Mini Cinnamon Rolls

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Introduction

Mini Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect bite-sized treat that combine the delicious warmth of cinnamon with a soft, buttery dough. These tiny rolls pack all the flavor of the classic cinnamon roll but in a cute, fun size, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or snacking any time of day. Each mini roll is filled with a swirl of cinnamon and sugar, baked until golden, and then drizzled with a sweet glaze, creating the ultimate indulgent treat that’s both comforting and irresistible.

What I love most about these Mini Cinnamon Rolls is how they fill your kitchen with that nostalgic, mouth-watering aroma. There’s something truly special about the scent of cinnamon wafting through the air as they bake, and it’s always an instant mood booster. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; they disappeared so quickly and were instantly declared a new favorite.

Even better, these mini cinnamon rolls are versatile and easy to customize. You can add a hint of nutmeg for extra spice or swap in your favorite icing if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also make a big batch ahead of time and freeze them, so you always have a tasty treat on hand. Trust me, once you try these Mini Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll be hooked—they’re simply too good to resist!

Perfect For

This recipe is ideal for morning gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or simply as a treat to enjoy any time of the day. Their small size makes them great for portioning and sharing, and they are perfect for occasions like baby showers, brunches, or holiday mornings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Warm and Gooey: The soft dough with its cinnamon-sugar swirl creates a heavenly melt-in-your-mouth experience.
  • Easy and Quick: These mini rolls come together quickly for a stress-free yet indulgent treat.
  • Perfectly Sized: The mini version makes them ideal for snack-sized portions, avoiding overindulgence.
  • Versatile: They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature and are easily customizable with different glazes and toppings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 12 mini cinnamon rolls
  • Calories Per Serving: Approximately 130 calories
  • Key Nutrients Per Serving:
    • Protein: 2g
    • Fat: 4g
    • Carbohydrates: 22g
    • Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

Dough:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 egg

Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

  • Cinnamon: Adds a fragrant and flavorful spice that perfectly complements the sweetness of the rolls.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, caramel-like sweetness in the filling.
  • Butter: Helps create a soft, tender dough and gooey filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

  1. In a small bowl, warm the milk (about 110°F) and mix it with the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a larger bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix until the dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 3-5 minutes until smooth.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 15 minutes.

Make the Filling:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
  2. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 10×6-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.

Form the Rolls:

  1. Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one of the longer edges. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
  2. Place the mini cinnamon rolls in a greased muffin tin, leaving a little space between them for expansion.

Bake the Rolls:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake the mini cinnamon rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  3. Remove from the oven and cool for a few minutes before glazing.

Make the Glaze:

  1. While the cinnamon rolls are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.

How to Serve

Serve the mini cinnamon rolls warm, with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They make a wonderful addition to any breakfast table or as an afternoon snack.

Additional Tips

  • Make-ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before forming and baking the rolls.
  • Extra Toppings: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the rolls before baking for added crunch.
  • Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free milk and butter alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.

Recipe Variations

  • Chocolate Version:
    • Take your cranberry cobbler to the next level by adding mini chocolate chips to the filling for a rich, decadent twist. The slightly bitter tang of the cranberries pairs beautifully with the smooth sweetness of the chocolate, creating a delightful contrast that will please both chocolate lovers and fruit dessert fans. You can mix the mini chocolate chips right into the cranberry filling or sprinkle them on top before baking for little pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cobbler. For an even richer experience, consider using dark chocolate chips or adding a drizzle of melted chocolate over the baked cobbler for a glossy, indulgent finish.
  • Fruity Flavor:
    • To enhance the fruitiness of your cobbler, consider adding a handful of raisins or dried cranberries into the filling. The chewy texture of the raisins or extra tartness from the dried cranberries will complement the fresh cranberries in the cobbler, introducing new layers of flavor with every bite. For additional variation, mix in other dried fruits such as chopped dried apricots or dried cherries. These dried fruits infuse the filling with their concentrated flavors, adding a complex sweetness and creating a burst of surprises. If you want a more vibrant cobbler, mix in a few chunks of diced fresh fruit, like apples or pears, for a refreshing contrast to the dried ingredients.
  • Lemon Glaze:
    • Give your cobbler a refreshing citrusy upgrade by replacing the usual vanilla glaze with a lemon glaze made from fresh lemon juice and zest. The sharp, zesty lemon flavor cuts through the richness of the cobbler, providing a light, refreshing contrast that brightens the entire dessert. To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of lemon zest until smooth, then drizzle it over the baked cobbler after it’s cooled slightly. This citrus glaze can also be paired with any fruit variations like berries or raisins to enhance the fruity flavor profile. For an extra touch of elegance, you can sprinkle finely grated lemon zest on top of the cobbler before serving to bring out the citrusy fragrance.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freeze:
    • To make breakfast or dessert prep easier, you can freeze your unbaked cinnamon rolls for later. First, prepare the cinnamon rolls as you normally would, arranging them neatly in a muffin tin or a baking dish, depending on the size and shape you’d prefer. Once placed in the tin, cover the rolls tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out, and then wrap them in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag or container to ensure they are securely sealed. The rolls will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, remove the rolls from the freezer and let them thaw on the counter for about 30 minutes to an hour, allowing them to rise slightly before baking. This ensures they will bake up light and fluffy. If you’re in a time crunch, you can bake them straight from the freezer, but you’ll need to increase the baking time by 5–10 minutes. If you want to get a head start, you can also partially bake the cinnamon rolls (until lightly golden) and then freeze them, saving you time when you are ready to finish baking them later.
  • Store:
    • If you have any leftover mini cinnamon rolls, keep them fresh by transferring them to an airtight container. They will stay at their best at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can dry them out more quickly. For reheating, simply pop one or more of the rolls into the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, and you’ll enjoy that warm, soft texture just as if they were freshly baked. If you’re craving an even more decadent, slightly crispy top, you can also reheat your cinnamon rolls in the oven or toaster oven at around 350°F for 5–7 minutes. This will revive the crisp edges and give the rolls that freshly-baked aroma. Perfect for enjoying your cinnamon rolls over several days while still maintaining their delicious, comforting flavor. For even more indulgence, drizzle with a little extra icing after reheating.

Special Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Rolling pin
  • Small bowl for glazing

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use store-bought dough instead of making my own?
A: Yes, you can use refrigerated biscuit or cinnamon roll dough if you’re short on time. Simply roll it out and add the cinnamon-sugar filling.

Q: How can I make the cinnamon rolls fluffier?
A: Be sure to allow the dough to rise fully, and avoid overworking it during the kneading process.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time for a brunch?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the mini cinnamon rolls the night before, store them in the fridge, and bake them in the morning.

Conclusion

Mini Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful and bite-sized version of the classic cinnamon roll, offering the perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and buttery richness. These mini rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with cinnamon sugar goodness, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, a snack, or even a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. Their small size makes them easy to pop in your mouth, and their irresistible aroma will have everyone coming back for more.

These mini rolls are quick to prepare and can be easily customized with glazes, nuts, or frosting for extra indulgence. Whether served warm right out of the oven or enjoyed the next day, they maintain their delicious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Bake a batch today and enjoy the cozy atmosphere they create in your kitchen. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your mini cinnamon rolls and share it on Instagram—tag me so I can celebrate your baking success. Happy baking!

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