Description
These Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls offer the perfect cozy morning treat with a soft, fluffy texture and plant-based frosting. Made with simple pantry ingredients and designed for a smaller portion, they are ideal for a warm, homemade breakfast or special occasion. This recipe balances easy preparation and indulgence, giving you tender rolls with aromatic cinnamon and a creamy, dairy-free frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup warm plant-based milk
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp plant-based butter, melted
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (natural)
Filling Ingredients
- 2 tbsp softened plant-based butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Frosting Ingredients
- 3 tbsp softened plant-based cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (natural)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (natural)
- 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Mix warm plant-based milk with active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon brown sugar in a small bowl. Let it bloom for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy and bubbly. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, remaining brown sugar, and salt. Add melted plant-based butter, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract (natural), and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and place in a warm spot to rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened plant-based butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon thoroughly to form an even, spreadable paste.
- Roll and Fill: On a floured surface, gently roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 10 by 8 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, reaching all edges.
- Shape and Cut: Carefully roll the dough tightly from the longer side to form a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 6 equal rolls. Place them spaced apart in a lightly greased small baking dish to allow room for expansion.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a clean cloth and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Make the Frosting: While baking, whisk together softened plant-based cream cheese, powdered sugar (natural), vanilla extract (natural), and natural gelling agent until creamy and smooth.
- Frost and Serve: Allow rolls to cool for a few minutes after baking, then generously spread the plant-based frosting over each warm roll before serving.
Notes
- Ensure plant-based milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
- Knead the dough gently until stretchy but not tough for a soft texture.
- Use fresh yeast to guarantee the best rise.
- Do not skip the second rise for a tender crumb.
- Spread the filling evenly to avoid dry spots in the rolls.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before frosting to let the frosting melt gently.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: small batch cinnamon rolls, plant-based cinnamon rolls, vegan cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls recipe, easy cinnamon rolls, fluffy cinnamon rolls, dairy-free frosting
