Sweet & Simple Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These warm, gooey small batch cinnamon rolls recipe are the ultimate weekend morning comfort.

Rich, pillowy dough swirls with sweet cinnamon and delicate sugar crystals that melt in your mouth.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of soft bread and aromatic spice.

The compact recipe ensures you won’t be drowning in leftover pastries.

No massive batches or complicated techniques here – just pure, straightforward deliciousness.

Whip these up quickly and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the breakfast table.

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to experience bakery-quality treats without the bakery price tag.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Cinnamon Rolls

• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps create a soft, fluffy texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise and develop a rich, airy structure.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender, rich dough.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and provides subtle sweetness to the rolls.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, comforting aroma to the dough.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and creates the perfect soft, pillowy base.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, pliable dough.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates a sweet, caramelized layer in the filling.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the cinnamon mixture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers the classic, warm spice that defines these rolls.
• Melted Butter: Helps the filling adhere and creates a luscious, rich coating.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy, creamy base for the frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the frosting's complexity.

Tools To Make Cinnamon Rolls

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dough ingredients and preparing filling.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending yeast mixture and sugar-cinnamon blend.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Dough Hook or Wooden Spoon: Helps mix and develop dough consistency.
• Rolling Pin: Needed to roll dough into a precise rectangle.
• Sharp Serrated Knife: Helps cut dough log into even rolls.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Used for baking and presenting cinnamon rolls.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Useful for creating smooth cream cheese frosting.
• Foil or Kitchen Towel: Helps cover rolls during rising process.

Easy Instructions for Cinnamon Roll Success

• Yeast Activation

Combine warm water and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit and become bubbly, allowing the yeast to wake up and get ready for action.

• Dough Creation

Add milk, sugar, vanilla, and egg to the activated yeast. Gradually incorporate flour and softened butter, kneading until the dough feels smooth and playful. Let the dough rest and relax.

• Flavor Explosion

Sprinkle a magical blend of sugars and cinnamon across a rolled-out dough rectangle. Brush with melted butter to create a delicious landscape of sweetness.

• Roll and Shape

Gently roll the dough into a perfect log, slicing it into six delightful spirals. Nestle these swirls into a cozy baking pan, allowing them to rise and become puffy.

• Baking Magic

Slide the pan into a warm oven, letting the rolls transform into golden-brown treasures. Watch as they puff up and fill the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

• Creamy Topping

Whip cream cheese into a dreamy, silky frosting. Once the rolls have cooled slightly, generously drape the creamy mixture over the top, creating a luxurious finish.

• Enjoying the Treat

Serve these warm, gooey cinnamon rolls immediately. Store any leftovers in an airtight container, ready to be reheated for a quick moment of pure comfort.

Ways to Enhance Your Cinnamon Rolls

• Let yeast activate fully by placing the bowl in a warm, draft-free spot like near a preheated oven or sunny window to ensure optimal rise and fluffy texture.
• Experiment with add-ins like chopped pecans, raisins, or mini chocolate chips sprinkled between the butter and cinnamon-sugar layers for extra flavor and crunch.
• Prepare rolls up to the point of second rise, then cover tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake fresh in the morning for instant weekend breakfast magic.
• Transform the cream cheese topping by adding orange zest, maple extract, or a dash of bourbon for sophisticated flavor variations that elevate these classic rolls.
• Use dental floss or unwaxed thread to slice rolls cleanly without squishing the delicate dough, ensuring perfectly even and beautifully shaped cinnamon swirls every time.

Cinnamon Roll Serving Tricks

• Cozy Morning Breakfast: Pair these warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful weekend breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug.
• Brunch Party Centerpiece: Arrange the rolls on a beautiful wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves, creating an eye-catching centerpiece that will impress guests at your next brunch gathering.
• After-Dinner Sweet Surprise: Serve these rolls as a comforting dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, transforming them into an indulgent end-of-meal delight.
• Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack the rolls in a sealed container for a sweet addition to outdoor adventures, making them a portable and delicious snack that travels well and brings instant joy.

Store Small Batch Rolls Like a Pro

• Cozy Kitchen Counter Strategy: Keep rolls loosely covered with plastic wrap at room temperature, ensuring they stay soft and moist without drying out.
• Chilled Storage Solution: Refrigerate rolls in a sealed container for extended freshness, maintaining delicious texture up to 5 days with minimal flavor loss.
• Quick Reheating Hack: Warm individual rolls in microwave for 8-10 seconds, restoring that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and soft, gooey center.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap unfrosted rolls tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing up to 1 month in freezer. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat before adding cream cheese frosting for a just-baked experience.

Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade small batch cinnamon rolls deliver warm, gooey comfort with minimal effort. Nordic baking traditions inspire this compact recipe perfect for intimate gatherings or solo indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2.25 to 2.5 cups (270–300 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) warm water
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) warm milk
• 3 tbsps (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 4–6 pieces
• 1.125 tsps (3.5 grams) dry active yeast (half of one packet)
• 2.5 tbsps (32 grams) granulated sugar
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup (50 grams) firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1.5 tbsps ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsps (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 oz (57 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 tbsps (28 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 0.75 cups (90 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Whisk yeast in warm water until frothy and bubbling, confirming live yeast culture.
2. Liquid Base Formation: Blend activated yeast with milk, sugar, salt, vanilla, and egg to create a smooth, homogeneous liquid foundation.
3. Dough Development: Integrate flour into wet ingredients using dough hook, incorporating softened butter until achieving a cohesive, elastic consistency. Knead on floured surface for 8-10 minutes, adjusting texture to resemble smooth PlayDoh.
4. Filling Preparation: Mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon thoroughly to create an even, fragrant spice blend.
5. Dough Shaping: Roll dough into precise rectangular shape, ensuring uniform thickness. Brush with melted butter, leaving narrow border, then evenly distribute cinnamon-sugar mixture across surface.
6. Rolling and Cutting: Tightly roll dough from long edge into compact 12-inch log. Slice into six equal portions, positioning cut-side down in prepared baking dish. Scatter any fallen cinnamon-sugar over rolls.
7. Proofing and Baking: Allow rolls to expand in warm, covered environment. Bake in preheated 350°F oven until light golden, using foil to prevent excessive browning.
8. Frosting Finalization: Whip cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Gradually blend in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt to create luxurious cream cheese topping.
9. Serving and Storage: Spread frosting generously over slightly cooled rolls. Serve warm, storing leftovers in airtight container at room temperature or refrigerator for optimal preservation.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to successfully activate yeast without killing it.
• Kneading Technique: Develop gluten by kneading thoroughly, creating a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when touched.
• Proofing Secrets: Place dough in a warm, draft-free area like a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to help rising process.
• Frosting Perfection: Allow rolls to cool slightly before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a thick, creamy topping that adheres well.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg