Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls

Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls: The Perfect Treat for Any Time of Day

If you’re craving the warm, comforting flavor of freshly baked cinnamon rolls but don’t want to make an entire batch, this recipe is just what you need. These Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. With only six rolls, it’s the perfect amount to satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging. Plus, they’re easy to make and come together in just a few hours!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• ¼ cup (60mL) warm water
• 1 and ⅛ teaspoons (3.5g) dry active yeast (half of one packet)
• ¼ cup (60mL) warm milk
• 2 and ½ Tablespoons (32g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 2 and ¼ to 2 and ½ cups (270-300g) all-purpose flour
• 3 Tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 4-6 pieces

For the Filling:

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1 and ½ Tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 2 ounces (57g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Make the Dough

1. Begin by spraying a baking dish with non-stick spray. Set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine ¼ cup warm water and 1 and ⅛ teaspoons dry active yeast. Whisk to combine, and let it rest for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes active and bubbly.
3. Add ¼ cup warm milk, 2 and ½ Tablespoons sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 large egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk until fully combined.
4. Gradually stir in the flour. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook. Start with 1 cup of flour and mix until the dough begins to come together.
5. Add the softened butter pieces and continue mixing until mostly incorporated. Gradually add the remaining flour (up to 1 and ¼ cups), mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and becomes slightly elastic.
6. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, adding flour 1 Tablespoon at a time if necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic, resembling the texture of PlayDoh. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup light brown sugar, and 1 and ½ Tablespoons ground cinnamon. Stir until well blended.
2. Roll the dough into a 9″x12″ rectangle. If the dough is elastic, continue rolling until you reach the desired size.
3. Brush 2 Tablespoons of melted butter evenly over the dough, leaving a ½” border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the melted butter.

3. Assemble and Bake the Rolls

1. Starting from one long side, roll the dough into a tight 12″ log. Gently squeeze the log to even out the ends.
2. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log into 6 even slices. Place the slices cut-side down in the prepared pan. Sprinkle any leftover cinnamon-sugar mixture over the rolls and press down gently to flatten slightly.
3. Cover the rolls loosely with foil or a kitchen towel and allow them to rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 and ½ hours.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the rolls for 28-32 minutes or until they just start to brown on top. If desired, cover the rolls with foil during the last few minutes to prevent excessive browning. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 15 minutes.

4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat 2 ounces of softened cream cheese and 2 Tablespoons of softened butter on medium-high speed until smooth.
2. Turn the mixer speed to low and gradually add ¾ cup powdered sugar. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Continue mixing until smooth.
3. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the slightly cooled rolls and serve immediately.

Storage

Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the microwave for 8-10 seconds before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Conclusion

These Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate indulgence, with a soft, fluffy dough and a sweet, gooey cinnamon filling, all topped with a creamy frosting. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat anytime, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors and the satisfaction of making a small batch that’s just right for you and your loved ones.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Calories: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 rolls

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