Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe
If there’s ever a moment when you crave something warm, fluffy, and drenched in sweet glaze, you need these Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) in your life. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special breakfast treat, these cinnamon rolls come out soft, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and dripping with luscious vanilla glaze — all in just about an hour. No need to wait for hours of rising; you can go from dough to a sprinkle of powdered sugar in hardly any time at all. Whether you’re a first-time baker or just need a reliable crowd-pleaser, this recipe turns out undeniably ooey, gooey, cinnamon-swirled magic every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing complicated or fancy about the ingredients list for these Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) — just a handful of pantry staples that each play an essential part in building those soft, pillowy swirls and irresistible brown-sugar filling.
- Warm Milk (1 cup): The gentle warmth helps the instant yeast bloom, ensuring a fluffy dough with just the right amount of lift.
- Instant Yeast (2¼ teaspoons, or 1 packet): Key for quick rising, so your rolls can be ready in one hour without sacrificing that bakery-fresh texture.
- Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Adds a light sweetness to the dough and fuels the yeast for a tender crumb.
- Large Egg (1): Provides richness and structure, keeping each roll supple and soft.
- Unsalted Butter (⅓ cup melted for dough, plus extra for filling): Essential for flavor; in the dough and the cinnamon filling for that signature lush mouthfeel.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and sharpens every bite.
- All-Purpose Flour (3½ cups): Just enough for soft buns, not too dense or dry.
- Unsalted Butter, Softened (½ cup, filling): Spread over the rolled-out dough so the cinnamon-sugar mixture sticks and melts into the swirls.
- Light Brown Sugar (¾ cup, packed, filling): Melts into gooey caramel ribbons inside every roll.
- Ground Cinnamon (2 tablespoons, filling): Delivers that sweet spice which defines classic cinnamon rolls.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups, glaze): For a dreamy, smooth glaze that soaks into every warm crevice.
- Milk (3–4 tablespoons, glaze): Adjusts the consistency of your glaze for that perfect drizzle.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon, glaze): Adds an extra layer of flavor to crown your rolls.
How to Make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey)
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by whisking together your warm milk, instant yeast, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes — you’ll see it get foamy on the surface, which is a sign the yeast is alive and ready to work magic. Next, whisk in the egg, melted butter, and salt, then gradually add the flour. Mix until a soft but workable dough begins to form. It might be a bit sticky at first, but that’s exactly what you want. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 3–5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Once done, let it rest for just 10 minutes; enough time to prep your filling!
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While your dough is resting, grab that softened butter and spread it generously over the rolled-out rectangle of dough (about 14×9 inches). Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle this aromatic mixture evenly all over the buttered surface. Don’t be shy about going right to the edges; every bite should be loaded with flavor. The combination of melty butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates that gooey, caramel-like filling we all crave in cinnamon buns.
Step 3: Shape and Slice the Rolls
Once your filling is in place, roll up the dough tightly from the long side, keeping the cinnamon-sugar tucked in as you go. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 12 equal rolls – this keeps each piece nice and round. The rolls will look snug in your greased 9×13-inch baking dish, and that’s a good thing; as they rise and bake, they’ll nestle together, maximizing the ooey gooeyness.
Step 4: Proof and Bake
Now, cover your rolls loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let them rise in a warm, cozy spot for 20 minutes. This short rest gives them a final boost of puff. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the rolls for 18–20 minutes: you want them golden on top, but not overbaked – the centers should still feel soft when gently tapped so you get that signature fresh-from-the-oven, gooey texture.
Step 5: Make and Add the Glaze
While those Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until you have a smooth glaze (add more milk if you like it thinner). As soon as the rolls emerge, still steamy and golden, drizzle the glaze generously over the tops. The icing will melt into every warm swirl, ensuring every bite is sweet and sticky. Serve immediately for best results—the gooier, the better!
How to Serve Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey)
Garnishes
An extra dusting of powdered sugar or a few chopped toasted pecans can give your rolls that bakery-style finish. A little sprinkle of cinnamon or even a bit of orange zest adds a special touch to the gooey glaze!
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) with fresh fruit for a refreshing balance, or serve alongside crispy bacon or scrambled eggs for a full breakfast spread. For coffee lovers, nothing beats a hot cup of java with cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your rolls warm in the baking dish for a family-style brunch, or plate each one individually with a swirl of extra glaze and a few berries. For special occasions, stack the rolls on a tiered platter and let guests pull them apart, ooey-gooey style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) are best enjoyed warm and fresh, but leftover rolls stay soft for a day or two when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to keep them longer, a quick stint in the refrigerator will extend their freshness for about 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls, tightly wrapped in the pan after assembling, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and allow to come to room temperature before baking. Baked (and even glazed) rolls freeze well too — just wrap individually and save for a sweet treat any time your cravings strike.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked ooey-gooey magic, pop a roll in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or warm a pan in a low oven covered with foil. The glaze may melt even more deliciously into the swirls, making leftover rolls almost as irresistible as when they were fresh!
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using active dry yeast, simply sprinkle it over the warm milk and sugar and let it sit for 10 minutes to proof, rather than 5. Once bubbly, continue with the recipe as usual for soft, fluffy Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey).
How do I keep the rolls soft and not dry?
The key is not to overbake your cinnamon rolls. Pull them from the oven when they’re just lightly golden. Adding the glaze while they’re still warm will also keep them extra moist and, of course, ooey-gooey.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the rolls and pop the unbaked pan in the fridge overnight (cover tightly). Let them sit out for 30 minutes before baking as usual for make-ahead Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) that taste freshly made.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No worries! This dough is very forgiving; you can mix everything together with a sturdy spoon and finish kneading by hand for just a few minutes. The rolls will be every bit as fluffy and delicious.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or a handful of plump raisins make fantastic additions to the filling for a little extra texture and flavor in your Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey). Just sprinkle them on before rolling up the dough.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the aroma of freshly baked Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) wafting through your kitchen, promising fluffy, sticky swirls in every bite. If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers all the homemade comfort of classic cinnamon rolls without the wait, you’ve just found your new favorite. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend, and treat yourselves—you won’t regret it!
Print
Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, fluffy rolls with a gooey cinnamon filling, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze – perfect for breakfast or dessert!
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
- Dough: In a large bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Add egg, melted butter, salt, and flour. Knead until smooth. Rest for 10 mins.
- Filling: Roll out dough, spread butter, sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll up, cut into rolls.
- Rising: Place rolls in a baking dish. Let rise for 20 mins.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 18–20 mins.
- Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm rolls.
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: 18-20 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
