Very few things in life are as pleasurable as biting into a warm, soft cinnamon roll, and I have the perfect easy small batch cinnamon roll recipe for you! These cinnamon rolls are the best I've ever had (Cinnabon doesn't even come close), can be made by hand, and are incredibly soft, moist, and delicious. You guys NEED to try this recipe!
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THE STORY BEHIND THESE CINNAMON ROLLS
To be honest, I have never been a fan of Cinnabon. I find their rolls to have a strange artificial flavor, and think they are often too dry. In order to understand the hype, I wanted to make my own cinnamon rolls. So I tried the popular recipe from Ambitious Kitchen, and thought, okay, these are in fact very good!
However, the recipe left just a little bit to be desired. With melted butter, the dough was a bit too sticky to work by hand, bread flour was not always available, and I felt the rolls needed to be a bit more moist and soft. So I went into trial mode and made several iterations before landing on the PERFECT recipe!
WHAT MAKES THIS THE BEST CINNAMON ROLL RECIPE?
I think my recipe needs no further improvement because:
- It uses simple ingredients - no need for bread flour, all purpose flour will give your scrumptious rolls
- It can be made by hand - by using softened butter instead of melted, this dough is workable by hand (although still sticky). Don't want to knead by hand? No worries, you can use your stand mixer
- It follows a no-fuss method - you will see how I simplify the process of making the rolls in the method below!
- It is a small batch - the dough is a manageable quantity and gives you 6 large cinnamon rolls. Want smaller ones instead? No issues - divide into 9 rolls and bake in a 9x9" pan!
- It makes incredibly soft and moist cinnamon rolls - the secret is to drench the rolls in heavy cream before baking! You may have seen others do this too, and it really works wonders
Don't believe me? Here are just a few reviews I have received from people who have tried it so far:
Broooo I made em today and turned out AMAZING!!! The dough was too sticky but the buns turned out extremely soft and fluffy????
@riihana_.
They really were pillowy soft with the perfect cinnamon taste and icing. ❤️
@momina_musings
JazakAllah for the flawless recipe, I just made these ❤️
@sadafaliwaqas
HOW TO MAKE EASY SMALL BATCH CINNAMON ROLLS
Let's walk through the easy process of making these cinnamon rolls! You can also watch the detailed video I have made below:
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1. Activate the yeast
Simply mix the active dry yeast with warm milk (it should be warm to touch, but not scalding. 20-25 seconds in the microwave will do the trick). Stir, and let sit for 10 minutes until it starts to foam up.
If you are using instant yeast, you can skip this step and just mix everything together all at once!
2. Make the dough
It doesn't get easier than this: just dump everything else into the same bowl you activated the yeast in.
Some recipes ask you to fold in the softened butter later, like a brioche, but I find that unnecessary and add the butter with everything else
3. Knead until the dough is smooth, soft and stretchy
First, use a large wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until the start to form a dough. Then, lightly dust a clean work surface with flour and turn out the dough. Using clean hands, start working the dough in a "push, pull" motion.
Now, here's the deal: this WILL be a sticky mess. The dough has a lot of liquid content (which is how the rolls become so soft), but don't be discouraged and don't add more flour. Turn on your favorite show / podcast, and keep kneading the dough for a good 8-10 minutes.
A scraper like this one will be very useful in pulling the dough off the surface and keeping things clean. As you knead, the flour will absorb more liquid, develop more gluten, and become stretchy.
To know the dough is done, look for these three markers:
- Smooth. Use clean hands to touch it, and it should not stick to your hands anymore
- Soft. This one is self-explanatory. Just make sure you don't add more flour as you knead!
- Stretchy. You should be able to stretch and pull the dough into a very thin sheet without tearing!
If you are using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment (this KitchenAid is my favorite), look for the same markers!
4. Proof the dough
This is the first rise. Transfer the dough to a clean, oiled bowl, cover with cling wrap, and rest for ~60-90 minutes. It should double in size, and, when poked gently, spring back part of the way.
5. Shape the cinnamon rolls!
This is the fun part!
For the filling, simple mix softened or melted butter with brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. I know many recipes ask to spread the butter and sprinkle on the sugar and cinnamon, but that takes so much more time and gets your hands dirty. And we are all about simplifying things here.
