Mini Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Homemade cinnamon rolls with simple cream cheese icing for cinnamon rolls and cinnamon sticks nearby.

4.70 from 13 votes

Mini Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A warm batch of Mini Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting is the best way to start the morning. Buttery layers, cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting make breakfast special.

Prep Time1 10

Cook Time20

Total Time1 30

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: rolls

Calories: 157kcal

Author: Andrea

Ingredients

2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 large egg
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

1/4 cup butter melted
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp +1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tbsp whole milk to desired thickness
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
In a small microwave-safe bowl (or glass measuring cup), combine the sugar, butter, water, and milk. Heat in the microwave until the mixture is hot and the butter is almost melted (about 1 minute on HIGH). Let the mixture cool to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius). Gradually add the milk mixture to the flour mixture. Add the egg and mix until a soft and sticky dough forms.
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius).
If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook and set on the lowest mixing setting for 4 minutes or until the dough becomes elastic. Alternatively, knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 3-4 minutes. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and allow it to rest on the counter for 10 minutes.
Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it measures a 24x16-inch rectangle. Prepare the filling by combining all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl except for the butter. Spread the butter over the rolled dough, then cover with the filling. Using a pizza cutter, cut out 24 strips of dough. Roll each into a tight roll.
Place the rolls into a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish and gently place a piece of aluminum foil over the top. Turn off the oven and place the covered rolls inside to rise for 45 minutes.
Remove the rolls from the oven and preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Once heated, remove the foil and bake the rolls for 15-18 minutes or until the centers are lightly golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before frosting. While the rolls are cooling, prepare the frosting by combining all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl and beating by hand or with a hand mixer until smooth. Spread over the tops of the rolls.

Notes

STORE homemade cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To FREEZE, let the rolls cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months.

REHEAT frozen rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a 300 degrees Fahrenheit (149 degrees Celsius) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

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