Name: Mini Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 sheet crescent roll dough; ¼ cup brown sugar (packed); ½ tablespoon cinnamon ((1½ teaspoons)); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter ((softened)); 1½ cups powdered sugar; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract ((or maple extract)); ⅛ cup whole milk

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s something truly magical about making Mini Cinnamon Rolls at home. The aroma of fresh cinnamon wafting through the kitchen is enough to evoke memories of cozy mornings and family get-togethers. I remember the first time I made these delightful little treats; I had a group of friends over for brunch, and everyone’s eyes lit up when they saw the warm, gooey rolls. The joy on their faces as they took their first bites is something I’ll never forget. The fluffy texture paired with a sweet glaze is simply irresistible! Whether it’s a lazy weekend, a festive gathering, or just a Tuesday that needs a little extra love, these Mini Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect solution. They’re easy to whip up and are always a hit with both kids and adults alike. Join me in sharing the warmth and happiness that these cinnamon rolls can bring!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
1 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
7 g

Tools Used:
Baking Sheet, Chef’s Knife, Whisk, Mixing Bowl

What We Adore About This Mini Cinnamon Rolls

1. They’re Quick and Easy

One of the best things about Mini Cinnamon Rolls is how quick and easy they are to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have fresh rolls baking in the oven in no time. I love that I can serve them warm and gooey with minimal effort.

2. Perfect for Sharing

These rolls make a fantastic treat for gatherings. Whether it’s a brunch with friends or a family holiday, they are perfectly sized for sharing. Everyone can grab one without feeling guilty, and trust me, they’ll want more than one!

3. Customizable Flavors

While the classic cinnamon flavor is always a favorite, you can easily customize these rolls. Consider adding some chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a dash of cocoa powder to the filling for a twist. It’s a fun way to experiment and add your personal touch!

4. A Delightful Aroma

Nothing beats the smell of cinnamon baking in the oven. As they bake, your house will fill with a warm and inviting scent that brings back comforting memories. It’s almost like a hug in the form of baked goods!

5. Great for Any Time of Year

These Mini Cinnamon Rolls are not just for special occasions. They can be enjoyed any time of the year. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday brunch, or simply enjoying a quiet Sunday, these rolls fit perfectly into any moment.

6. Kid-Friendly Fun

Making these rolls can be a fun activity to do with kids. They can help roll the dough, apply the filling, and even drizzle the glaze. It’s a great way to create family traditions and memories in the kitchen.

Everything You Need for Mini Cinnamon Rolls

The ingredients for Mini Cinnamon Rolls are simple yet essential for creating the perfect balance of sweetness and fluffiness. Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor and texture. The key players, such as the crescent roll dough and brown sugar, work together to create a delightful treat that everyone loves.

1 crescent roll dough sheet: This convenient dough is the base of your cinnamon rolls, providing a flaky texture that bakes beautifully.
¼ cup packed light brown sugar: Adds that rich caramel-like sweetness that complements the warm cinnamon.
½ tablespoon cinnamon (1½ teaspoons): The star ingredient that gives these rolls their distinctive flavor.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Helps the filling stick to the dough and adds richness.
1½ cups powdered sugar: Essential for the sweet glaze that finishes off the rolls.
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (or maple extract): A touch of flavor that enhances the sweetness of the glaze.
⅛ cup whole milk: Used to adjust the consistency of the glaze, making it smooth and easy to dip!

Making This Mini Cinnamon Rolls

Getting started with these Mini Cinnamon Rolls is a breeze! Following the steps is simple and you’ll be rewarded with delicious treats in no time. Let’s dive into the process!

Unroll the sheet of crescent dough onto a lightly floured cutting board. It should be smooth and ready for the filling. Take a moment to admire the fresh dough!
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to form a paste. Make sure it’s well combined for an even spread.
Use a spatula to spread the butter/sugar mixture over the crescent dough to the edges. The mixture should create a lovely layer of flavor.
Roll the dough up tightly into a log, rolling along the long edge so that your finished roll is about 14 inches long. This tightness is crucial for nice, spiraled rolls.
Slice the roll into 12 even pieces. A sharp knife works best here to keep the rolls intact.
Place one piece of cinnamon roll into each cavity of a lightly greased mini muffin tin. Press up the center of each piece gently so that the spiral of the cinnamon roll is facing up in the muffin tin. This will ensure they bake beautifully!
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cinnamon rolls are lightly browned and cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as you want them perfectly golden!
Whisk together the glaze ingredients. Dip the top of each cinnamon roll into the glaze and set it on a serving platter. The glaze will create a beautiful finish!

Things Worth Knowing

Freshness is Key: Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Expired spices can lose their potency!
Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter is softened and not melted; this helps with easy spreading.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cinnamon rolls. Overbaking can lead to dry rolls.
Let Them Cool: Allow rolls to cool slightly before dipping them in glaze; this helps the glaze stick better.

Ways to Customize

There are endless possibilities when it comes to customizing your Mini Cinnamon Rolls. Whether you want to enhance the flavor or the presentation, these tips will help you make them truly yours!

Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for a couple of days.
Freezing: To freeze, place baked rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months!
Variations: Try adding nuts or dried fruits to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Glaze Alternatives: Experiment with different glazes, such as a cream cheese frosting or a maple glaze for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions: Pair these rolls with a side of fresh fruit for a delightful breakfast spread.

What to Pair With Mini Cinnamon Rolls

Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast.
Hot Beverages: Pair with coffee or warm milk for a cozy breakfast experience.
Breakfast Spread: These rolls can be part of a larger breakfast spread including eggs and yogurt.
Brunch Gatherings: Perfect for brunch with friends or family, they add a sweet touch to your table.
Seasonal Occasions: Great for holiday gatherings or celebrations, bringing a festive spirit.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just assemble them, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping them in the oven. This way, you’ll have fresh rolls ready to enjoy without much hassle!

If you can’t find crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry or make your own dough. Just ensure that the dough is pliable enough to roll up with the filling. While the flavors might differ slightly, you’ll still end up with delicious rolls!

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave!

Yes, you can absolutely customize the filling of your Mini Cinnamon Rolls. Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or allspice, to create your unique spin on this classic recipe!

Conclusion

These Mini Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of sweet and gooey goodness, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. I encourage you to gather your loved ones and whip up a batch today; you won’t be disappointed. The smiles and satisfaction from sharing these rolls will make your effort absolutely worth it!