Easy One Hour Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Instructions

1. Start by melting 1/2 stick of unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl for 40-45 seconds. Pour it into a medium bowl and set aside.
2. Now, heat the milk in the same bowl for 45 seconds, then mix it with the melted butter. **Tip: Check that the milk/butter is between 100-110°F for the yeast to activate. Adjust the heating if necessary.
3. Mix in the sugar and yeast until dissolved. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it sit for 10 minutes.
4. While waiting, preheat your oven to its lowest setting (about 170°F).
5. After 10 minutes, your yeast mixture should be frothy. Remove the cover and add in 1 egg, salt, and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add flour in 1/2 cup increments, mixing with a spatula until combined. Use your hands for the last bit if needed. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky.
7. Shape the dough into a ball in the bowl and cover with a towel. Turn off the oven and place the covered dough inside to proof for 10 minutes.
8. While the dough proofs, prepare the cinnamon sugar filling. In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla with an electric hand mixer until smooth. Set aside.
9. Once the dough has proofed, remove the towel and place it on a large pastry mat or lightly greased surface. Roll it out to a 14” x 18” rectangle, about 1/4” thick.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spread the cinnamon sugar mixture on the dough, leaving a little space at the edges.
11. Starting from the short side, tightly roll the dough away from you to form a log.
12. Use a dough scraper or knife to pre-mark the dough for cutting: first in half, then half of those halves, and finally three slices in each section for 12 rolls. Cut with a serrated knife using slow sawing motions.
13. Place the cinnamon rolls in a 9x13 baking pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until light golden brown.
14. Let the rolls cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
15. While they cool, make the cream cheese icing. Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk (1 tbsp at a time) with an electric mixer until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
16. Spread the cream cheese icing on the warm cinnamon rolls, serve, and enjoy!