1-Hour Soft Cinnamon Rolls (Heavy Cream Hack)

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Do you ever crave cinnamon rolls but don’t want to wait hours for them to rise? Well, the wait is over! This Soft Cinnamon Rolls Recipe takes less than 1 hour to make, gooey on the inside, soft on the edges, and made with European Butter for added richness and flavor!

How to make Cinnamon Rolls fast?

The ticket here is to work with Instant Dry Yeast and to have Saran Wrap on hand, as that will help boost the rising process. It's a very simple process!

  • Make the dough. Let rise 5-10 minutes in the bowl.
  • Roll out the dough and add the filling. Slice into individual cinnamon rolls.
  • Place into lightly greased pan and cover with Saran Wrap.
  • Place in heated oven to rise 20 minutes.
  • Add heavy cream.
  • Place back in oven to back as the oven turns back on.
  • Add icing and enjoy warm!

What is the Heavy Cream Hack for Cinnamon Rolls?

The heavy cream hack is often used for canned cinnamon rolls BUT we like to do things 'From Scratch' around here!

The heavy soaks into the cinnamon roll dough giving them a richer flavor that balances out the sweetness, makes them extra fluffy, and helps create a syrup in the pan that keeps the cinnamon rolls moist and soft!

Once you try it out, you won't make them any other way!

When to glaze cinnamon rolls?

I've notice that many French bakeries will add a buttercream-like icing on top of the cinnamon rolls, which makes for a beautiful presentation! However, I think the perfect time to glaze a cinnamon roll is a few minutes after being pulled out of the oven. The icing melts to form an irresistible glaze on top that is mouth!! watering!!

TIPS on Making the Best Cinnamon Rolls:

  • Use dental floss or a thin string to "slice" the cinnamon rolls. It helps create those pillowy perfect edges!
  • Have the eggs, butter, and cream cheese come to room temperature before using so that they are nice and soft.
  • Don't kill the yeast! Make sure your milk is warm to touch, but NOT hot. The milk should be around 110F to 115F.
  • Be careful not to over mix your dough. Kneading by mixer for 4-6 minutes, or by hand for 6-8 minutes, until the dough is soft and pliable is plenty of time.
  • The ideal rising temperatures are between 75F to 90F. I love placing my doughs in the oven (turned OFF) with the light ON.

How to store cinnamon rolls?

Cinnamon rolls stay good at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the fridge up to 1 week, or in the freezer up to 2 months. I recommend storing them in an airtight container or wrapping tightly in Saran Wrap.

How to freeze cinnamon rolls?

I recommend storing the cinnamon rolls prior to baking them. It would be like canned cinnamon rolls, except homemade!

If already baked (which is my typical case), I would wrap them tightly in Saran Wrap or place in a freezer safe bag. Then, I let them thaw in the fridge overnight before warming up in the oven the next morning.

Place frozen rolls evenly on pan and cover with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray to keep from sticking to rolls while rising. BAKE – Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Carefully remove plastic wrap. Bake 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.

How to reheat cinnamon rolls?

  • UNBAKED: Place frozen cinnamon rolls evenly on a pan, cover with plastic wrap, then let thaw and rise at room temperature for 1 hour. When ready, remove plastic and bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
  • BAKED: I love adding a little more heavy cream (about 1/3 cup per 6 rolls). Cover with aluminum foil, then bake at 350F for 10-15 minutes. The rolls should have absorbed the heavy cream and be warmed throughout!

Now, it’s time to grab our aprons and begin baking deliciousness! ’till next time! xxL

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If you loved this delicious recipe I would truly appreciate it so much if you would give a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram@brightmomentco. It always makes my day seeing y’alls creations!

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“"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

1-Hour Soft Cinnamon Rolls (Heavy Cream Hack)

This Cinnamon Rolls Recipe takes less than 1 hour to make, gooey on the inside, and soft on the edges!

PREP:
20
MINS
HOURS
COOK:
20
MINS
HOURS
TOTAL:
40
MINS
HOURS
TOTAL:
40

Ingredients

Servings: 12

For the Dough:

  • 1 cup Warm Milk
  • 1 tbsp. Instant Dry Yeast
  • 2 tbsp. Brown Sugar
  • 1 tsp. Fine Sea Salt
  • 3 tbsp. Softened Butter, or Olive Oil
  • 1 large Egg
  • 3 cups All Purpose Flour
  • 2/3 cup Heavy Cream

For the Filling:

  • 1/2 cup Softened Butter
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 tbsp. Ground Cinnamon

For the Icing:

  • 4 oz. Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup Salted Butter, softened
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tbsp. Milk

Instructions

For the Cinnamon Rolls:

  1. Preheat oven to 200F.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Lightly whisk together, then set aside for 6-8 minutes to activate the yeast.
  3. Add the egg, salt, and butter. Whisk to combine.
  4. Add the flour. Using the hook attachment, knead the dough on LOW for 2 minutes. Increase speed to Medium-High to knead for 5 more minutes. The dough should be soft and pliable. Adjust with milk (if too dry) or flour (if too sticky), if needed.
  5. Cover with Saran Wrap and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
  6. While resting, lightly flour a clean surface.
  7. Roll out the dough 12"x18" rectangle, about 1/4" thick.
  8. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. The butter shouldn't be melted but should spread over the dough easily.
  9. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
  10. Roll up the dough tightly.
  11. Cut the cinnamon rolls using a thin string or dental floss to be 1 1/2" - 2" thick slices.
  12. Place into a lightly greased 9x13" baking dish. Cover with Saran Wrap.
  13. Turn the oven OFF. Place the cinnamon rolls in the heated oven to rise 20 minutes.
  14. After 20 minutes, REMOVE the Saran Wrap. Quickly pour the heavy cream over the cinnamon rolls. Then place back into the oven uncovered.
  15. Leaving them in the oven, turn the oven ON to 375F. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until brown on top (like visual above).

