Are you craving a warm, gooey, cinnamon-y treat but don't want the commitment of a giant cinnamon roll? Then these mini cinnamon rolls are your answer! This recipe delivers all the deliciousness in bite-sized portions, perfect for a cozy breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or even a sweet ending to a satisfying dinner. They're surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the result is a batch of irresistible, homemade goodness that's far superior to anything you'll find in a store. Get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will leave you wanting more!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Making the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic! Stir in the egg, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Kneading the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time. A little elbow grease here pays off in a beautifully soft texture.
3. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This allows the yeast to do its thing and creates a light and airy texture.
4. Preparing the Filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
5. Assembling the Rolls:
Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Roll the dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
6. Rolling and Cutting:
Tightly roll the dough up from the long side into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
7. Second Rise:
Place the mini cinnamon rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
8. Baking:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Making the Icing:
While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
10. Frosting and Serving:
Once the mini cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before generously frosting them with the creamy icing. Serve warm and enjoy every delicious bite!
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
- Don't over-knead the dough, or the rolls will be tough.
- If you don't have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar instead, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the filling.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the filling.
- Use different spices, such as cardamom or nutmeg, in the filling.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted rolls.
- Create a cream cheese icing by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 Fat: Approximately 7-10g Sugar: Approximately 15-20g
These mini cinnamon rolls are the perfect easy recipe for a healthy-ish treat. They are a delicious addition to any quick dinner or a great homemade cooking project that's perfect for sharing! Enjoy!