You’ll love the fluffy dough, cinnamon swirls, and sweet icing in these delightful homemade Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls that are ready in just 1 hour.
Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of homemade cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. Then you’ll love these perfect Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls, each bite a blend of warm spices and soft, fluffy dough, all smothered in a rich cream cheese frosting.
Whether it’s a special occasion like Christmas morning or simply a weekend treat, these cinnamon rolls bring the comfort of homemade goodness to your table. Sometimes you want a cinnamon roll but you don’t have a crowd to cook for!
These are ideal for those moments when you crave something sweet and satisfying all on your own. Let’s dive into making these yummy rolls, a small batch recipe that delivers in a big way!
Embarking on the journey of making Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls is a testament to the joys of baking from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at yeast bread for the first time, this recipe offers a satisfying blend of simplicity and indulgence.
From the first rise to the golden-brown finish, each step brings you closer to experiencing the warm, comforting embrace of homemade cinnamon rolls.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and sugar. These cinnamon rolls are a celebration of the simple pleasures in life.
Common Questions About Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls
Can Instant Yeast Replace Active Dry Yeast in Cinnamon Roll Recipes?
Yes! For those quick cinnamon rolls cravings, instant yeast can be used in place of active dry yeast, streamlining the process without sacrificing taste or texture.
What’s the Best Way to Frost Cinnamon Rolls?
The best cinnamon rolls are topped with cream cheese frosting. For best results, spread the frosting on while the rolls are warm, allowing it to melt into every nook and cranny. Pay attention to how much you’re using! As it melts, the excess will run off the sides.
Can These Cinnamon Rolls Be Prepared Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator. The next morning, let them reach room temperature and proceed with baking for fresh, easy cinnamon rolls.
Storage
You know what the next best thing to fresh cinnamon rolls is? Leftover cinnamon rolls of course! It’s a small batch, though, so there won’t be too much.
Refrigerator
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container or wrap them with plastic wrap to keep them fresh. Enjoy them within the next few days for the best taste.
Freezer
For longer storage, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat for a warm, delicious treat.
Tips
Growing up, my mom used to make the best cinnamon rolls. She made them about once a week and I always looked forward to it.
- Active Dry Yeast is key for a flavorful yeast dough.
- Room Temperature Ingredients ensure your dough rises correctly.
- Do Not Overflour the dough; it should be slightly tacky for the softest rolls.
- A Warm Spot in your kitchen can help the dough rise faster.
- Sharp Knife or unflavored dental floss can be used to cut even pieces.
Ingredients
This is one of the best list of ingredients I’ve seen in a while. The secret ingredient is the buttermilk. It makes a huge difference.
- Warm water
- Buttermilk
- Granulated sugar
- Melted butter
- Active dry yeast
- Table salt
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Cream cheese
- Vanilla extract
- Confectioners sugar
- Milk
How to Make Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls
These are some really simple steps to make sure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time. You’re gonna love these!
- Combine the water, buttermilk, sugar, and melted butter in the mixer bowl. Stir – this should lower the temperature overall. You want it to be at 95 degrees.
- Once the water mixture has cooled to the right temperature – sprinkle the yeast on the top. Lightly press it with a fork into the liquid to moisten it. Let it sit to proof for 15 min. It should be puffed and frothy.
- Add in the eggs, and salt.
- Fold in the flour, and mix slowly using a dough hook until flour is incorporated.
- Set the mixer on med-low speed and mix/knead until smooth.
- Once mixed, let the dough rest for 10 minutes while you make the filling and preheat the oven.
- Prepare the filling by combining the brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg & ginger in a small bowl and mixing it with a fork.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a 7 ½ x 11 baking dish.
- Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface into a flat & even layer.
- Brush with melted butter and then sprinkle the filling mixture on top.
- Roll tightly on the long side and then cut the log into 6 large rolls (The easiest way to make them even is to first cut the log in half and then cut those two pieces into 3.
