If you’re looking for an amazing breakfast or dessert recipe, then you definitely need to try these mini cinnamon rolls! They’re all warm and fluffy with a sweet and gooey cinnamon center, plus the glaze on top is just perfection.
Mini Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
Mini cinnamon rolls are a dream come true for anyone who loves the flavors of sugary, spiced cinnamon and sweet icing.
The soft crescent rolls are filled with sweet cinnamon sugar to create a taste sensation you won’t be able to resist.
To make these bite-size confections, you’ll need:
- 1 package of crescent roll dough sheet
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup of packed light brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon of ground cinnamon (1½ teaspoons)
For The Glaze:
- 1½ cups of powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon of vanilla or maple extract
- ⅛ cup of whole milk
PRO TIP:
This recipe can easily be doubled. One crescent roll sheet will make 12 mini cinnamon rolls.
Substitutions And Additions
CRESCENT DOUGH: If you can’t find the full crescent dough sheets, you can use a can of crescent rolls. Unroll the sheet, keeping it intact as much as possible, and then pinch it together along the perforated lines to seal everything back up into a single sheet.
BROWN SUGAR: Light brown sugar is the star in this recipe, but you can experiment with dark brown sugar for a deeper, more caramelized flavor. Alternatively, if you’re looking to reduce your sugar intake, try using coconut sugar as a natural sweetener substitute.
CINNAMON: While cinnamon is the classic flavor for these rolls, you could also try using other warm spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a different twist.
VANILLA EXTRACT: Experiment with different extracts like almond, maple, or even rum extract to infuse unique flavors into your frosting or dough.
NUTS: Chopped pecans or walnuts can be a delightful addition for some extra crunch and nutty goodness.
Sprinkle them on top of the cinnamon filling before rolling up the dough for a delightful twist.
RAISINS OR DRIED FRUITS: For a fruity twist, add a handful of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots to the cinnamon filling. They’ll bring a sweet and chewy contrast to the rolls.
LEMON OR ORANGE ZEST: To brighten up the flavor profile, consider adding some finely grated lemon or orange zest to your cream cheese frosting. It’ll give your mini cinnamon rolls a refreshing citrusy kick.
CHOCOLATE CHIPS: For chocolate lovers, throw in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon filling for a delightful chocolatey surprise amidst the cinnamon swirls.
How To Make This Mini Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
STEP TWO: Unroll the sheet of crescent dough onto a lightly floured cutting board.
STEP THREE: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until a smooth paste forms.
STEP FOUR: Use a spatula to spread the butter–sugar mixture evenly over the crescent dough, all the way to the edges.
STEP FIVE: Roll the dough up tightly into a log, rolling from the long edge so the finished roll is about 14 inches long.
STEP SIX: Slice the log into 12 even pieces.
STEP SEVEN: Place one cinnamon roll piece into each cavity of a lightly greased mini muffin tin. As you set them in, gently press up the center of each roll so the spiral faces up rather than sinking into the tin.
STEP EIGHT: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cinnamon rolls are lightly browned and cooked through.
STEP NINE: Let the mini cinnamon rolls rest in the muffin tin for 5 minutes. Use a knife to loosen the edges, then lift them out and transfer to a serving platter.
STEP TEN: Whisk together the glaze ingredients. Frost the mini cinnamon rolls by dipping the tops into the glaze or spreading it on with a knife. Return them to the serving platter and serve warm.
How To Serve
The possibilities are endless when it comes to what to serve with mini cinnamon rolls.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side and a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.
These homemade cinnamon rolls are the perfect size to add to a lunch box for a dessert surprise or a fun breakfast.
Add a homemade hot chocolate or pumpkin spice latte on the side to wash them down.
We have plenty of cinnamon roll recipes to satisfy all of your cravings for a gooey treat. Check out our caramel pecan cinnamon rolls and crescent roll cinnamon rolls for two favorites.
