.
- Softened butter for filling (1/4 cup): Creates a luscious, spreadable base for the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds deep molasses richness to the filling, making every bite decadently sweet.
- Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice delivering that signature warm, fragrant flavor that cinnamon rolls are famous for.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups) and milk (2-3 tablespoons) for glaze: Combine for a smooth, sweet finish that melts over the warm rolls like a dream.
How to Make Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Step 1: Warm and Combine the Wet Ingredients
Start by gently warming the milk until it reaches about 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit—just warm enough to activate the yeast without killing it. Mix this with the melted and cooled butter, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Watching the yeast start working as you stir is always a tiny bit magical and sets the foundation for your fluffy rolls.
Step 2: Incorporate the Flour Into a Soft Dough
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, stirring closely until a soft dough forms. The dough should feel tender but manageable, not sticky or tough. If it clings too much to your hands, a little extra flour dusted on your surface can help as you prepare for the next step.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic
Transfer your dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it with love for about five minutes. This process develops the gluten, giving your rolls that iconic texture that’s chewy yet soft. You’ll notice the dough becoming smoother and more elastic as you work it.
Step 4: Roll, Spread, and Layer the Filling
Roll the dough into a rectangle shape, roughly large enough to hold your filling generously. Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top. This layer is where all that sinfully sweet cinnamon goodness begins to shine.
Step 5: Roll Up and Cut
Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. This rolling creates those beautiful spirals that cinnamon roll lovers adore. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the log into 12 equal pieces, making sure each roll has a perfect swirl of filling.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, giving them some space to rise. After preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, let the rolls rise for about 20 minutes before popping them in. Bake for approximately 25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown color, filling your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.
Step 7: Glaze for the Grand Finale
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make a luscious glaze. As soon as the rolls come out warm from the oven, drizzle this sweet glaze over the top. The glaze seeps into the warm dough, creating an irresistible, sticky finish that’s pure bliss.
How to Serve Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a few cinnamon dustings on top of the glaze for an extra special touch. These add texture and a hint of nuttiness that makes each bite even more memorable.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon rolls with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even warmed apple cider for a cozy morning. They also shine alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling a bit indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch or a party, serve these rolls on a tiered stand to make a stunning centerpiece. You can also try cutting each roll into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy sharing or individual servings plated with a drizzle of extra glaze and fresh berries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and delicious, almost like they were freshly baked. Wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap preserves their moisture perfectly.
Freezing
To enjoy these treats later, freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping but before the final rise. Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, allow them to come to room temperature and rise, then bake as directed.
Reheating
Warm your leftover cinnamon rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a warm oven wrapped in foil. Adding a little extra glaze or butter can revive their freshness and make them taste as amazing as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour in this Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe?
While all-purpose flour gives the best texture and rise, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free blends. Just note the texture and rise may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
This Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe simplifies the process by rising the dough once after shaping, cutting down your wait time while still delivering fluffy results.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the glaze in advance and refrigerate it. Give it a quick stir before drizzling over warm rolls for a smooth finish.
What if I don’t have instant yeast? Can I use active dry yeast?
Yes, use 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast and make sure to activate it in warm milk before mixing with other ingredients to get the best rise.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Totally! Toasted nuts or plump raisins add delightful texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them over the cinnamon sugar layer before rolling the dough.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of pulling warm, fragrant cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven, and this Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe makes that delight accessible anytime you wish. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, it has quickly become one of my go-to comfort foods—and I hope it will be for you too. So don’t wait for a special occasion; treat yourself and your loved ones to these little spirals of happiness soon!
Print
Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Quick Cinnamon Roll Recipe delivers soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls bursting with sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a classic powdered sugar glaze. Ready in under an hour, these homemade treats are perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack, combining simplicity with irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup milk (any variety)
- 1/4 cup butter or coconut oil (melted and cooled)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 packet instant yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast)
Filling
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Warm the milk to 120-130°F (49-54°C). In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, melted and cooled butter, sugar, sea salt, and yeast. Stir well to activate the yeast and mix ingredients thoroughly.
- Add flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms that is slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for a soft texture.
- Roll out the dough: Roll the dough into a large rectangle approximately 12×9 inches in size, providing an even surface for the filling.
- Spread the filling: Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough rectangle. Next, sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly on top to ensure every roll has a deliciously sweet cinnamon swirl.
- Shape the rolls: Starting from one of the longer edges, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
- Prepare for baking: Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking pan or dish, arrange them to fit without squashing, and let them rise in a warm spot for about 20 minutes to puff up slightly.
- Bake the rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the risen rolls for approximately 25 minutes until they turn golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk to achieve a smooth, drizzly consistency.
- Glaze and serve: Once the cinnamon rolls are warm from the oven, drizzle the glaze over them generously. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Milk temperature is crucial for yeast activation; too hot can kill the yeast, too cold will slow rising.
- You can substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but it may slightly alter flavor and texture.
- Use fresh yeast for best rising results and flavor development.
- For softer rolls, cover the dough during rising to prevent drying out.
- The glaze thickness can be adjusted by adding more or less milk to suit preference.
- Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
