Mini cinnamon rolls are the cutest, most giftable version of the classic cinnamon roll — bite-sized, soft, and ideal for parties, gifting, or holiday brunch. This homemade mini cinnamon rolls recipe produces 32 tender, buttery minis with a classic cream-cheese drizzle and multiple filling variations (caramel-apple, PB&J, blueberry).
Prep Time: 35 mins • Rise Time: 2 hrs 30 mins • Bake Time: 22 mins • Cool Time: 10 mins • Total Time: 3 hrs 45 mins • Servings: 8 (Yield: 32 mini rolls)
Ingredients
Dough
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup water
- 4 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 (0.25 oz) package active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
Filling
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
Icing
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Directions
Step 1
Combine milk and water; warm to 105–115°F (30–60 seconds in microwave). Whisk together 4 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.
Step 2
Add eggs, melted butter, and warm milk mixture. Beat at medium speed until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms (3–5 minutes). Transfer to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and chill at least 2 hours (or overnight) to make dough easier to handle.
Step 3
Grease two 9-inch round pans or 8×8 pans. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Step 4
Punch down dough. Divide dough in half. Roll one half into a 6×16-inch rectangle. Spread 2 tbsp softened butter, then sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar evenly and press lightly to adhere.
Step 5
Starting on a long side, roll dough tightly into a log; pinch seam. Slice log into 16 one-inch pieces. Place cut-side down into prepared pan. Repeat with remaining half.
Step 6
Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 7
Bake 17–22 minutes until golden. Cool 10 minutes.
Step 8
Make icing: beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add milk, vanilla, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle over warm mini rolls and serve.
Cook’s Notes & Variations
- Make-ahead: Freeze unbaked assembled rolls on a tray, then transfer to a bag; bake from frozen adding ~8–12 minutes.
- Caramel Apple Mini Rolls: spread 1/3 cup caramel on dough and sprinkle ½ cup finely diced apple instead of cinnamon sugar. After baking, drizzle extra caramel.
- PB&J Minis: Spread 1/3 cup warmed peanut butter + 1/3 cup jam on dough, omit cinnamon sugar — finish with peanut butter drizzle.
- Presentation: Arrange minis in a wreath pan for a festive centerpiece.
Nutrition Facts (per serving; yield 32 — reported per 4 rolls)
Calories 642 (per 4-roll serving) • Total Fat 21g • Saturated Fat 13g • Cholesterol 99mg • Sodium 283mg • Total Carbohydrate 103g • Dietary Fiber 2g • Protein 11g