Easy Mini Cinnamon Rolls are a little treat that can turn a simple morning into something special. Imagine waking up to the sweet smell of cinnamon filling the kitchen — it feels like a hug from the oven. These bite-sized rolls are perfect for busy mornings or cozy weekends with family. The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or a lot of time to make them. Just a few pantry staples, and you’ll have Easy Mini Cinnamon Rolls that taste like they came from a bakery.
A Recipe Made for Everyone
There’s something magical about how fast and easy these rolls come together. No need to wait hours for dough to rise — you can whip them up in less than 30 minutes. Soft dough, buttery cinnamon sugar, and a quick drizzle of icing make each roll irresistible. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned baker, Easy Mini Cinnamon Rolls are simple enough for anyone to master. Kids can help roll the dough and sprinkle on the sugar, making it a fun activity for the whole family.
From the Oven to the Table
When these mini rolls come out of the oven, they’re golden, puffy, and smell absolutely amazing. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool just enough to drizzle the icing on top. Each roll is the perfect size — not too big, not too small — just right for a quick bite. Place them on a platter, and suddenly, it looks like you’ve put in hours of work. But only you’ll know the secret of how simple it really was.
A Sweet Moment to Remember
There’s something unforgettable about sharing warm Easy Mini Cinnamon Rolls with family or friends. They’re more than just food — they’re a little moment of happiness. Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk, and you’ve got a breakfast or snack that feels like a celebration. These mini rolls aren’t just for mornings; they fit perfectly into any part of your day when you need a little sweetness.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Easy Mini Cinnamon Rolls
- Yeast Activation: Ensure the milk and water mixture is between 105°F to 115°F before adding yeast. Too hot will kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it. Use a thermometer if possible.
- Soft, Fluffy Dough: Avoid adding too much flour, even if the dough feels sticky. It should be tacky but not overly sticky. Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time if necessary.
- Chilling is Key: Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and shape. Don’t skip this step, as it makes handling much easier.
- Even Filling Distribution: To prevent clumping, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly and press it lightly into the butter. This helps it stick when rolling.
- Rolling Technique: Roll the dough tightly but gently to avoid unrolling during baking. Use a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to slice clean, even rolls.
- Proofing Hack: For faster proofing, place the covered rolls in an oven (turned off) with a bowl of hot water underneath. This creates a warm, humid environment perfect for rising.
- Perfect Baking: Check for doneness at the 18-minute mark. They should be golden brown but not overbaked. Overbaking results in dry rolls.
- Icing Tip: Apply the icing while the rolls are still warm for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth glaze. For thicker icing, let the rolls cool before drizzling.
- Flavor Variations: Enhance the filling with extras like chopped pecans, raisins, mini chocolate chips, or a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before rolling and baking.
Easy Mini Cinnamon Rolls
4
servings35
minutes22
minutes200
kcal10
minutes3
minutesDelight in the warmth of freshly baked mini cinnamon rolls with this easy homemade recipe! Perfect for a cozy breakfast or as a thoughtful gift for friends and neighbors, these bite-sized treats are both delicious and visually appealing. With a soft, fluffy dough and a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will help you create irresistible cinnamon rolls that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- Dough
1/2 cup whole milk
1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
2 large eggs lightly beaten
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 package (0.25 ounce) active dry yeast
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup water
- Filling
1/2 cup dark brown sugar packed
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- Icing
2 oz cream cheese softened
1 tbsp unsalted butter softened
1 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Alternative Ingredients:
Whole milk: Can be substituted with almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
All-purpose flour: Use gluten-free flour blend to make the rolls gluten-free.
Unsalted butter: Can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
Dark brown sugar: Substitute with light brown sugar or coconut sugar.
Cream cheese: Use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan icing option.
Eggs: Replace with flax eggs or applesauce for a vegan version.
Directions
- Prepare Yeast Mixture – Combine the whole milk and water in a glass measuring cup. Heat in the microwave until warm (105°F to 115°F), about 1 minute. Pour into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In the mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt until well combined.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients – Add the lightly beaten eggs and melted butter to the dry mixture. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, blend until a soft dough forms and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl, approximately 4 minutes. The dough will be slightly sticky.
- Knead and Chill Dough – Lightly grease a mixing bowl and transfer the dough into it, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight until firm and easy to handle.
- Prepare Filling Mixture – In a small bowl, separate dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Roll Out Dough – Divide the chilled dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a 6×12-inch rectangle. If the dough springs back, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing.
- Add Filling – Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled dough. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter, pressing gently to adhere.
- Form Rolls – Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 2-inch pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly.
- Let Rise – Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake Rolls – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare Icing – While the rolls bake, beat together cream cheese, butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until creamy.
- Glaze and Serve – Once the rolls are baked, let them cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls and serve.
Equipment
- electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 200kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Potassium: 80mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin A: 150IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 80mg
- Iron: 1mg
FAQ- Easy Mini Cinnamon Rolls
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and chill the dough overnight. The slow rise in the fridge improves flavor. In the morning, roll, fill, and shape the rolls. Let them rise at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking.
What if I don’t have an electric mixer?
No problem! You can mix the dough by hand. After combining the ingredients, knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it’s soft, smooth, and slightly tacky.
How do I know if my yeast is active?
After adding the warm milk-water mixture to the yeast, you should see bubbles or foam forming within 5-10 minutes. If you don’t see any action, the yeast might be expired or the liquid was too hot or too cold.
Can I freeze the mini cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, let them rise at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, then bake as usual.
My cinnamon rolls didn’t rise properly. What went wrong?
This could be due to inactive yeast, a too-cool kitchen environment, or improper dough handling. Ensure the yeast is fresh, use warm milk, and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free space. If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in an oven (turned off) with the light on for a warmer environment.
