Easy Small-batch Cinnamon Rolls

Easy Small-batch Cinnamon Rolls

4 servings
These small-batch cinnamon rolls for two make a rich and indulgent breakfast with outrageously amazing cream cheese frosting. Make the rolls the night before, throw them in the oven in the morning, and enjoy your breakfast in bed. No fuss, stress, or mixer needed!

Ingredients

  • 6 to 7-inch baking dish
  • ⅓ cup milk

    any percentage

  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

    13g

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter

    28g

  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup and 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

    150g

  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar

    66g

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter

    28g

  • 3 ounces cream cheese

    softened

  • 3 tablespoons salted butter

    42g

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

    120g

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Directions

  1. 1

    Pour your milk into a mug and microwave it for about 20 seconds until it is lukewarm, NOT HOT (about 105-115 degrees F). Stir in yeast and a pinch of sugar and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes until the top of the mixture looks foamy.*

  2. 2

    Place dough into a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and allow to rise in a warm place for an hour to 90 minutes, until doubled in size.

  3. 3

    Stir together brown sugar and cinnamon.

  4. 4

    Place the rolls in a 6 to 7-inch greased baking dish. Cover with a towel, place them in a warm spot, and allow to rise for 45 minutes to an hour, until puffed up and fluffy.

  5. 5

    After shaping the rolls, transfer them to a greased baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator overnight, up to 24 hours. 

  6. 6

    While your rolls are baking, in a medium bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt, until well combined.

Easy Small-batch Cinnamon Rolls

Easy Small-batch Cinnamon Rolls

148 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a warm, gooey cinnamon roll but don't need a giant batch? These Easy Small-batch Cinnamon Rolls are your perfect answer, delivering a rich, indulgent breakfast experience for two with minimal effort.

Why This Recipe Works

What truly sets this recipe apart is its sheer simplicity and thoughtful design. There's no fuss, no stress, and no mixer needed—making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the clever overnight option means you can prepare the rolls the night before and simply pop them in the oven for fresh, warm cinnamon rolls in the morning, complete with an outrageously amazing cream cheese frosting.

What to Expect

Imagine waking up to the aroma of warm, spiced dough filling your kitchen. These small-batch cinnamon rolls promise a wonderfully rich and soft texture, generously swirled with a sweet brown sugar and cinnamon filling. Each bite is perfectly balanced by a generous dollop of that incredibly smooth, tangy, and sweet cream cheese frosting. It’s a truly indulgent breakfast that feels special, yet requires surprisingly little hands-on time.

Customization & Variations

This recipe is designed for ease, but you have a little flexibility. The recipe calls for milk (any percentage), so feel free to use what you have on hand, whether it's whole milk for extra richness or a lower-fat option. While the cinnamon and brown sugar filling is classic, you can adjust the intensity of the spices slightly to your preference for a bolder or milder flavor.

Serving & Context

These delightful cinnamon rolls are ideal for a cozy weekend breakfast, a special brunch for two, or even a thoughtful breakfast in bed. Serve them warm, letting the luscious cream cheese frosting melt slightly into the soft dough for the ultimate treat.

Frequently Asked Questions