Roll your dough into a 12x14" rectangle. The dough will be so soft that it will do most of the work for you. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Now here's another fun tip: instead of rolling up the entire sheet and then cutting it, cut into 2" strips FIRST and then roll them up individually. Why? Because this is extremely soft dough, and this is the best way to get clean edges with minimal mess. I know many people are proponents of the "floss" method, but even that makes a mess and doesn't give you perfectly round rolls. Seriously, try this, you won't regret it!
6. Time for the second rise
Transfer your 6 large rolls to your baking pan (lined with parchment), and place in a warm place for 30-45 minutes for their second rise until they look more puffed up (they won't fill up the entire pan yet, that's okay - see the before and after below).
I find that an eighth pan is the perfect size for these cinnamon rolls! But you can use any kind of pan you want. If making 9 smaller rolls instead, a 9x9" pan will be perfect.
7. Drench in cream
Right before putting the rolls in the oven, drench them in heavy cream. Why? The cream will absorb into the rolls and make them extra extra moist!
8. Bake the cinnamon rolls
Bake at 375F for 20-25 minutes until the rolls are a light golden color.
9. Make the cream cheese frosting for the cinnamon rolls
The frosting, like everything else, is also simple! Mix the room temperature ingredients in one bowl until they are creamy. I like to add a little heavy cream to the cream cheese frosting as I like the frosting to be a bit on the runnier side (kind of like a thick icing) so it is easy to spread.
Slather the frosting on the cinnamon rolls while they're still warm.
10. Enjoy!!!
Throw out your calorie counters and enjoy these cinnamon rolls. They are worth every calorie. Trust me 😉
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, instant yeast can be substituted for active dry yeast in the same quantity, and you don't need to first activate it. Simply throw everything together and knead.
Yes! I have shown a no-mixer method because not everyone has mixers, but I totally recommend using a mixer if you have it. Why spend all the extra energy? 🙂
Simply mix room temperature cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream in a bowl with a hand whisk or electric mixer until the ingredients are well-combined and form a thick icing.
You can make a simple glaze to frost the cinnamon rolls! Just mix 1.5 cups of powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of cream until you get the consistency you desire.
The cinnamon rolls should develop a light golden color when they are done baking. In addition, try picking up one roll with a fork and knife, and look at the edges where it was touching the other rolls. Do they look cooked, or do you see specks of raw dough?
Yes! If you do, use a 9x13" pan to bake them.
You can store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Any longer than that, store them in the fridge and microwave for 10-15 seconds before enjoying.
Now let's get to it!
If you want more simple recipes, definitely check out my perfect fudgy brownies, and easy chocolate cake. They're both phenomenal!
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EASY SMALL BATCH CINNAMON ROLLS RECIPE
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 6 large cinnamon rolls
Description
The easiest, no-fuss recipe to make the most incredibly soft and moist cinnamon rolls
Ingredients
Dough ingredients:
- 160g whole milk (⅔ cup)
- 50g sugar (¼ cup)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 325g all purpose flour (2 ½ cup)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 60g unsalted butter, softened (¼ cup)
Filling ingredients:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (56g)
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed (100g)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup heavy cream (60g) - for soaking rolls
Frosting ingredients:
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature (113g)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (35g)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar (~60g)
Instructions
- Microwave milk for 20-30 seconds until it is warm to touch (not scalding). Add it to a bowl with the yeast, whisk, and rest for 10 minutes or until the mixture looks foamy
- Add the rest of the dough ingredients to the same bowl. Use a large wooden spoon to mix everything and bring it into a dough
- Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour. Turn the dough out onto the surface, then use clean hands to knead the dough with a push-pull motion for 8-10 minutes. You can use a cake scraper to keep the surface clean as the dough will be quite sticky to begin with
- Keep kneading the dough until it is soft, smooth and stretchy
- Transfer to a clean bowl sprayed with some oil, cover with cling wrap and rest in a warm place for 60-90 minutes until the dough doubles in size
- In the meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing softened butter with cinnamon, sugar and salt
- Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a clean bench dusted lightly with flour. Using your hands and a rolling pin, roll it into a 12x14" rectangle
- Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly across the rectangle
- With the 12" side towards you, divide the dough into 6 strips (each strip will be 2" wide and 14" long)
- Roll each strip tightly into a cinnamon roll, and transfer to a small eighth sheet pan lined with parchment paper
- Once all 6 cinnamon rolls are shaped, let them rest in a warm spot for another 30-45 minutes until they look a bit more puffed up and spring back partly when gently poked
- In the last 20 minutes of the wait, preheat your oven to 375F (conventional)
- Right before putting the rolls in the oven, pour the heavy cream over them
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the rolls develop a light golden color and feel firm to touch
- Remove from oven and let them rest as you make the frosting
- For the frosting, place all ingredients in a large bowl and whisk with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until a smooth frosting forms
- Spread the frosting over the rolls while they are still warm
- Enjoy!
