Get ready to fall in love with these Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey)! Imagine soft, pillowy rolls, a swirl of cinnamon sweetness, and a vanilla glaze melting into every crevice—all coming together in just sixty minutes. It’s the comfort of a bakery-fresh cinnamon roll, but without the long wait or overnight rise. Whether you’re serving these for a holiday brunch, a cozy weekend breakfast, or a spontaneous dessert craving, this recipe delivers all the classic flavors and textures you adore, minus the fuss. These luscious, gooey rolls will become your new “it” recipe every time a cinnamon roll craving strikes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for everyday baking staples, each chosen to deliver the perfect balance of softness, flavor, and gooeyness in your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey). Don’t skimp on any—every ingredient brings something special to the table!
- Warm milk (1 cup, 110°F): Activates the yeast and gives your dough its signature tender crumb.
- Instant yeast (2¼ teaspoons/1 packet): Fast-acting yeast helps these rolls rise quickly for a true one-hour bake.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds a touch of sweetness and kickstarts yeast fermentation.
- Large egg (1): Enriches the dough, making it fluffy and soft inside.
- Unsalted butter (⅓ cup, melted for dough; ½ cup softened for filling): Butter ensures richness in both the dough and filling, boosting that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth factor.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- All-purpose flour (3½ cups): The foundation of the dough, providing just the right structure.
- Light brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): Caramelizes in the filling for deep, gooey cinnamon swirls.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The hero spice—warm, aromatic, and completely necessary!
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): The base for a silky glaze that soaks into every nook.
- Milk (3–4 tablespoons, for glaze): Loosens the glaze to glossy perfection.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lends a lovely aroma and classic cinnamon roll flavor to the finishing drizzle.
How to Make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey)
Step 1: Activate Yeast and Prep Wet Ingredients
In your largest mixing bowl, whisk together the warm milk, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit for about five minutes; it’ll become slightly foamy and develop a wonderful yeasty aroma. This quick activation guarantees a soft, sky-high rise in your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey), without any long waiting time.
Step 2: Finish the Dough
Add the egg, melted butter, and salt to your yeast mixture, then begin mixing in the flour, a cup at a time. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then turn it onto a floured surface and knead for 3–5 minutes. The dough should end up smooth, elastic, and just a bit tacky—not sticky. Let it rest for a fast ten minutes, just long enough for the gluten to relax and the dough to get plush.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill
Using a rolling pin, shape your rested dough into a 14×9-inch rectangle—aim for even thickness so every bite is perfect. Spread softened butter generously all over the surface. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this deep, fragrant mixture over the buttered dough, patting lightly to adhere.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Starting with the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a compact log. Slice it into 12 equal pieces with a sharp knife or dental floss (for the cleanest spirals!). Place these sweet coils into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them evenly for the prettiest presentation and the ultimate ooey gooey swirl.
Step 5: Rise and Bake
Cover your pan loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let the rolls rise in a warm spot for 20 quick minutes. While the rolls puff, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18–20 minutes, just until they’re golden on top but still moist and soft in the center. The aroma at this stage is absolutely unbeatable!
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
As soon as the rolls emerge, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a luscious glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls—the heat ensures the glaze melts into every swirl and crevice, soaking in for the true Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) experience. These are best enjoyed warm, when the centers are at their most decadent.
How to Serve Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey)
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, try topping your cinnamon rolls with chopped pecans, a little dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if you like a sweet-salty bite. Fresh berries or a little citrus zest would also add a bright pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) with a bowl of fresh fruit, creamy scrambled eggs, or a cup of strong, hot coffee for a breakfast or brunch spread that keeps everyone reaching for seconds. If you’re leaning into dessert mode, try serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, make them mini by slicing thinner before baking, or arrange the baked rolls in a floral pattern on a platter for a stunning centerpiece. If you want to go extra special, serve warm from the oven on vintage china or rustic boards, with extra glaze on the side for dipping. They even make adorable take-home gifts wrapped up with a little twine and a handwritten tag.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The rolls will stay soft and moist thanks to that rich, buttery filling, especially if you let them cool before covering to avoid condensation.
Freezing
Want to make ahead? Freeze baked, unglazed rolls for up to two months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or briefly in the microwave, then drizzle with fresh glaze just before serving to restore that signature gooey finish. Alternatively, you can freeze unbaked rolls in the pan, before the second rise—just cover tightly, freeze, and finish rising and baking when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring leftover cinnamon rolls back to their warm, oozy best, microwave single rolls for 15–20 seconds, or reheat a pan of rolls in a low oven (300°F) covered with foil for 8–10 minutes. If needed, add an extra drizzle of glaze after warming to perfect that just-baked taste and sticky texture.
FAQs
Can I make these cinnamon rolls the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) up to the baking step and cover tightly in the fridge overnight. Let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed. This makes them a fantastic option for holiday mornings or entertaining.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you’ll need to proof the active dry yeast in warm milk and sugar for about 10 minutes until bubbly before continuing with the recipe. The rise times may be slightly longer, but you’ll still achieve that irresistible fluffy texture.
What’s the best way to cut sticky cinnamon roll dough neatly?
Unflavored dental floss works wonders for slicing through soft, filled dough without squishing the spirals. Just slide the floss underneath the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull tightly for perfect rounds every time!
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely—chopped pecans, walnuts, or golden raisins add extra texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them over the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling up the dough. It’s a delicious way to personalize your rolls.
How do I make the glaze extra rich and creamy?
Mix a few tablespoons of softened cream cheese into the glaze for a tangy, decadent twist. It takes the icing for your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) to the next level and pairs so well with the warm spices!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the ultimate homemade treat that magically comes together in an hour, you can’t beat Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey). Each bite is soft, buttery, and loaded with sweet, spiced flavor—it’s truly a joy to share with family and friends. Give this recipe a go and make your kitchen the happiest place on earth with every warm, fragrant batch!
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Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls for a decadent treat that’s quick to make. These ooey gooey rolls are perfect for breakfast or dessert, with a soft, fluffy dough and a sweet cinnamon filling, all topped with a delicious glaze.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Add egg, melted butter, salt, and gradually mix in flour to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth, then let rest.
- Make the Filling: Roll out the dough, spread butter, sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon, then roll up and cut into rolls.
- Rise and Bake: Place rolls in a baking dish, let rise, then bake until golden and cooked through.
- Glaze and Serve: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls and enjoy!
Notes
- To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate unbaked rolls overnight. Let sit at room temp 30 minutes before baking.
- Add cream cheese to the glaze for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
