Small Batch Soft Cinnamon Rolls (quick ‘n easy)

These small batch soft cinnamon rolls are so easy to make. Pillowy-soft bread filled with cinnamon-sugar and glazed cream cheese frosting. Make 6 large or 9 medium size rolls in 90 minutes (or less) from preparation to frosting! Tips and video instructions included.

Small batch Cinnamon Rolls

Hello home bakers! This is another highly requested recipe that I’m so excited to be finally sharing it with you.

I know deep in my heart that you will absolutely love these because:

• The dough is so easy to make. It only requires one proofing. Rising time can take about 20 to 30 minutes depending on the room temperature.
• It’s a small batch recipe. It only requires 2 cups of flour that yields 6 large rolls or 9 medium-sized rolls.
• The bread is pillowy-soft, gooey, and buttery. Made of my favorite ingredients that never fails to make the best softest yeast bread!
• The cinnamon-sugar filling and the cream cheese frosting are less sweet making it more irresistible.

Dough Ingredients

To make the pillowy-soft dough for cinnamon rolls, you will need:

• Flour – using equal amounts of all-purpose flour and bread flour is a favorite technique of mine to create that lovely soft bread texture.
• Instant Yeast – or rapid rise yeast is needed which helps the dough rise faster.
• Milk – use full fat or low fat for that milky bread flavor.
• Egg Yolks – is the secret to a luscious, plush, and pillowy soft. Don’t tell anyone (wink!).
• Butter – use pure unsalted butter for the good tasting dough.

How to make Cinnamon Rolls in 90 minutes!

So here’s my workflow to making quick and easy cinnamon rolls in 90 minutes! From preparation, making the dough, rolling, dividing, and frosting.

Here’s how:

1. Start with proofing the instant yeast in lukewarm milk and sugar. This is the key step to making a quick rise dough. It should take 5 to 10 minutes until it froths.
2. Meanwhile, measure the dry ingredients and combine them in the bowl of your stand mixer. You will still have enough time to measure the butter and separate the egg yolks.
3. When the yeast has proofed, add it to the dry ingredients along with the egg and butter. Knead for 8 minutes. While kneading, make the cinnamon-sugar filling.
4. Shape the dough into a rectangle, spread the butter on top then sprinkle the cinnamon filling. Carefully roll into a log as tightly as you can then divide into 6 large pieces or 9 medium-sized rolls.
5. Arrange rolls in the baking dish and let it rise for 20 to 30 minutes. While waiting you can start preheating the oven at 350F/ 180c. Bake the rolls until lightly golden.
6. While baking, make the cream cheese glaze. This should take about 5 minutes. You will still have enough time to sit, relax, and enjoy the smell of your kitchen while waiting for the rolls to bake.

Cream Cheese Frosting

To make the frosting, you will just need three simple ingredients: cream cheese, butter, and icing sugar.

In the recipe below, I’ve included 2 sets of recipes for the frosting. One is for lightly frosted buns and the second is for heavily frosted buns.

You’re welcome 🙂

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