Notes
- The dough will be quite sticky when you start kneading it. Don't be tempted to add more flour, just keep kneading and it will eventually become soft and smooth
- These are quite large cinnamon rolls. If you want medium sized ones, you can make 9 rolls and bake them in a 9x9" pan instead
- If you don't want to make a cream cheese frosting, you can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and cream instead
- Store cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the fridge and microwave for 15 seconds before enjoying
- Prep Time: 45 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Note: This post contains affiliate links. By using these links, you are helping keep Bake With Zoha in business!
Ayma Malik says
Who doesn't love a classic cinnamon roll! The recipe was easy to follow and fun to enjoy ?
Zoha says
True!! An incredible dessert!
Rabbiyah Abdul Razzaq says
Hi Zoya. I tried ur cinnamon rolls recipe and it was THE BEST recipe i have ever tried. I have tried other cinnamon rolls recipes but they turned out a little dry and the rolls were never this soft. Ur recipe made the softest rolls. Loved ur recipe
Zoha says
That means the world to me! Thank you so very much, Rabbiyah!
Aaliyah Ahmed says
Simply yummy though a bit too sweet for my taste. However my boys loved it all the while making a mess of the entire meal ☺️
Zoha says
Glad your kids enjoyed the process! Thank you for trying the recipe. 🙂
Shiza says
I made these cinnamon rolls and they were so simple and delicious.
Zoha says
Thank you, Shiza! <3
Suha A says
I tried Zoha’s cinnamon rolls and they turned out fantastic! It was my first time making cinnamon rolls and I was so excited since I was following Zoha’s recipe and making it from scratch! I love her videos - her instructions are so clear and easy to follow. For the dough, I made it traditionally, without a mixer, even though I have one and she recommends using it. I’m always nervous handling dough by hand since it’s a sticky matter but (luckily) mine did not stick at all! Zoha gave clear instructions how long to rise the dough and after creating the rolls. The filling recipe was so simple and easy. I was able to roll out the dough perfectly as Zoha demonstrates in her video and baked it for 22 minutes. I prepared the rolls in the evening and baked them the next morning. My family and I enjoyed the rolls for breakfast!
Zoha says
Hi Suha! Thank you for your wonderful review. And I totally here you on the mixer, I never knead by hand myself as it is quite messy (but can also be kind of fun). So So happy that you and your family enjoyed this recipe!
Elena says
Best Cinnamon Rolls ! Love them.❤️
I baked them twice in a week ?
The recipe is very easy to follow.
Zoha says
Yay!!! I love this recipe too! They're hard to resist.
Darshna says
One of the best cinnamon roll recipe I have tried. It turned out perfect and recipe was super easy to follow. Thank you so much Zoha for sharing an awesome cinnamon roll recipe! ?
Zoha says
I’m so happy to hear you liked the recipe, Darshna! ❤️
Neha says
The pillowiest cinnamon rolls with the perfect amount of sweetness!!! I can usually only eat half of a cinnamon roll but I found myself DEVOURING these!
Zoha says
Yayyy!!!! <3 So glad you enjoyed them!
Ushna Rashid Sharif says
Hands down This is by far THE MOST PERFECT recipe of CINNAMON BUNS THAT I have Tried!! It was perfect in every aspect; soft and delicious you name it! I loved it and from now on this is gonna be my go to recipe ??
