Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe
If you love the comforting aroma of sweet spices wafting through your kitchen but think cinnamon rolls take all morning to make, let me introduce you to these Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey). With pillowy-soft dough, a caramelized swirl of brown sugar and cinnamon, and a slather of dreamy cream cheese frosting, these are the fast-track to cozy, homemade magic. Whether you’re a weekend baker or need a spectacular breakfast on the fly, this recipe delivers all the indulgence of classic cinnamon rolls—no patience required. Let’s dive into every ooey-gooey detail together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) is in their simplicity—each ingredient is perfectly chosen to deliver soft rolls, rich filling, and melt-in-your-mouth frosting. Here’s what you’ll need and why each addition makes all the difference.
- Warm milk (1 cup, about 110°F): Activates the yeast for the fastest, fluffiest rise and adds extra richness to the dough.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp, 1 packet): Your ticket to that irresistible, bouncy cinnamon roll texture—fresh and full of life!
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough gently and feeds the yeast to help the rolls rise beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (1/3 cup, melted): Adds luscious flavor and guarantees a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb in every bite.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances all that delicious sweetness and lifts every other flavor.
- Eggs (2 large): Bring structure, richness, and soft crumb to the dough.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The essential foundation—go for all-purpose for the perfect balance of sturdy, soft rolls.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened, for filling): The key to gooey cinnamon swirls—spreadable so every bite is decadent.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, for filling): Melts into a toasty, caramel layer that makes these rolls absolutely crave-worthy.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons, for filling): Warm and fragrant—plenty to coat every turn of your swirl.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened, for frosting): Delivers tangy, creamy luxury for that classic cinnamon roll crown.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened, for frosting): Makes the frosting ultra-creamy and smooth.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups, for frosting): Fluffy sweetness that blends effortlessly into the perfect, luscious glaze.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, for frosting): Adds just the right hint of bakery-style aroma.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons, as needed for frosting): Adjust until you reach dreamy, spreadable consistency.
How to Make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey)
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by gathering a large mixing bowl—this is where all the magic begins. Stir your warm milk and active dry yeast together, then let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for a foamy top, which means the yeast is awake and ready for action. This step is crucial for getting fluffy, bakery-style cinnamon rolls in under an hour.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
To the yeast mixture, add the sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and two cups of flour. Mix everything together until well combined, then add the remaining flour. Now comes the satisfying part: kneading! Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer (dough hook attached) for about 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. This builds strength and stretch, ensuring the classic swirl holds up to all that ooey-gooey filling.
Step 3: Short First Rise
Cover your bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest in a warm spot for just 20 minutes. The dough will puff up quickly—it’s the secret to why Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) don’t require a long waiting game. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s piping hot and ready.
Step 4: Shape and Fill
Sprinkle your work surface with flour and roll the dough into a generous 16×12-inch rectangle. Slather the entire surface with the softened butter, getting right to the edges. Next, mix your brown sugar and cinnamon together, then rain the mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Don’t be shy—this is the flavor heart of these cinnamon rolls!
Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Arrange
Starting from the long side, roll the dough up as tightly as you can, forming a neat spiral. Slice into 12 equal pieces (a little dental floss or sharp knife work wonders here) and nestle the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for a final quick 15 minutes—the shortest, most rewarding countdown.
Step 6: Bake and Make the Frosting
Pop your rolls in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until golden on top and marvelously soft. While they bake, whip up the cream cheese frosting: beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and just enough milk to reach fluffy, spreadable perfection. When the rolls emerge from the oven, frost them while still warm so the icing melts into every swirl, for that signature ooey-gooey delight you crave.
How to Serve Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey)
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, scatter a dusting of cinnamon over the frosted tops, or add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for crunchy contrast. A drizzle of maple syrup or even a few fresh berries on the side can elevate the rolls to brunch centerpiece status.
Side Dishes
These Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) pair beautifully with fresh fruit—think melon, berries, or orange slices—for a refreshing balance. If you want to make it a feast, serve with some crispy bacon or scrambled eggs for a classic sweet-and-savory breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Bake the rolls in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic bakery look, or arrange them on a cake stand drizzled with extra frosting for a party-worthy presentation. For a fun twist, try individual portions in muffin tins—the perfect grab-and-go treat for guests or potlucks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), simply cover the rolls tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and delicious at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five.
Freezing
These Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. You can freeze unfrosted rolls as well—just add frosting after reheating for the freshest flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked warmth, reheat a single roll in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or place several rolls in a 300°F oven (covered with foil) for about 10 minutes. The frosting will turn glossy and melty again, and any stale edges will soften right up.
FAQs
Can I prepare Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and shape the rolls, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, bring them to room temperature and let them rise for 30 minutes before baking for a low-stress breakfast treat.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast in the same amount and skip the proofing step. Just mix the yeast directly with your flour and proceed—this can save a few minutes and works just as well.
Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?
Definitely! All you need is a sturdy bowl and a little elbow grease. Mixing and kneading by hand works perfectly and lets you feel the dough come together.
What if I want extra gooey cinnamon rolls?
For next-level ooey-gooeyness, double the filling and be generous with the frosting while the rolls are still hot from the oven. You can even add a splash of heavy cream over the rolls before baking for a caramel-like sauce at the bottom.
Can I swap out the cream cheese frosting?
Sure thing! If you prefer, a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar, milk, and a dash of vanilla) works just as well. Or try maple or even espresso glaze for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like baking a batch of Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) to fill your kitchen with joy and treat everyone to something truly special—without spending all morning in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try these easy, irresistible rolls and share the ooey-gooey goodness with your favorite people!
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Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls. These ooey-gooey treats are perfect for breakfast or dessert, with a soft, fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon-sugar goodness and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for frosting consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and 2 cups of flour. Knead until smooth. Let rest for 20 minutes.
- Assemble the Rolls: Roll out the dough, spread softened butter, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture, roll up dough, and cut into rolls. Place in a baking dish.
- Bake: Let the rolls rise, then bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the Frosting: Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Frost the Rolls: Frost the warm rolls with the cream cheese mixture.
Notes
- To make ahead, prepare rolls through shaping and refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
