The Best Single-Serve Cinnamon Roll

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp warm milk (Slightly warmed, not hot)
• 1 tbsp white sugar (Divided)
• 0.5 tsp dry yeast
• 1 tbsp melted butter (Use 2 tsp instead if adding the optional yogurt)
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp milk powder (Optional)
• 1 tsp plain yogurt (Optional; the notes state to use only 2 tsp melted butter when adding yogurt)
• salt (A pinch, for the dough)
• vanilla extract (For the dough, to taste)
• 1 tbsp softened butter (For the filling)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (For the filling)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (Use 1–2 tsp, to taste)
• vanilla extract (For the filling, to taste)
• salt (A pinch, for the filling)
• 1 tbsp cream cheese (At room temperature; for the frosting)
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar (Use 1–2 tbsp, to taste)
• 2 tsp heavy cream (For the frosting)
• vanilla extract (For the frosting, to taste)
• salt (A pinch, for the frosting)

Steps

1. 1

   In a small bowl, combine the slightly warmed milk, half of the white sugar, and the dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture stand for about 5–10 minutes, until the yeast becomes foamy and fluffy.

2. 2

   In a separate small bowl, combine the flour, remaining white sugar, optional milk powder, and a pinch of salt.

3. 3

   Pour the foamy yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the melted butter, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. If using yogurt, use 2 teaspoons of melted butter rather than 1 tablespoon.

4. 4

   Stir and fold just until the ingredients are combined. Do not overmix or knead; gently shape the dough into a ball.

5. 5

   Place the dough in a small clean bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and leave it in a warm, draft-free place for 30–60 minutes, until doubled in size.

6. 6

   While the dough rises, make the filling. Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract until evenly combined and spreadable.

7. 7

   Once the dough has doubled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a thin, even rectangle.

8. 8

   Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rectangle. If the dough’s size or shape requires it, cut the dough in half to help create a longer roll when shaping.

9. 9

   Roll the dough into a tight cinnamon roll. Place the roll in a ramekin or mini Dutch oven.

10. 10

    Cover the shaped roll and let it rise again in a warm place for 30–60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

11. 11

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

12. 12

    Bake the risen cinnamon roll for about 25–30 minutes, watching it closely. The source notes that approximately 27 minutes produces the desired result, but baking time varies by oven.

13. 13

    While the roll bakes, combine the room-temperature cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and drizzleable.

14. 14

    Drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the warm cinnamon roll and serve immediately while soft and gooey.

Notes

Proofing time depends on room temperature; a warm, draft-free oven that is turned off can help the dough rise. Check the roll around the 25-minute mark for doneness and return it to the oven if needed. The recipe can be doubled to make two cinnamon rolls.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• breakfast
• small-batch
• single-serving
• baked
• cinnamon
• cream-cheese-frosting
• vegetarian