Easy Cinnamon Scrolls: Simple Homemade Recipe in 1 Hour

Yes, you can make delicious homemade cinnamon scrolls in under 90 minutes with just 10 basic ingredients and no special equipment. This easy cinnamon scrolls recipe eliminates complicated steps while delivering soft, fluffy results with a perfect cinnamon-sugar swirl and creamy icing.

Many home bakers believe cinnamon scrolls require advanced skills or hours of preparation, but that's simply not true. With the right approach, you can create bakery-quality cinnamon scrolls that rival your favorite coffee shop's version—without the fuss. This easy cinnamon scrolls recipe has been tested and refined to remove unnecessary complexity while preserving that irresistible homemade flavor.

Why This Easy Cinnamon Scrolls Recipe Works

The secret to perfect easy cinnamon scrolls lies in three key simplifications:

• No overnight proofing—This recipe uses an accelerated rising method that delivers excellent results in just 45 minutes
• Minimal ingredients—Only 10 pantry staples with no specialty items required
• Streamlined technique—One-bowl mixing and simple rolling method anyone can master

Unlike complicated traditional recipes, this approach eliminates common pain points while maintaining that signature cinnamon scroll texture and flavor. You'll get soft, pull-apart layers with just the right amount of gooey filling—not dense, dry rolls that often result from simplified recipes.

Simple Cinnamon Scrolls Ingredients

This easy cinnamon scrolls recipe uses basic ingredients you likely already have:

Ingredient	Amount	Key Notes
All-purpose flour	3½ cups	Spoon and level for accuracy
Granulated sugar	½ cup	Plus ¾ cup for filling
Unsalted butter	⅓ cup melted	Cool slightly before using
Warm milk	1 cup	110°F/43°C—not hot
Active dry yeast	2¼ tsp	1 standard packet
Eggs	2 large	Room temperature
Salt	1 tsp	Enhances flavor
Ground cinnamon	2 tbsp	Freshly ground preferred
Powdered sugar	1½ cups	For icing
Heavy cream	2-3 tbsp	For icing consistency

Step-by-Step Easy Cinnamon Scrolls Instructions

Prepare the Dough (15 minutes)

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5-7 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, yeast mixture, and eggs to dry ingredients.
4. Mix until a shaggy dough forms (about 2 minutes).
5. Knead by hand for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic (no stand mixer needed).

Rise and Fill (50 minutes)

6. Cover bowl with damp towel and let rise in warm place for 30 minutes.
7. Mix filling ingredients (¾ cup sugar + 2 tbsp cinnamon) in small bowl.
8. Roll dough into 16x12 inch rectangle on floured surface.
9. Brush surface with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar.
10. Roll tightly from long side, pinching seam to seal.
11. Cut into 12 equal pieces using dental floss for clean slices.

Bake and Ice (25 minutes)

12. Place rolls in greased 9x13 inch pan, cover, and let rise 15 minutes.
13. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-22 minutes until golden brown.
14. While cooling, whisk powdered sugar and cream for icing.
15. Drizzle icing over warm rolls.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with this easy cinnamon scrolls recipe, beginners sometimes encounter these issues:

• Dense rolls: Usually caused by too much flour. Measure by spooning flour into cup then leveling—don't scoop directly.
• Filling leaking out: Make sure to pinch the dough seam well after rolling and use dental floss (not a knife) for clean cuts.
• Not rising enough: Check your yeast's expiration date and ensure milk is warm but not hot (over 120°F kills yeast).
• Burnt bottoms: Place baking pan on a lower oven rack and check at 18 minutes.

Serving and Storage Tips

For best results with your easy cinnamon scrolls:

• Enjoy warm from the oven for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Store leftovers in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Reheat individual rolls for 15 seconds in microwave for fresh-baked taste
• Freeze unbaked rolls: Place cut rolls on parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to baking time.

Simple Variations to Try

Once you've mastered this basic easy cinnamon scrolls recipe, experiment with these beginner-friendly variations:

• Nutty swirl: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling
• Cream cheese icing: Mix 2 oz softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar icing
• Apple cinnamon: Add ½ cup finely diced apple to the filling layer
• Gluten-free option: Substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (add 1 tsp xanthan gum)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make easy cinnamon scrolls without yeast?

Yes, you can create a quick version using self-rising flour and baking powder instead of yeast. Mix 3 cups self-rising flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, ½ cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 cup buttermilk, and ⅓ cup melted butter to form the dough. This yeast-free method produces a biscuit-like texture in about 45 minutes total.

How do I prevent my cinnamon scrolls from becoming dry?

To keep your easy cinnamon scrolls moist, don't overbake them—remove when just golden. Also, brush the warm rolls with melted butter before icing, which creates a moisture barrier. Proper storage in an airtight container is essential, and reheating with a damp paper towel helps restore freshness.

Can I prepare easy cinnamon scrolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the rolls through the cutting stage, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. This method actually enhances flavor development while saving morning preparation time.

Why did my cinnamon scroll filling sink to the bottom?

Filling sinking usually happens when you don't brush the dough with melted butter before adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The butter acts as a glue to hold the filling in place during baking. Also, avoid overfilling and make sure to pinch the seam well after rolling the dough.