You are the best Zoha ❤️
Zoha says
AWW!!! I am SOOO happy you love these just as much as I do. A big hug your way <3
Zarish says
Tried so many recipies, but this one is amazing!
Zoha says
Wuhu!!!!!!
Carolyn Neelans says
Easy to make and the most delicious cinnamon rolls I have ever eaten!!
Zoha says
I'm so happy you liked these, Carolyn! <3
Myra Samir says
This recipe is must try very easy very soft cinnamon rolls heavenly drooling on them .?.Zoha thanx for the detailed recipe.stay blessed
Zoha says
Yayyy!! Thank you so much Myra! ❤️
Isabella says
These were gone within 24 hours!!! Doubled the recipe and made 12 which were devoured by my family of 5!
An absolute must bake, highly recommend
Note: if you don’t have icing sugar like I didn’t measure the amount of sugar needed and whizz it up in a NutriBullet or food processor and you’ve got the same thing!
Zoha says
Yayyyy!!! So SO SO happy to hear this. And wonderful tip on icing sugar! It's actually made by grinding normal sugar and a little cornstarch 🙂
Jay says
These look AMAZING. Do you think I could do the first rise overnight in the fridge and then complete the rest of the steps the next morning?
Zoha says
Hi Jay! Yes, that is possible, but make sure the dough has at least doubled in size when you take it out of the fridge.
Zoha says
And the second proof might take longer as you'll have colder dough
Rida Noorani says
The buns turned put super soft and moist!
Zoha says
Glad you think so! 🙂
AJ says
So I made these overnight, I let the second rise go overnight and they were so, so fluffy. I also noticed my dough was not sticky at the onset as the recipe says. I was thinking the entire time I must’ve missed a step because the dough is supposed to be sticky at first. Glad I did not start a new batch because it was perfect as I followed the recipe as it was. These buns really come out amazing and fluffy and full of authentic flavor. The cream cheese frosting is on another level amazing. Loved every bit of every fluffy crumb! Thank you for providing such great recipes!
Zoha says
Aww, thank you for such a thorough review! I am glad they turned out well for you. My guess is you measured flour by packing it too tightly in the measuring cup and therefore ended up with extra flour. However, all is well that ends well 🙂
Fizza Tariq says
Hi, i wanted to ask if i can refrigerate them overnight and bake in the morning?
Zoha says
Yes you can, but place in the fridge straight away so they don't overproof. The texture may not be exactly perfect but should be good enough!
Summer says
Did anyone find these cinnamon rolls to be too salty?? Is 1tsp salt correct?? Please confirm. Everything else about these rolls were perfect, just the salt was an issue. Please let me know. Thanks!
Zoha says
Hi Summer,
1 tsp salt is correct, but I understand everyone has a different salt tolerance + different types and brands of salt can also have a different level of saltiness. I apologize you found them too salty and next time you can definitely reduce the quantity.
Best,
Zoha
Shakem says
So sweet, soft and taste! Thanks 4 sharing
Nivida says
OMG ZOHA?These were the best ever cinnamon rolls I’ve ever made.I’ve been searching for a recipe like this since so long coz whenever I make them, they come out dry . But this time, I was amazed. My family said these were even better than store bought. We couldn’t stop eating these. You’re so kind to share this. Thanks alot Zoha for putting such efforts for everyone out there. Beautiful ❤️
Zoha says
Nivida - you just made my day! This is exactly what I think of this recipe, so I am thrilled you agree <3
Tahira Arsalai says
Best recipe ever.they turned out so soft,fluffy and delicious????
Zoha says
Thanks so so much!
Najba says
Tried the cinnamon rolls today, and they were awesome!
So soft and delicious ?.
Perfect recipe and according to my husband better than Cinnabon.
Thank you for the excellent recipe zoha ??????
Zoha says
SO happy to hear this. Thank you Najba! <3
Madiha says
Awesome recipe, Perfect quantities n super easy to follow. Loved it thoroughly. Thank you so much Zoha for becoming an imp part of my baking life. Stay blessed always ? n keep on baking n sharing your fantastic recipes. Much love ❤️
Sairah says
These cinnamon rolls were soft, airy, and downright delicious!
Zoha says
🙂 Thanks you SO much Sairah!
Shakem says
So sweet, soft and tasty! Thanks 4 sharing
Zoha says
Thank YOU for trying!
