Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls for Two

Cozy and simple, this small-batch treat comes together with just a few pantry staples and minimal effort in a little over an hour. This cinnamon buns recipe makes just four rolls, so you get all the gooey, cinnamon-swirled goodness without a full pan of leftovers tempting you.

Perfect for a slow weekend morning, the dough rises fast in a warm oven and bakes up soft and golden in about 15 minutes. It's the kind of easy homemade breakfast that feels special without demanding a whole day in the kitchen.

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I love homemade cinnamon rolls, but a full pan is usually more than I need. That's why this smaller batch recipe is perfect on days when I want a warm, freshly baked breakfast treat without having leftovers hanging around for days.

When I want the same cinnamon roll flavor without waiting on dough, my cinnamon roll mug cake is a much quicker option, while these cinnamon roll cookies are great when I'm in the mood for something I can bake and share. I like having a few different ways to enjoy that classic cinnamon and sugar combination depending on how much time I have.

Ingredients

To create these tasty treats, all you need is some common baking ingredients. You may even have everything in your kitchen.

To make this small batch of cinnamon rolls, you will need to have the following on hand:

• Milk
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Powdered sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Butter (both salted and unsalted)
• Cinnamon
• Cream cheese
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Scroll down to the recipe card for the amounts needed.

Instructions

You don't need to be an experienced baker to make these easy cinnamon buns for two. The process is super easy. Simply prepare the cinnamon roll dough, roll it out, sprinkle a sweet cinnamon mixture on top, roll it into a log, then cut into rolls. That's it!

If you need more details, check out the step-by-step directions below.

Add yeast, warm milk, and a pinch of sugar to a small bowl. Allow it to sit for five minutes.

Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Add yeast mixture and melted butter.

Knead dough then form into a ball.

Cover and let dough rise in a warm place to double in size.

While the cinnamon roll dough is rising, make the filling by mixing brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.

Roll the prepared dough into a rectangle

Brush on softened butter and sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly over the top.

Roll the dough into a log shape. Cut into 4 equal rolls and bake.

Add cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to a mixing bowl.

Whisk the ingredients together to make the cream cheese icing.

Remove the rolls from the oven and spread the icing over them.

The cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm with the melty cream cheese frosting drizzling down the sides.

Variations

• Use different types of flour. Replacing all-purpose flour with whole wheat or almond flour will change the texture and nutritional profile of the rolls
• Adjust the amount of sugar and cinnamon in the filling. Experiment with the amounts of cinnamon and sugar used to suit your taste preferences
• Add different types of nuts or dried fruit to the filling. This will give the rolls added flavor and texture
• Try different types of liquid in the dough. Using a non-dairy milk or juice can change the flavor and sweetness of the dough.
• Change the fat in the dough. Try a non-dairy fat like coconut oil or shortening to change the flavor and texture.
• Experiment with different glazes or frostings. Spreading on maple icing with bacon pieces is a delicious way to change the topping.
• Add an extract to the dough or frosting. Vanilla or almond extract are flavors that go well with the cinnamon filling.

Tips

Here are some tips for making homemade cinnamon rolls:

• Roll out the dough into a large, even rectangle before adding the filling to ensure that the rolls will be uniform in size and shape.
• Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into rolls, as this will help them retain their shape during baking.
• Allow the rolls to rise for a second time after cutting them, this will help them to puff up and become more tender.
• Bake the rolls in a preheated oven, and keep an eye on them so that they do not over bake
• Apply any glaze or frosting when the rolls are still warm, it will be easier to spread and will adhere better to the rolls.

Additionally, you'll want to plan ahead because the dough will need time to rise.

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Storage

If stored properly, the cinnamon rolls will retain their quality and you'll be able to enjoy the leftovers for a few days. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days.

The rolls will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week if placed in an airtight container. Just heat them up in the microwave or oven before serving to bring them back to their original texture and taste.

The rolls can also be frozen by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a resealable plastic bag. Frozen cinnamon rolls will last for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or heat them up in the oven or microwave before serving.

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Recipe

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Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls for Two

4.67 from 6 votes

For a cozy morning treat, give this easy small-batch cinnamon rolls recipe a try. The delicious sweet rolls take minimal effort to create.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Rest Time50 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings (Adjustable): 4

Calories: 596kcal

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Ingredients

Cinnamon roll

• ▢ 5 tablespoons warm milk 105-115°F
• ▢ 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• ▢ 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon salt
• ▢ 3 tablespoons butter melted

Filling

• ▢ 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ▢ 2 tablespoons butter softened

Cream cheese frosting

• ▢ 3- oz cream cheese softened
• ▢ 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
• ▢ 1 cup powdered sugar
• ▢ ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ Pinch salt exclude if using salted butter

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• Start making the dough by adding yeast, warm milk, and a pinch of sugar to a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
• In a medium bowl or mixer bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Knead with a dough hook attached for 5 minutes or with your hands. Add a little more flour if needed. The dough should be soft and not overly sticky.
• Form a ball and transfer it to a greased medium bowl to rise. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and leave to rise in a warm place to double the size for 30 minutes.
• In the meantime, make the filling by mixing brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
• Grease a small square or rectangular baking dish.
• Once the dough has risen, lightly flour a work surface and roll the dough into a rectangle about 5x10 inches. Brush the softened butter and sprinkle the cinnamon mixture evenly.
• Roll the dough gently with your hands tightly into a log shape. Cut with a sharp knife into 4 equal rolls. Transfer the rolls to the prepared baking dish
• Let it sit for another 20 minutes to rise.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until lightly browned.
• Prepare the icing by whisking cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until smooth.
• Remove the rolls from the oven and spread the icing on top.
• Serve immediately.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients, particularly for the dough, to ensure that everything mixes together evenly and rises properly.

Be sure to knead the dough for the appropriate amount of time, as this helps to develop the gluten and create a smooth, elastic dough.

Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until it has doubled in size. This can be done by preheating your oven to 200°F, turning it off and then keeping the dough inside the oven.

Nutrition

Serving: 1roll | Calories: 596kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 337mg | Potassium: 157mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 1017IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 2mg

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