Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the sweet, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls without the overwhelming quantity, this Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is your new best friend. Perfect for a cozy weekend morning or a special treat just for you and a few loved ones, it yields just six perfectly soft, fluffy rolls swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s the ideal blend of simplicity and indulgence, proving that you don’t need a huge batch to have an unforgettable cinnamon roll experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because it uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role — from the warm milk that activates the yeast to the melt-in-your-mouth butter and that irresistible cinnamon-sugar filling.

• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature: Ensures a smooth, rich frosting with subtle tanginess.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds creaminess to the frosting and softness to the dough.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without any graininess.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla: Brings warmth and depth to the frosting’s flavor.
• 1 tablespoon whole milk: Lightens the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency.
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Coats the dough and enriches the cinnamon-sugar filling.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cinnamon filling to perfect balance.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice—fragrant and cozy.
• 1 cup warm whole milk: Activates the yeast and creates tender dough.
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 Fleischmann’s packet): The magical leavening agent for fluffy rolls.
• 3 1/2 cups flour, plus more for dusting: Builds structure and chewiness in the rolls.
• 1 egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Incorporated into the dough for softness.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Activates the yeast when combined with milk.

How to Make Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by adding warm whole milk and granulated sugar into your stand mixer bowl. Sprinkle the yeast on top without stirring, letting it bloom gently. This step wakes up the yeast, ensuring your dough rises beautifully to that perfect fluffiness.

Step 2: Begin the Dough

Attach the dough hook and turn your mixer to low speed. Slowly add 2 ½ cups of flour. Scrape the bowl’s sides to keep everything mixed evenly. Your dough will look sticky but it should hold its shape—giving you a glimpse of the soft texture to come.

Step 3: Add Egg and Melted Butter

With the mixer running on medium, drizzle in the egg carefully so it incorporates smoothly. Next, pour in the melted butter slowly, allowing the dough to absorb it fully, resulting in that tender, rich crumb.

Step 4: Incorporate Remaining Flour

Still on low speed, add the remaining flour quarter-cup by quarter-cup. Let each addition blend completely before adding more. This part depends a bit on your kitchen’s humidity—aim for dough that sticks just lightly to your finger but doesn’t cling to the sides of the bowl any longer.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Knead on medium speed for 5 minutes until the dough is perfectly soft and elastic. This kneading develops gluten that will give your rolls the ideal springy texture.

Step 6: First Rise

Butter a large bowl and place your dough inside. Cover tightly with cling wrap and rest it in a warm, draft-free spot. You’ll want to wait about an hour for the dough to double in size—that magic moment when you know your rolls will be light and fluffy.

Step 7: Prepare Filling and Baking Dish

Mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling. Have the melted butter ready with a pastry brush, and grease your 8×8 inch glass baking dish generously.

Step 8: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Gently transfer the risen dough and roll it into a 9×18 inch rectangle. Dust with flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking, creating a smooth canvas for generous filling application.

Step 9: Spread Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Brush about half of the melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture so every inch is covered. This is where the cinnamon rolls get their iconic sweet spiral.

Step 10: Roll and Cut

Tightly roll the dough from one short end to the other, forming a neat log. Using a serrated knife, score six equal rolls and then cut through carefully to keep the shape intact.

Step 11: Arrange and Final Rise

Place each roll snugly into the greased baking dish. Brush the rolls with the remaining butter, cover with cling wrap, and refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours. This slow rise intensifies flavor and makes morning baking effortless.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Remove the rolls from the fridge and let them rest at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350ºF, then bake the rolls for 35 to 40 minutes until they’re golden and a knife easily separates them without dough sticking.

Step 13: Cream Cheese Frosting

While the rolls bake or the night before, mix cream cheese and butter on high speed until fluffy. Slowly add powdered sugar, then vanilla and milk, whipping until smooth and perfect for spreading. This frosting adds that silky, tangy finish that elevates these rolls into a pure breakfast bliss.

How to Serve Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting before serving. Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce are also wonderful ways to add a pop of flavor and color.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon rolls pair beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy latte. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit salad to balance the sweet with some savory and refreshing bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your rolls warm on individual plates, garnished with edible flowers for a festive brunch. You can also stack two rolls with a little extra frosting between them for an irresistible cinnamon roll sandwich that’s as fun to eat as it looks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cinnamon rolls tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They keep wonderfully at room temperature for about 2 days, staying soft and moist.

Freezing

If you want to save your Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for later, freeze the baked rolls by wrapping each individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Reheating

To revive your cinnamon rolls, warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds covered with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. For a freshly baked taste, reheat in a 350ºF oven for 8-10 minutes, uncovered, until warmed through and starting to brown.

FAQs

Can I make this Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use a flax or chia egg in place of the egg, and choose a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk. The texture might shift slightly, but the delicious cinnamon goodness remains.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size and look puffy. When gently pressed with a finger, the indentation should remain or slowly fill back in. This means the yeast has done its job and the dough is ready.

Can I skip refrigerating the rolls overnight?

Yes! If you’re short on time, let the rolls rise in a warm place for about one hour after shaping, then bake immediately. Though refrigerating overnight enhances flavor and texture, fresh rises still produce wonderful rolls.

What if my cinnamon rolls come out dense?

This usually means the dough didn’t rise enough or too much flour was added. Be sure to proof the yeast properly and keep the dough slightly sticky but manageable for a soft, airy crumb.

Can I double this recipe for a bigger batch?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a larger dish or multiple pans. The method remains the same, just keep an eye on baking time as it may slightly vary with a larger volume.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls Recipe that feels both personal and indulgent. Whether you’re surprising yourself with a sweet breakfast or treating a small group, these rolls bring sunshine and comfort in every bite. Give this recipe a try, and soon it will earn a permanent spot in your kitchen’s rotation — trust me, you’re going to love having cinnamon rolls on demand without the fuss of a giant batch.

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