MORE PASTRIES RECIPES
Storage
Whether you’re planning to make them ahead of time or have leftovers to save for later, here are some handy tips on storing your mini cinnamon rolls.
MAKE AHEAD: If you’d like to prepare these mini cinnamon rolls in advance, you can do so by following the recipe up until the baking step.
Once you’ve rolled and cut the dough into individual rolls, place them in a baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, simply remove the rolls from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking as directed.
ON THE COUNTER: Store cooled cinnamon rolls in an airtight container on the countertop at room temperature for three to four days.
IN THE FREEZER: You can also freeze these sweet treats for up to three months in an airtight container.
Make sure you label the container with the contents so that you enjoy them while they are at their best. Thaw on the counter before serving.
Why We Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons we adore these cute little cinnamon rolls, including:
QUICK AND EASY: This recipe is perfect for busy mornings or when you’re craving a sweet treat but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these mini cinnamon rolls in no time.
IRRESISTIBLE CINNAMON FLAVOR: The warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as these rolls bake is simply irresistible. The sweet and spicy cinnamon filling adds a cozy and familiar touch to every bite.
I’m a firm believer that there’s nothing better in life than a fresh and warm cinnamon roll. And I especially love when those cinnamon rolls are mini sized! This mini cinnamon rolls recipe is simple to make and will reward you with a delicious gooey breakfast treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
This easy recipe would be delicious topped with chopped pecans or walnuts.
You can freeze the cinnamon rolls before icing them. Allow them to cool to room temperature and freeze. This yummy treat will last in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw and add the glaze when you are ready to serve.
You can safely keep this treat on the counter in an airtight container for three to four days.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Cinnamon Roll Casserole
- Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Casserole
- Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls
- Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls
- Cinnamon Roll Bread
- Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
Mini Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 crescent roll dough sheet
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon cinnamon (1½ teaspoons)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Glaze
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, or maple extract
- ⅛ cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Unroll the sheet of crescent dough onto a lightly floured cutting board.
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to form a paste.
- Use a spatula to spread the butter/sugar mixture over the crescent dough to the edges.
- Roll the dough up tightly into a log, rolling along the long edge so that your finished roll is about 14 inches long.
- Slice the roll into 12 even pieces.
- Place one piece of cinnamon roll into each cavity of a lightly greased mini muffin tin. As you are placing each roll into the muffin tin, press up the center of each piece gently so that the spiral of the cinnamon roll is facing up in the muffin tin rather than concave down into the muffin tin.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cinnamon rolls are lightly browned and cooked through.
- Let the mini cinnamon rolls rest in the muffin tin for 5 minutes then using a knife to loosen the sides, pop the muffins out of the tin and place on a serving platter.
- Whisk together the glaze ingredients. Frost the mini cinnamon rolls by either dipping the tops into the glaze or using a knife to spread. Return the mini cinnamon rolls to the set on a serving platter. Serve warm.
Notes
- This recipe can easily be doubled. One crescent roll sheet will make 12 mini cinnamon rolls.
- If you don’t wish to cook these mini rolls in a mini muffin tin, you can also line them up in an 8×8 baking dish or even in a pie plate. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- When the cinnamon rolls are baking, they will rise from the highest point of the cinnamon roll in the muffin tin. If you shape them to gently pop up in the center, they will rise nicely and cook into a dome. If the center of the cinnamon roll is pressed into the muffin tin and the outer edges are higher, the cinnamon rolls will lift up around the edges, and the center will puddle in the bottom.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your mini cinnamon rolls at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
Nutrition
Comments
Jessica Bingham says
Looks so easy and delicious! Definitely saving and trying this one!
Elizabeth McKay says
Can’t wait until I bake these cinnamon rolls. Sound very yummy!
lynn Doane says
I have made these several times. Excellent!
Jayne says
Made these the night before and sent a couple as a surprise in son’s lunch. He loved them
Victoria Smith says
Awesome!
Crystal Cook says
My youngest son is a cinnamon roll fan. Always wants them