There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls in the morning. This small batch recipe is perfect when you’re craving a warm, gooey treat but don’t want to make a whole tray. Soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, these rolls are just the right amount for a cozy breakfast or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Makes just 6 rolls—perfect for small households or a quick treat
Soft, fluffy texture with a rich cinnamon filling
No stand mixer required—just simple ingredients and a little kneading
Can be made ahead and baked fresh when needed

Ingredients

For the Dough:

All-purpose flour
Milk
Instant yeast
Sugar
Butter
Egg
Salt

For the Filling:

Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Softened butter

For the Glaze:

Powdered sugar
Milk or cream
Vanilla extract

The full ingredient list and measurements are in the recipe card below.

Make the Dough

Warm the milk and mix it with yeast, sugar, melted butter, and egg. Stir in the flour and salt, then knead the dough until smooth. Let it rise until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling

Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle and spread softened butter over the surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.

Roll and Cut

Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it into six even pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish.

Bake Until Golden

Let the rolls rise again briefly, then bake until golden brown and fluffy. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Drizzle with Glaze

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the warm rolls and serve immediately.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use warm (not hot) milk to activate the yeast properly
Let the dough rise in a warm place for the best texture
If making ahead, refrigerate the rolls overnight and bake fresh in the morning
For an extra gooey filling, add a bit of cream cheese to the glaze

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap brown sugar for maple sugar for a unique flavor
Add chopped nuts or raisins for texture
Use cream cheese frosting instead of a simple glaze
Try cardamom or nutmeg for a spiced variation

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These cinnamon rolls pair perfectly with:

A hot cup of coffee or tea
Fresh fruit or a smoothie for a balanced breakfast
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at a low temperature.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes! Just proof it in warm milk with sugar for 5–10 minutes before mixing.

Can I make these cinnamon rolls dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.

What if I don’t have an egg?
You can substitute with applesauce or yogurt for a similar texture.

Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?
Yes! Freeze them after shaping, then thaw and bake when ready.

Conclusion

This small batch cinnamon roll recipe is perfect when you want a quick and satisfying treat without making a huge batch. With their soft, fluffy texture and gooey cinnamon filling, they’re sure to become a favorite. Give them a try and enjoy a warm, homemade cinnamon roll in no time!

Chai-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls: A Floral Twist from In Bloom Bakery

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Author: Lily Carter
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12 rolls (adjusted to 14 servings) 1x
Category: Dessert, Breakfast
Method: Mixing, Rolling, Baking
Cuisine: American, Chai-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Chai Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect combination of warm spices and soft dough. Infused with chai tea and topped with a sweet glaze, they offer a unique twist on the traditional cinnamon roll. Ideal for cozy mornings or as a special treat.

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and stir gently. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Add the yeast mixture, butter, and egg, and stir until the dough forms.
Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg in a bowl.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×9 inches).
Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it into 8-10 rolls.
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve.

Notes

These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion.
For extra chai flavor, steep 2 chai tea bags in the warm milk before adding the yeast.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can reduce the amount of milk.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 290 kcal
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 35 mg