If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, soul-warming treat that won’t monopolize your entire morning, look no further than Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey). These beauties deliver soft, tender spirals, a rich cinnamon-streaked filling, and a perfectly gooey vanilla glaze — all from scratch in just 60 minutes! They’re the answer to last-minute brunches, sudden sweet tooth cravings, or any day you want to create a little magic in under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) is that the ingredients are humble pantry staples, each working its own magic: tenderizing the dough, flavoring the filling, or guaranteeing that iconic sweet, sticky finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Warm Milk: Gently warms the dough and activates the yeast for a fluffy rise.
- Active Dry Yeast: The essential leavening agent that gives the rolls their pillowy height.
- Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
- Melted Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and ensures a soft, tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances flavor and strengthens the dough’s structure.
- Large Egg: Binds the dough and contributes extra softness and richness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure without heaviness.
- Softened Unsalted Butter (Filling): Ensures every bite delivers buttery decadence.
- Packed Brown Sugar (Filling): Brings deep caramel notes and luxurious gooeyness.
- Ground Cinnamon (Filling): The star spice that ties the whole recipe together.
- Powdered Sugar (Glaze): Dissolves smoothly for a classic, luscious glaze.
- Milk (Glaze): Gives the glaze its pourable, satin-smooth texture.
- Vanilla Extract (Glaze): Adds fragrant warmth to the icing.
- Pinch of Salt (Glaze): Just a touch to enhance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
How to Make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey)
Step 1: Bloom the Yeast
Start by pouring the warm milk into a large mixing bowl, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for 5 minutes, until it’s foamy and fragrant—the bubbles assure you that your rolls will rise beautifully. This quick resting period is the first secret to making truly fluffy Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey).
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg into the yeast-milk base. Give everything a good mix until blended, then add the flour gradually. Continue stirring with a sturdy spoon (or your stand mixer) until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead by hand or with your dough hook for about 5 minutes: the dough should feel smooth, elastic, and just a little tacky to the touch. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rest for 10 minutes—just one more pause to ensure pillowy results.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
On a lightly floured surface, roll the rested dough into a rectangle about 15×9 inches. Slather on the softened butter, ensuring the corners and edges get equal love. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly, then follow with a generous shower of cinnamon. Layering the filling is where the signature ooey gooey element starts to take shape—it’s what transforms these from everyday cinnamon rolls into something unforgettable.
Step 4: Shape and Slice
With the long edge facing you, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log. Pinch the seam closed along the full length of the roll to seal in those buttery, sugary ribbons. Using a sharp knife or a bit of dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. Each roll should be plump and promising, ready to deliver ooey gooey perfection.
Step 5: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each one. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for about 20 minutes in a warm place—your kitchen should smell like sweet anticipation! This final rise is what guarantees soft, billowy rolls even on a tight timeline.
Step 6: Bake
As your rolls rest, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once risen, bake the rolls for 20 to 22 minutes, or until they’re golden on top and very slightly firm to the touch. The aroma will make it tough to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. As soon as your rolls emerge, still warm and fragrant, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. The heat lets the glaze melt into every swirl, creating that signature Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) finish!
How to Serve Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey)
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, crown your sticky rolls with toasted pecans, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a few curls of white chocolate. These thoughtful touches add beautiful contrast and an extra layer of indulgence prepared for the biggest cinnamon roll fans in your life.
Side Dishes
A classic pairing for Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) is a big mug of coffee or hot chocolate, but you can also go savory with a side of scrambled eggs or crispy bacon. A tangy fruit salad or some sliced oranges bring a welcome burst of brightness to balance every sweet, gooey bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your cinnamon rolls as a decadent brunch centerpiece on a cake stand, or stack them high on a rustic wooden board for sharing. For a fun twist, cut the rolls smaller and bake them as mini-cinnamon roll bites—perfect for parties or entertaining a brunch crowd. However you serve them, Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) make any morning feel extraordinary.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them fresh by transferring rolls to an airtight container once they’ve cooled completely. They’ll stay soft and moist at room temperature for up to two days, and a day longer if stored in the fridge.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unglazed rolls individually or in a batch: simply wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, then warm as desired and glaze just before serving for a just-baked sensation.
Reheating
To recapture fresh-baked flavor and texture, microwave individual rolls for about 15-20 seconds, or warm a pan of cinnamon rolls in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. If your glaze has disappeared into the rolls, a quick drizzle of fresh icing makes them ooey gooey all over again.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Instant yeast will work just as well and actually speeds up the rising process a bit. Simply mix it right in with the other dough ingredients—no need to let it bloom in the milk first.
Can I make Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) dairy-free?
Yes—replace the milk with your favorite non-dairy alternative, swap in vegan butter, and double-check that your brown sugar is vegan. The texture and gooeyness will still shine through!
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Slight leakage is almost inevitable (and honestly, it’s part of the ooey gooey charm), but making sure to tightly roll the dough and firmly pinch the seam closed will lock in most of the filling as the rolls bake.
Can I double the recipe?
Go for it! Just use a larger baking pan or divide between two pans. This is a fantastic way to feed a crowd—the more Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) you make, the better the celebration.
Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?
If your rolls didn’t puff up nicely, double-check your yeast’s expiration date and make sure your milk isn’t too hot (which can kill the yeast). Also, avoid adding too much flour—stick with 3 ½ cups or just enough for a very soft dough for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely magical about pulling a pan of Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) from the oven—soft, steamy, bubbling with cinnamon sugar, and ready to be devoured. Whether you want to add a special touch to your weekend or whip up a fast surprise for the family, this recipe promises big comfort in minimal time. Give it a try, share the joy, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Print
Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls (Ooey Gooey) Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these easy one-hour cinnamon rolls for a gooey, sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. With a soft, buttery dough and a cinnamon sugar filling, these rolls are topped with a vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ½ cup softened unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Add sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg. Mix well, then gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth. Let rest.
- Rolling: Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Roll tightly, cut into rolls, place in dish.
- Rising and Baking: Let rise, then bake at 375°F for 20–22 minutes.
- Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, double the filling or top with cream cheese frosting instead.
- Best enjoyed the same day, but leftovers can be reheated for that gooey texture.
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