Mini Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The Coziest Mini Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for Bite-Sized Bliss

Sweet aromas of warm cinnamon rolls drift through kitchens, promising pure comfort.

Morning sunlight catches golden swirls nestled perfectly on ceramic plates.

Small pastry bites promise maximum delight with minimal effort.

Baking these miniature treats connects generations of home cooks who cherish simple pleasures.

Soft dough wrapped around rich, fragrant spices creates magic in mere minutes.

Delicate spirals melt on your tongue, delivering pure breakfast happiness.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of these irresistible mini morsels.

What’s Sweet About Mini Cinnamon Rolls for Two

  • Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these adorable mini cinnamon rolls in just 30 minutes, perfect for small households or when you want a quick sweet treat without massive leftovers.
  • Perfectly Portioned Indulgence: Each batch makes 4-6 mini rolls, providing just the right amount of deliciousness without overwhelming your kitchen or waistline.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: This recipe requires basic pantry staples like flour, butter, and cinnamon, making it budget-friendly and accessible for home bakers with limited ingredients.
  • Cozy Comfort Treat: These mini rolls deliver maximum comfort in a petite package, ideal for lazy weekend mornings, romantic breakfasts, or satisfying sudden dessert cravings without massive commitment.

Mini Cinnamon Rolls for Two: What You’ll Need

Primary Dough Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Soft, fine flour essential for creating tender and light roll texture.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Tiny microorganisms that help the dough rise and develop rich flavor.
  • Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds sweetness to the overall recipe.
Filling and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that provides classic roll flavor and comforting scent.
  • Brown Sugar: Rich, molasses-like sweetener that caramelizes during baking for deep flavor.
Wet and Binding Ingredients:
  • Milk: Helps activate yeast and provides moisture for soft dough consistency.
  • Butter: Adds richness, helps dough develop tender texture, and enhances overall flavor.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to soft, smooth dough structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Subtle sweet flavor that complements cinnamon and enhances overall taste.
Glaze/Topping Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze for topping the rolls.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds tangy richness and creamy texture to the glaze.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances glaze flavor and provides subtle sweetness.

Mini Cinnamon Rolls for Two Baking Guide

Step 1: Prepare Dough Basics

Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a medium bowl.

Add warm milk and softened butter, then blend until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Knead the dough gently on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let Dough Rise

Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm spot for about 30 minutes.

The dough should nearly double in size, creating a puffy, soft texture.

Step 3: Roll Out Delicious Layers

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape.

Aim for a thin, even layer that’s approximately 10 inches long.

Step 4: Create Cinnamon Filling

Spread softened butter across the rolled-out dough.

Sprinkle a generous mix of:
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Brown sugar
  • Dash of vanilla extract

Step 5: Roll and Cut Miniature Treats

Carefully roll the dough from the long side into a tight log.

Slice the log into small, bite-sized rolls using a sharp knife.

You should get about 6-8 mini rolls.

Step 6: Final Rise and Preparation

Place the mini rolls in a small baking dish.

Cover and let them rise again for 15-20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375°F during this time.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes until they turn golden brown and smell wonderfully aromatic.

The edges should look slightly crisp.

Step 8: Whip Up Cream Cheese Glaze

While rolls cool slightly, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk to create a smooth, creamy glaze.

Drizzle generously over warm rolls.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the mini cinnamon rolls to a serving plate.

Enjoy immediately while they’re warm and the glaze is still soft and gooey.

Mini Cinnamon Rolls for Two Tips

  • Use a small baking dish or ramekin to prevent overspreading and ensure perfectly compact mini rolls.
  • Warm milk to precisely 110°F to activate yeast without killing it, creating soft, fluffy dough.
  • Chill dough for 10-15 minutes before rolling to make handling easier and prevent sticky mess.
  • Swap traditional cinnamon sugar for nutmeg, cardamom, or even a dash of espresso powder for unique flavor variations.
  • Let rolls cool slightly before adding cream cheese glaze to prevent runny, thin topping and achieve that perfect, thick drizzle.

