45-Minute Cinnamon Rolls

45-Minute Cinnamon Rolls are your go-to solution for quick, warm, gooey, and delicious cinnamon rolls that don’t require hours of rising or overnight prep. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, then topped with a creamy glaze that melts right into every golden spiral. Perfect for mornings when you want something special without waiting, this recipe uses a quick-rise technique that yields bakery-quality results in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re making a sweet breakfast treat, a weekend brunch highlight, or a crowd-pleasing holiday dish, these cinnamon rolls deliver all the cozy comfort and flavor of a traditional recipe—fast.

With simple pantry staples and minimal kneading, these cinnamon rolls come together with ease, making them a great option even for beginner bakers. You’ll love how the sweet cinnamon aroma fills your kitchen and how each bite is soft, sticky, and utterly satisfying. They’re customizable too—add nuts, raisins, or even a flavored glaze to make them your own. Whether you’re serving a family breakfast, impressing guests, or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, this 45-minute cinnamon roll recipe proves that homemade indulgence doesn’t have to take all day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under an hour—perfect for spontaneous cravings or quick brunch ideas
• Soft, fluffy texture with gooey cinnamon-sugar swirls and a luscious glaze
• Uses quick-rise yeast or rapid-rise technique for speedy proofing
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or dessert
• Easily customizable with add-ins or alternate glazes and frostings

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls
• Serving Size: 1 roll

Nutritional Information (Per Roll, Approx.)

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 17g

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour (start with 3 cups and add more if needed)

For the Filling

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth
• Optional: 1/3 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 2 oz cream cheese, softened (for cream cheese glaze)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
• Add sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix well.
• Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
• Knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook for 3–5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

2. First Rise (Quick Rise)

• Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 10 minutes in a warm place.
• Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C), then turn it off—this creates a warm proofing space if needed.

3. Prepare the Filling

• In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 15×9-inch rectangle.
• Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Add nuts or raisins if using.

4. Roll and Slice

• Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long edge.
• Slice into 12 even rolls using a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss.
• Place rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

5. Second Rise (While Oven Preheats)

• Place pan in the slightly warm oven (or leave on countertop covered) for 10–15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

6. Bake

• Bake rolls for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through in the center.
• If needed, cover with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.

7. Make the Glaze

• While rolls bake, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth.
• For a richer glaze, blend in cream cheese until fully incorporated.

8. Glaze and Serve

• Remove cinnamon rolls from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
• Drizzle glaze generously over the warm rolls.
• Serve fresh and enjoy while soft and gooey.

Ingredient Background

Yeast

• Instant yeast (also known as rapid-rise yeast) allows the dough to rise quickly and eliminates the need for extended proofing.
• Activating it in warm milk gives the dough a soft texture and helps speed up the rising process.

Cinnamon

• This warm spice is the heart of cinnamon rolls, offering bold flavor and comforting aroma.
• Combining with brown sugar creates the signature caramelized swirl filling.

Cream Cheese Glaze

• Cream cheese adds tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the sweet rolls.
• Traditional glaze works well too for a lighter topping option.

Technique Tips

• Use Fresh Yeast: Always check the expiration date—old yeast won’t rise properly.
• Warm Milk, Not Hot: Milk should be warm to the touch, not scalding, or it may kill the yeast.
• Even Rolling: Roll dough evenly to avoid overly thick centers or uneven baking.
• Slice Cleanly: Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for clean cinnamon roll slices.
• Don’t Overbake: Check rolls early—they should be golden and soft, not dry or too brown.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Cinnamon Rolls: Slice into smaller pieces and bake in a muffin tin.
• Cinnamon Roll Muffins: Place rolls in individual muffin liners for a grab-and-go breakfast.
• Cinnamon Roll Skillet: Bake rolls in a cast iron skillet for a rustic brunch presentation.
• Cinnamon Roll Twists: Slice dough into strips, twist, and bake for a fun variation.
• Pull-Apart Cinnamon Bread: Stack dough slices in a loaf pan for a cinnamon roll loaf.

Additional Tips for Success

• Add orange zest to the glaze for a citrus twist.
• Sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
• Store extra rolls in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
• Glaze the rolls while warm so it melts slightly into the swirls.
• Add chopped apples or pears to the filling for a fruity variation.

Recipe Variations

• Maple Pecan Rolls: Replace glaze with maple syrup and add chopped pecans.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls: Add mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the filling.
• Pumpkin Spice Rolls: Add pumpkin puree to the dough and pumpkin spice to the filling.
• Savory Herb Rolls: Skip sugar and use garlic butter and herbs for a savory brunch twist.
• Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a flax egg substitute.

Freezing and Storage

Storage

• Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Freezer

• Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing, then thaw and bake when ready.
• Or freeze fully baked rolls and reheat individually with glaze.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use whole wheat flour for half the flour amount to boost fiber.
• Reduce sugar in the filling and use a light glaze.
• Add flaxseed or chia seeds to the dough for extra nutrition.
• Use yogurt-based glaze instead of cream cheese.
• Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Brunch Platter: Serve with fruit salad, scrambled eggs, and coffee.
• Holiday Breakfast: Perfect for Christmas or Easter morning with hot cocoa or spiced cider.
• Bake Sale Favorite: Wrap individually or serve on decorative trays.
• Birthday Brunch: Top with sprinkles or drizzle with chocolate for a celebratory touch.
• Tea Party Delight: Serve mini rolls with tea, scones, and lemon bars.

Special Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Serrated knife or dental floss
• Spatula or offset knife for glaze

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes—prepare the dough, roll and slice the rolls, then refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

2. What’s the best way to reheat cinnamon rolls?

Microwave for 15–30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes.

3. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?

Yes—proof it in warm milk with sugar for 10 minutes before adding other ingredients. Rise time may be slightly longer.

4. Can I skip the cream cheese in the glaze?

Absolutely. A simple powdered sugar glaze works just as well.

5. How do I keep rolls soft after baking?

Cover with foil while still warm and store in an airtight container.

6. Why didn’t my dough rise properly?

Yeast may have been expired, or milk too hot. Try proofing yeast separately next time.

7. Can I add filling variations?

Yes—try chopped nuts, raisins, or fruit compotes in the filling.

8. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes—freeze sliced rolls before baking, then thaw and bake fresh.

Conclusion

45-Minute Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate solution for quick, homemade indulgence without sacrificing flavor or texture. With soft, fluffy dough, a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a smooth glaze, these rolls are everything you want in a sweet treat—comforting, decadent, and ready in under an hour. Perfect for mornings when time is short but cravings are strong, this recipe proves that you don’t need to wait all day to enjoy the magic of freshly baked cinnamon rolls.

Whether you keep it simple or jazz it up with creative toppings and fillings, these cinnamon rolls will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. They’re ideal for everyday breakfasts, special brunches, or cozy weekends when you just want something sweet and satisfying. Once you try this easy, quick-rise method, you may never go back to traditional long-proof recipes again.

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