The Best Single Serve Cinnamon Roll

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp warm milk (slightly warmed; divided use)
• 1 tbsp white sugar (split between the yeast mixture and dry ingredients)
• 0.5 tsp dry yeast
• 1 tbsp butter (melted; use only 2 tsp if adding yogurt)
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp milk powder (optional; dried milk powder)
• 1 tsp yogurt (optional; if using, use only 2 tsp melted butter instead of 1 tbsp)
• salt (a pinch)
• vanilla extract (amount not specified; used in dough, filling, and frosting)
• 1 tbsp butter (softened, for the filling)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon (1 to 2 tsp, to taste)
• salt (a pinch, for the filling)
• 1 tbsp cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar (1 to 2 tbsp, to taste)
• 2 tsp heavy cream
• 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, then let stand for about 5–10 minutes, until fluffy.

2. 2

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

3. 3

   When the yeast mixture has become fluffy, add it to the dry ingredients along with the melted butter, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and yogurt if using. If adding yogurt, use only 2 tsp melted butter instead of 1 tbsp.

4. 4

   Stir and fold just until everything is combined; do not overmix or knead. Shape the dough into a ball.

5. 5

   Place the dough in a clean small bowl and cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Leave in a warm place for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until doubled in size.

6. 6

   In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract until combined.

7. 7

   Once the dough has doubled, roll it into a thin, even rectangle.

8. 8

   Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.

9. 9

   Roll up the dough to form the cinnamon roll. Depending on the dough’s size and shape, cut it in half to extend the roll, as shown in the video.

10. 10

    Place the shaped roll in a ramekin or mini casserole dish. Leave it in a warm place for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size again.

11. 11

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

12. 12

    Bake the risen cinnamon roll for about 25–30 minutes. Check it around 25 minutes; ovens vary, and the author’s roll was done at about 27 minutes. Check for doneness and return it to the oven if needed.

13. 13

    For the frosting, combine the room-temperature cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and heavy cream.

14. 14

    Drizzle the frosting over the warm cinnamon roll and serve.

Notes

Proofing time varies with room temperature; the author recommends a warm, draft-free spot, such as an oven that is turned off. The source does not specify the amount of vanilla extract. The author’s baking time was about 27 minutes, but recommends checking from 25 minutes. For two rolls, double the recipe.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• small-batch
• single-serving
• baked
• cinnamon
• vegetarian