Mini Cinnamon Rolls That Stay Soft After Storing

  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and moist.
  • Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months, preserving their delicious flavor.
  • Warm rolls at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, bringing back their soft texture and warm cinnamon aroma.
  • Zap rolls for 15-20 seconds, ensuring they don't dry out, for a quick and easy revival of their original delightful taste.

What to Serve With Mini Cinnamon Rolls

  • Savor Flavor Companions: Rich, creamy vanilla bean ice cream complements the warm, gooey cinnamon rolls perfectly.
  • Wine Pairing Wonder: Light moscato or sweet dessert wine enhances the rolls' delicate sweetness and spicy cinnamon notes.
  • Breakfast Beverage Bliss: Freshly brewed medium-roast coffee with a splash of cream balances the rolls' sugary intensity and provides a smooth, aromatic contrast.
  • Morning Protein Partner: Serve alongside a small portion of Greek yogurt with honey to add protein and create a balanced breakfast experience.

Mini Cinnamon Rolls Made Your Way

  • Gluten-Free Rolls: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for binding, ensuring those with celiac disease can enjoy these mini treats.
  • Vegan Version: Swap butter for coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and create egg-free dough with applesauce or a commercial egg replacer to make the rolls dairy and egg-free.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use almond flour and low-carb sweeteners like erythritol, replacing traditional sugar and flour to create a low-carb friendly mini cinnamon roll option.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine, and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk to accommodate dairy restrictions while maintaining a rich, tender texture.

FAQs

  • What ingredients do I need to make mini cinnamon rolls for two?

You’ll need all-purpose flour, sugar, active dry yeast, milk, butter, salt, ground cinnamon, and powdered sugar for the glaze. Optional ingredients include an egg and vanilla extract for extra flavor.

  • Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

Absolutely! This mini cinnamon roll recipe is perfect for beginners. It requires basic baking skills, uses simple ingredients, and makes a small batch that’s easier to manage than traditional large-batch recipes.

  • How can I tell if my yeast is active and working correctly?

When you mix yeast with warm milk and a bit of sugar, it should become foamy and bubbly within 5-10 minutes. If the mixture doesn’t activate or show signs of bubbling, your yeast might be old or inactive, and you’ll need to replace it.

  • Can I make these mini cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After rolling and cutting the rolls, you can refrigerate them overnight. Just let them come to room temperature and rise before baking in the morning for fresh, warm mini cinnamon rolls.

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Mini Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Mini Cinnamon Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Delectable mini cinnamon rolls bring warmth and comfort to your breakfast table with minimal effort. Perfectly portioned for two, these little swirls of sweetness promise a delightful morning indulgence you’ll savor with every tender bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

  • 2.5 to 2.75 cups (270300 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) warm water
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) warm milk
  • 3 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 4-6 pieces
  • 1 and 1/8 teaspoons (3.5 grams) dry active yeast or half of one packet
  • 2.5 tablespoons (32 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling:

  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 1.5 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 2 ounces (57 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (90 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk, stirring gently until completely incorporated and slightly frothy.
  2. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a soft, uniform dry mixture.
  3. Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing its gluten structure.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm area for approximately 45 minutes until doubled in volume.
  6. Roll out the risen dough into a rectangular shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick, ensuring an even surface.
  7. Spread softened butter evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  8. Sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon and brown sugar over the buttered surface, creating a rich, aromatic filling.
  9. Carefully roll the dough from the long edge, creating a tight, uniform log with the filling sealed inside.
  10. Slice the log into 4-5 equal rounds using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
  11. Place the rolls in a small, greased baking dish, allowing slight space between each roll for expansion.
  12. Let the rolls proof for an additional 20 minutes in a warm environment to enhance their volume.
  13. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
  14. While cooling, prepare the cream cheese glaze by whisking cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a touch of milk until smooth.
  15. Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls, allowing it to cascade and create an enticing finish.

Notes

  • Opt for room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture in your dough.
  • Measure flour precisely by spooning and leveling to prevent dense, heavy rolls that won’t rise properly.
  • Use fresh active dry yeast and check its expiration date for guaranteed soft, fluffy results every time.
  • Consider substituting gluten-free flour and dairy-free milk for a celiac or lactose-intolerant friendly version of these mini rolls.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 425
  • Sugar: 36g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 53g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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