Jennie says
I've never had much luck with cinnamon buns but this recipe workout out fantastic! Got so many good reviews on them.
Zoha says
SO thrilled to hear that, Jennie!!
Meena says
What can I use to replace egg in this recipe? Or does it require egg to keep the structure?
Zoha says
You can replace the egg with 1/4 cup yogurt 🙂
Meena says
I found the 1/4 cup yogurt replacement from one of your other recipes and tried it before checking your answer now :). It is soooo good that I got lots of compliments, made it twice now and it all goes within an hour!!
Zoha says
Thrilled to hear that 🙂
Sidra Ismail says
Always wanted to find a cinnamon roll recipe that tastes like cinnabon’s and IM SO HAPPY I FINALLY FOUND THIS. It tastes EXACTLY like that im not even kidding ! 😭 and its so freakin simple tooo. I learnt baking with zoha tbh. I neverrr used to cook/bake and started it this year thanks to zoha♥️ love how detailed her recipes are
Zoha says
I don't even have the words to express my gratitude. Thank you!!
Saliha says
i tried them and they turned out AMAZINGGGG ❤️❤️❤️
Everyone loved it ❤️
Thankyou for sharing amazing recipes ❤️
Zoha says
It's one of my favorites! Really happy you like it too
Ayesha says
it sooo good, made it 4 times now and they always turn out well. its a crowd favourite whenever i bring it to parties!
Zoha says
Aww, I totally agree! Everyone loves these 🙂
Emmy says
Fantastic cinnamon rolls! Makes the perfect amount for my small family. Was easy to follow and turned out perfectly! I will be making again.
Zoha says
YAY!!!
Del says
Do you have any experience with baking these in foil to go pans? If so how long should they take to bake?
Zoha says
The baking time should not be very different! Look for the same signs of doneness.
Anum says
I tired it and turned out really great! Very soft and fluffy rolls!
Zoha says
Thank you!
Bea says
OMG! This is the first time that I've made cinnamon rolls at home and this is the first recipe that I've tried, too. And it is soooo soft & light! The dough is not dense at all. The filling, not too sweet. I ran out of butter for the frosting so I looked for a different cream cheese frosting recipe.
The instructions are easy to follow. Though, I have to admit I ran out of all purpose flour as well and I used cornstarch/cornflour (around 3-4 tbsps worth, including for dusting) and it turned out great. A little crunchy on top. I'll try this recipe again next time, with complete ingredients.
Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Zoha says
So happy you liked this recipe, Bea! Thanks for trying and reviewing 🙂
Zainab says
Tried this recipe about 4-5 times in the last year alone and this easily beats Cinnabon! ❤️ Thank you for the heavy cream tip because it keeps the rolls so moist.
Zoha says
:') Crying literally
Jess Williams says
I love this recipe! Family and friends think they are wonderful. Thank you for the recipe. I've shared it with my baking friends.
Zoha says
Really really happy you like this recipe, and thank you for sharing it onwards! 🙂
Resi says
I’ve tried so man recipes, this one worked perfectly - your tip, to continue kneading and not to add extra flour helped tremendously! Turned out superb - gooey, fluffy and flavorful! I added whipped cream on top and a brown sugar glaze since I added pecans inside the filling. I’ve saved this recipe and it will be my go-to for last minute cinnamon bun cravings.
Zoha says
YUM YUM YUM. Thank you so much for giving my recipe a shot! I also have a recipe for pecan cinnamon buns btw 🙂
Ayesha says
OMG I made these today, they are so soft and so goooood! Love all your recipes!
Zoha says
Thank you so so much, Ayesha!
Areeba says
Honestly, the best cinnamon rolls recipe I've tried. I've been on a quest to find a good cinnamon rolls recipe that tastes like cinnabon and have tried multiple recipes but once I stumbled across your recipe, there was no turning back. I've made this a few times, it's that GOOD. You can't go wrong with these. thanks so much Zoha, really appreciate your baking expertise and your time and effort so we can learn. All the best
Zoha says
I am so incredibly grateful for this kind review, Areeba! Thank you SO very much!
Milo says
Amazing no comment
Kristy says
Doha what about freezing after baking?