Why Mini Cinnamon Rolls Are the Perfect Sweet Treat
There’s something irresistibly cozy about a warm cinnamon roll—but what if you could capture that same gooey, buttery bliss in a bite-sized version that’s faster to make and easier to share? Mini cinnamon rolls deliver all the flavor of the classic treat in a compact, poppable form that’s just as satisfying.
These little rolls are perfect for brunch spreads, party platters, or sweet snacking. They bake up faster than full-sized rolls, require less rising time, and are especially fun to make with kids or for guests. Plus, because of their size, the ratio of soft interior to sticky cinnamon-sugar swirl is just right—every bite is coated in flavor and topped with glaze.
And the best part? You can make them entirely from scratch or use a clever shortcut with store-bought dough. Either way, these mini cinnamon rolls are soft, sweet, and baked to golden perfection, then finished with a silky vanilla glaze you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
Dough Options: Homemade or Shortcut?
Depending on your time and preference, you can make the dough from scratch or use pre-made alternatives.
Option 1: Homemade Yeast Dough
- Yields soft, fluffy texture with a tender crumb.
- Requires rising time but offers unbeatable flavor.
- Uses pantry staples like flour, milk, yeast, butter, and sugar.
Option 2: Store-Bought Crescent Roll Dough or Pizza Dough
- Great for quick prep—no kneading or rising.
- Slightly different texture, but still delicious.
- Ideal for busy mornings or last-minute brunches.
For this recipe, we’ll walk through the from-scratch version, with a note on the shortcut method at the end.
Ingredient Breakdown
Dough Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (2¼ cups): Gives the dough structure and softness.
- Warm milk (¾ cup): Activates the yeast and keeps the dough moist.
- Instant or active dry yeast (2¼ tsp): Helps the dough rise and puff up.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances flavor.
- Egg (1): Enriches the dough and adds softness.
- Unsalted butter (3 tbsp, melted): Provides richness.
Filling Ingredients
- Brown sugar (⅓ cup): Adds deep, caramelized sweetness.
- Cinnamon (1 tbsp): The star spice for classic flavor.
- Unsalted butter (3 tbsp, softened): Helps the sugar and cinnamon adhere to the dough.
Glaze Ingredients
- Powdered sugar (¾ cup)
- Milk (1–2 tbsp): Adjust to preferred glaze thickness.
- Vanilla extract (½ tsp)
Optional add-ins:
- Chopped nuts
- Mini chocolate chips
- A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the filling
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spatula
- Knife or dough cutter
- Muffin tin or baking dish
- Pastry brush (optional)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Yields ~24 mini cinnamon rolls (using mini muffin tin or small pan)
Dough:
- 2¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (about 100–110°F / 38–43°C)
- 2¼ tsp (1 packet) instant or active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup (65g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- ¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy (if using active dry yeast).
- Add the egg, melted butter, and salt. Mix well.
- Add flour gradually, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 6–8 minutes by hand or in a mixer with a dough hook until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours or until doubled.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer to a floured surface.
- Roll into a 9×12-inch rectangle (about ¼-inch thick).
Step 3: Add Filling
- Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
- Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut into ~24 mini rolls (½ to ¾-inch thick slices).
Tip: Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife for clean cuts.
Step 5: Arrange and Rise
- Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place each mini roll cut-side up into the tin or dish.
- Cover loosely and let rise 20–30 minutes until puffy.
Step 6: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden and set.
- Let cool slightly while preparing the glaze.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm rolls.
- Serve immediately—or enjoy at room temp (they reheat beautifully!).
Quick Shortcut Version
If using store-bought dough (like crescent or pizza dough):
- Roll out dough to a rectangle.
- Follow steps for filling, rolling, cutting.
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, glaze as usual.
FAQs and Troubleshooting
Q: Why did my rolls turn out tough or dry?
You may have overbaked or used too much flour. Use a light hand when kneading, and keep a close eye on bake time.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes! After the first rise and shaping, refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temp before baking.
Q: Can I freeze these?
Absolutely. Freeze after baking and glazing, then reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Q: Can I make them vegan?
Yes—use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg substitute (like flax egg).
Storage and Reheating
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Fridge: Up to 5 days. Warm before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a container or bag. Reheat before serving.
To reheat: Microwave 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
Flavor Variations
- Sticky Pecan Mini Rolls: Add caramel and pecans to the bottom of the muffin tin.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap glaze for a tangy cream cheese icing.
- Pumpkin Spice Rolls: Add 2 tbsp pumpkin puree and ½ tsp pumpkin spice to the filling.
- Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Add finely diced apples to the filling.
Soft, swirled, and glazed to perfection, these mini cinnamon rolls are a guaranteed hit no matter when or where you serve them. Easy enough for weekday baking, cute enough for brunch spreads, and indulgent enough for dessert—they’re a crowd-pleasing classic in miniature form.