Introduction
Cinnamon rolls are a classic treat that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. With their sweet, gooey cinnamon filling and a rich cream cheese icing, these mini cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert. Using refrigerated crescent roll dough makes them quick and easy to prepare, ensuring you can whip them up in no time. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create these delectable treats!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Cinnamon Rolls:
– 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– ¼ cup light brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
– 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Yield: 24 mini cinnamon rolls
These easy-to-make cinnamon rolls are not only delicious but also a fun way to indulge in a sweet treat. Perfectly portioned for sharing or enjoying all by yourself, these delightful mini cinnamon rolls will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare a mini muffin tin by greasing it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface. Press the seams together to create a single sheet of dough, ensuring no gaps remain.
Step 3: Add Melted Butter
Using a brush, evenly coat the surface of the dough with the melted butter. This will help the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick.
Step 4: Mix Sugar and Cinnamon
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure that the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Mixture
Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough, ensuring every part of the dough is covered.
Step 6: Roll the Dough
Begin rolling the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log shape. Make sure to roll it as evenly as possible for uniform rolls.
Step 7: Cut the Rolls
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 24 equal slices. Aim for even thickness to ensure they bake evenly.
Step 8: Arrange in Muffin Tin
Place each slice in the prepared mini muffin tin, arranging them neatly for even baking.
Step 9: Bake the Rolls
Put the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness when the rolls turn golden brown.
Step 10: Prepare the Icing
While the cinnamon rolls are baking, make the cream cheese icing. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Step 11: Combine Icing Ingredients
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 12: Adjust Icing Consistency
If the icing is too thick for your liking, add milk to the mixture, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Step 13: Cool and Ice the Rolls
Once the cinnamon rolls are finished baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Serving Suggestion
These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven, with the icing drizzled over them.
Note 2: Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate and reheat before serving.
Note 3: Variation Ideas
Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for added texture and flavor.
Note 4: Cream Cheese Substitutes
If you prefer a different icing, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or use a powdered sugar glaze instead.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure that your cinnamon rolls bake evenly and achieve a golden brown color.
Rolling Dough
When unrolling the crescent roll dough, press the seams together firmly to create a smooth surface before adding the butter and sugar mixture.
Even Butter Application
Brush the melted butter evenly across the surface of the dough to ensure all areas are adequately coated for flavor and moisture.
Mixing Cinnamon and Sugar
Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl to create an even mixture. This ensures that every bite of the cinnamon rolls is flavorful.
Cutting the Log
Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled dough into equal slices to ensure uniform baking and presentation of the cinnamon rolls.
Baking
Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased mini muffin tin to help them maintain their shape while baking, and check for a golden brown color to determine doneness.
Making Cream Cheese Icing
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is smooth before adding powdered sugar, ensuring a creamy and delightful icing.
Adjusting Icing Consistency
If your icing is too thick, gradually add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency for drizzling.
Drizzling Icing
Drizzle the cream cheese icing over the warm cinnamon rolls to allow it to melt slightly, enhancing flavor and presentation.
FAQ
Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough?
Yes, you can use homemade dough if you prefer, but ensure it is rolled out to a similar thickness.
How should I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked or baked cinnamon rolls. Just ensure they are well-wrapped and thaw completely before baking or serving.
What can I use instead of cream cheese in the icing?
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese or even a vegan cream cheese alternative if you prefer.
How can I make the cinnamon rolls spicier?
To add more spice, consider increasing the amount of cinnamon used or adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the sugar mixture.
Conclusion
The mini cinnamon rolls made from refrigerated crescent roll dough are a quick and delightful treat that satisfies cravings for something sweet. With the rich flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a creamy and indulgent icing, these rolls are perfect for a breakfast or snack. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to share and enjoy at any gathering.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cinnamon Roll Muffins
Transform your cinnamon rolls into muffins by using muffin liners and baking them with a similar method.
Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Rolls
Add chocolate chips to the filling for a delicious twist that combines classic cinnamon flavors with chocolatey goodness.
Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls
Incorporate pumpkin puree into the dough and add pumpkin spice to the brown sugar mixture for a seasonal favorite.
Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Flatten the rolled dough and cook it in a waffle iron for a crispy, fun take on traditional cinnamon rolls.
Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
Drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls before baking and sprinkle with chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Mix diced apples into the brown sugar and cinnamon filling for a fruity addition that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Cinnamon Roll Cake
Combine the flavors of cinnamon rolls into a cake form, layering the cinnamon-sugar mixture within a simple cake batter.
Nutella Swirl Cinnamon Rolls
Spread Nutella over the dough before rolling it up for a chocolate hazelnut version of the classic treat.
Cinnamon Roll Banana Bread
Incorporate cinnamon roll elements into banana bread by swirling cinnamon sugar filling into the batter before baking.
