Cinnamon rolls are a beloved pastry that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. They are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or just as a sweet snack. While traditional cinnamon rolls are a classic favorite, there’s something extra special about mini cinnamon rolls. These bite-sized delights offer all the flavor and aroma of their larger counterparts, but in a more manageable size. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make mini cinnamon rolls that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
- ½ cup warm milk (around 110°F or 43°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
Filling:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (adjust to desired consistency)
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast: Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, egg, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and gradually add in the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Roll out the dough: Roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Ensure it’s evenly rolled out for consistent mini cinnamon rolls.
- Prepare the filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll it up: Carefully roll up the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Slice the log into approximately 1-inch sections using a sharp knife. You should get around 24 mini rolls.
- Arrange the rolls: Place the mini cinnamon rolls in a greased baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them for expansion.
- Let them rise: Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown.
- Prepare the glaze: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Add milk gradually until you achieve your desired glaze consistency.
- Glaze the rolls: Once the mini cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls, ensuring each one gets a delicious coating.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve your homemade mini cinnamon rolls warm and watch them disappear quickly!
Additional Tips and Variations:
- Add Nuts or Raisins: If you want to add some texture and extra flavor, consider sprinkling chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts or some raisins onto the cinnamon sugar mixture before rolling up the dough.
- Experiment with Fillings: While classic cinnamon sugar is a timeless favorite, you can get creative with your fillings. Try using Nutella, apple butter, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a unique twist.
- Make Ahead and Freeze: Mini cinnamon rolls can be made in advance and frozen. After slicing them, arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Use Dental Floss for Slicing: For perfectly clean cuts when slicing your rolled dough, use a piece of unflavored dental floss. Slide it under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull in opposite directions to cut through the dough effortlessly.
- Customize the Glaze: Experiment with different glaze flavors by adding a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of maple syrup, or a touch of citrus zest to your cream cheese glaze.
- Serve with Ice Cream: These mini cinnamon rolls are fantastic on their own, but serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes them to the next level of indulgence.
Remember that baking is not just about following a recipe; it’s also about creativity and making the dish your own. Feel free to adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Storage and Serving Suggestions:
- Storage: If you have any leftover mini cinnamon rolls (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life, but be sure to warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven to bring back their soft and gooey texture.
- Reheating: To reheat mini cinnamon rolls, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. This will restore their warmth and gooey consistency.
- Portion Control: Mini cinnamon rolls are perfect for portion control. Enjoy one or two as a snack or indulge in a few more for a decadent dessert. They’re great for parties, brunches, or whenever you need a sweet treat that’s not too overwhelming.
- Serve with Coffee or Tea: Mini cinnamon rolls pair exceptionally well with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The sweetness of the rolls complements the bitterness of the coffee, making for a delightful combination.
- Gift Idea: Consider sharing the joy of homemade mini cinnamon rolls by packaging them in a decorative box or tin and gifting them to friends and family on special occasions or as a heartfelt gesture.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Plus extra for dusting |
| Active dry yeast | 1 packet | About 2 1/4 teaspoons |
| Warm milk | 1/2 cup | (110°F or 43°C) |
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup | Melted |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup | |
| Cinnamon powder | 2 tablespoons | |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Egg | 1 | Room temperature |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
Dough Preparation Steps
| Step | Instructions |
|---|
| 1 | Dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 mins. |
| 2 | In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast mixture. |
| 3 | Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. |
| 4 | Mix until dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. |
| 5 | Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour. |
Filling Ingredients
| Filling Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Cinnamon powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup |
Assembling and Baking
| Step | Instructions |
|---|
| 1 | Roll out dough into a rectangle (about 12×9 inches). |
| 2 | Spread melted butter evenly over the dough. |
| 3 | Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. |
| 4 | Roll up the dough tightly from the long edge. |
| 5 | Slice into mini rolls (about 1 inch each). |
| 6 | Place on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30 mins. |
| 7 | Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). |
| 8 | Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. |
Glaze Ingredients
| Glaze Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Milk | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
Conclusion
Making mini cinnamon rolls is a rewarding and comforting culinary experience. From the moment you mix the dough to the time you drizzle that sweet cream cheese glaze over them, the process is filled with anticipation and excitement. These bite-sized treats are versatile and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning, a holiday celebration, or a cozy night in.
So, don’t be intimidated by the thought of making cinnamon rolls from scratch. Follow this step-by-step guide, experiment with your favorite fillings, and create memories that revolve around the irresistible aroma and taste of freshly baked mini cinnamon rolls. Your family and friends will thank you for it, and your kitchen will become a hub of warmth and deliciousness. Happy baking!