For the Icing:

  1. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add the powdered sugar and milk. Beat until soft and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Fold in the vanilla extract.
  4. Let the cinnamon rolls cool for 2-3 minutes before adding the icing. The icing should melt and become a beautiful glaze on top. Enjoy warm!

Like the recipe? Leave a comment!

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Katie S
January 8, 2023
Look so good and simple! Would whole milk work instead of heavy cream?? Thanks!
Caroline Kees
January 14, 2023
i absolutely LOVE these and making them is so easy and they taste GREAT!!!!
Cecelia
January 31, 2023
Like it. I think it would be good for biscuits
Sondra
March 5, 2023
these were AMAZING!!!! SO easy and FREAKIN' delish!
Laura Parvi
March 25, 2023
How do you test this with gluten-free flour?
Maureen Purcell Purcell
March 25, 2023
Yummm
Lisa
March 26, 2023
Excited to try this recipe
Brittany McNamara
March 27, 2023
Can I make these with half & half instead of heavy cream?
Abby
April 7, 2023
I just made these and oh my gosh best thing I’ve ever ate! By far the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever had and so easy to make.
Po
April 12, 2023
Best cinnamon rolls ever! Such a quick rise!!! Yum
Cieria
September 3, 2023
These are absolutely delicious and so easy to make! I found this recipe on Instagram and have made it 3 times since. You really can have these done within an hour which is the best part- no waiting hours for rise time! If you come across this recipe, here is your sign to make these!
Ana
September 10, 2023
Really delicious cinnamon rolls! I reduced the butter by a couple of tablespoons and it turned out well. Thank you for the recipe!
Brae
October 14, 2023
I made these cinnamon rolls last Christmas (2022) and my family keeps talking about wanting them again. Just searched for 20 minutes & finally found your recipe again. Yay! We will have one happy family this Christmas. Sooo delicious and easy to make.
Deniz
November 2, 2023
Do you place 6 rolls into a 9x13 dish to bake or do all 12 go in a 9x13? Thanks!
Deniz
November 2, 2023
Do you place 6 rolls into a 9x13 dish to bake or do all 12 go in a 9x13? Thanks!
- From Author:
I place either 6 into 2 smaller baking pans, or place all 12 in a 9x13" pan! Sorry for the confusion!
Brae
October 14, 2023
I made these cinnamon rolls last Christmas (2022) and my family keeps talking about wanting them again. Just searched for 20 minutes & finally found your recipe again. Yay! We will have one happy family this Christmas. Sooo delicious and easy to make.
- From Author:
YAY! Glad you found the recipe again - it's our family's secret (but also no longer secret) recipe Lol ;)
Ana
September 10, 2023
Really delicious cinnamon rolls! I reduced the butter by a couple of tablespoons and it turned out well. Thank you for the recipe!
- From Author:
So happy to hear! And love that you adjusted to your personal tastes ;)
Cieria
September 3, 2023
These are absolutely delicious and so easy to make! I found this recipe on Instagram and have made it 3 times since. You really can have these done within an hour which is the best part- no waiting hours for rise time! If you come across this recipe, here is your sign to make these!
- From Author:
Yay! I love that!!
Po
April 12, 2023
Best cinnamon rolls ever! Such a quick rise!!! Yum
- From Author:
So happy to hear you loved it!
Abby
April 7, 2023
I just made these and oh my gosh best thing I’ve ever ate! By far the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever had and so easy to make.
- From Author:
Thank YOU!!
Brittany McNamara
March 27, 2023
Can I make these with half & half instead of heavy cream?
- From Author:
It's always worth a try! ;)
Lisa
March 26, 2023
Excited to try this recipe
- From Author:
Hope you enjoy! :)
Maureen Purcell Purcell
March 25, 2023
Yummm
- From Author:
Thank you!!
Laura Parvi
March 25, 2023
How do you test this with gluten-free flour?
- From Author:
Hey! So Bob's Red Mill has a variety of GF flours based on what baked goods you're trying to make so I'd check out their flours :)
Sondra
March 5, 2023
these were AMAZING!!!! SO easy and FREAKIN' delish!
- From Author:
Thank you so much!!
Cecelia
January 31, 2023
Like it. I think it would be good for biscuits
- From Author:
Cinnamon rolls and biscuits for breakfast?! Yes please :)
Caroline Kees
January 14, 2023
i absolutely LOVE these and making them is so easy and they taste GREAT!!!!
- From Author:
YAY! So happy to hear!
Katie S
January 8, 2023
Look so good and simple! Would whole milk work instead of heavy cream?? Thanks!
- From Author:
Heavy creamy works best because of the fat content but I say go for it because you never know! ;)