Are you craving the warm, gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll but don't want to bake a whole pan? This single cinnamon roll recipe is perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings without the commitment (or the leftovers!). It's a quick, easy recipe ideal for a cozy night in, a delightful afternoon snack, or even a fun weekend breakfast. This recipe offers a delicious, homemade treat without the fuss, making it an excellent addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas – even if dinner is just one person!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Cream cheese frosting (recipe follows)
Instructions:
Make the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 teaspoon sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This activates the yeast, ensuring your cinnamon roll rises beautifully.
- Add the salt and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Don't worry if it's a little sticky; that’s okay!
- Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Assemble the Cinnamon Roll:
- Roll the dough into a 4-inch circle.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough circle.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut the log into a single slice, about 1-inch thick.
- Place the roll in a lightly greased ramekin or oven-safe mug.
Bake and Frost:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Let the cinnamon roll cool slightly before frosting.
Easy Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Frost the cooled cinnamon roll generously.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of regular milk.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture for added texture and flavor. Pecans or walnuts work well.
- If you don't have a ramekin, you can bake the roll in a small, lightly greased oven-safe mug. Adjust baking time accordingly.
- Feel free to experiment with different frosting flavors. A chocolate ganache or caramel sauce would be delicious additions to this simple recipe.
- Make it a truly healthy meal by substituting whole wheat flour for some of the all-purpose flour.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
This single cinnamon roll recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes you can make quickly and easily, perfect for those busy weeknights or relaxing weekends. Enjoy your perfectly portioned, homemade treat!