- Place them in the prepared dish and bake 15-20 minutes.
- Remove and allow them to cool slightly while you mix the icing.
- Prepare the icing by combining all ingredients in a small bowl and whisking well until you reach the desired consistency.
- Drizzle over the top of the rolls while they are still warm.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls
- Stand mixer with a dough hook for mixing the yeast dough.
- Rolling pin for rolling out the cinnamon roll dough.
- 7 ½ x 11 baking dish or small baking dish, greased to prevent sticking.
- Large mixing bowl for dough ingredients.
- Small bowl for the cinnamon sugar filling.
What to Serve With Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls
I eat these all on their own, maybe with a glass of milk. For me, cinnamon rolls need to be savored until the last bite!
- A glass of whole milk or a cup of strong coffee complements the sweet richness of the rolls.
- Fresh fruit to balance the sweetness with a hint of tartness.
- Have them as a dessert with a side of ice cream!
Why You Should Make Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls
The aroma that fills your home as you bake these is one of the best things in the world. Is there anything better than freshly baked cinnamon rolls?
- Perfect Portion: A small batch means you can enjoy cinnamon rolls without leftovers.
- Homemade Taste: Nothing beats the flavor of freshly baked rolls on a leisurely morning.
- Versatile: Serve as a treat on special mornings or as a sweet end to a cozy dinner.
Variations and Add-Ins for Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls
Let me know how this recipe goes for you! If you have any great ideas for how to change things up, let me know in the comments down below.
- Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for an extra crunch.
- Fruit-Filled: Swirl in some raisins or finely chopped apples with the cinnamon sugar for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the filling before rolling for a decadent touch.
If you love this easy cinnamon roll recipe, you’re going to love these other cinnamon breakfast ideas too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Great Cinnamon Roll Recipes
Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
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Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Rolls
- 1 cup warm water 95-115 degrees is perfect
- ¾ cup buttermilk – room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 5 tbsp butter – melted & slightly cooled
- 3 tbsp dry active yeast
- ½ tbsp table salt
- 2 large eggs – room temperature
- 5½ cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- ⅓ cup butter – melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese- room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups confectioners sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (up to 4 tbsp depending on desired thickness)
Instructions
- Combine the water, buttermilk, sugar, and melted butter in the mixer bowl. Stir – this should lower the temperature overall. You want it to be at 95 degrees.
- Once the water mixture has cooled to the right temperature – sprinkle the yeast on the top. Lightly press it with a fork into the liquid to moisten it. Let it sit to proof for 15 min. It should be puffed and frothy.
- Add in the eggs, and salt.
- Fold in the flour, and mix slowly using a dough hook until flour is incorporated.
- Set the mixer on med-low speed and mix/knead until smooth.
- Once mixed, let the dough rest for 10 minutes while you make the filling and preheat the oven.
- Prepare the filling by combining the brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg & ginger in a small bowl and mixing it with a fork.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a 7 ½ x 11 baking dish.
- Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface into a flat & even layer.
- Brush with melted butter and then sprinkle the filling mixture on top.
- Roll tightly on the long side and then cut the log into 6 large rolls (The easiest way to make them even is to first cut the log in half and then cut those two pieces into 3.
- Place them in the prepared dish and bake 15-20 minutes.
- Remove and allow them to cool slightly while you mix the icing.
- Prepare the icing by combining all ingredients in a small bowl and whisking well until you reach the desired consistency.
- Drizzle over the top of the rolls while they are still warm.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
Beth says
This is fanstastic. I love the flavor and soft texture of these cinnamon rolls, and I really love that I don’t have to worry about trying to keep leftovers fresh.
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
It’s really yummy! Can’t wait to make this again for our breakfast!
Sandra says
These were so good and very easy to make! They were perfect for breakfast this morning!
April says
Yum! So delicious – easy to make and just the perfect amount.