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Ultimate Soft, Gooey, One-Hour Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

A close-up of a soft, freshly baked cinnamon roll with thick white icing dripping down the side.
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Make the best homemade cinnamon rolls that are soft, fluffy, and gooey in just one hour. This recipe simplifies the process for bakery-style sweet breakfast pastries topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for weekend brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in the remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, and egg into the yeast mixture.
  3. Add the flour and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. This quick rise creates soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls.
  5. While the dough rises, prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined into a paste.
  6. Punch down the dough gently. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
  7. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge.
  8. Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed.
  9. Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to cut the log into 12 equal rolls.
  10. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover loosely and let them rest for 15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
  12. While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency.
  13. Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the hot rolls. Serve warm for gooey centers.

Notes

  • For an extra gooey center, you can brush the tops of the rolls with a little melted butter immediately after they come out of the oven before adding the frosting.
  • If you prefer a thinner glaze instead of thick frosting, reduce the powdered sugar to 1 cup and increase the milk/cream to 3-4 tablespoons.
  • This recipe is designed for speed; if you have more time, allowing the dough to have a second, longer rise (about 1 hour) will yield an even lighter texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/ultimate-soft-gooey-one-hour-cinnamon-rolls/