• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Free Instant Pot Recipe Guide! download now!

FREE 5 Instant Pot Meals in 5 Minutes E Course!


Thank you for subscribing!


Your Homebased Mom

  • About
  • Latest
  • Contact
NEW! Watch on youtube!

Your Homebased Mom

Leigh Anne Wilkes

  • Recipes
    • Course
      • Appetizers
      • Beverages
      • Bread
      • Breakfast and Brunch
      • Dessert
        • Bars and Brownies
        • Cake
        • Candy and Treats
        • Cookies
        • Ice Cream
        • Pie
      • Main Dishes
      • Salads
      • Sandwiches and Burgers
      • Sauces and Dressings
      • Side Dishes
      • Soup
    • Cooking Method
      • Crock Pot
      • Grilling
      • Instant Pot
      • One Pan
      • Oven
      • Quick and Easy
      • Recipes for Two
    • Ingredients
      • Beef
      • Eggs
      • Pasta
      • Pork
      • Poultry
        • Chicken
        • Turkey
      • Seafood
      • Vegetarian
      • Gluten Free
    • Cuisine
      • American
      • Asian
      • European
      • Indian
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
    • Holiday
      • New Year’s Eve
      • Valentine’s Day
      • St. Patrick’s Day
      • Easter
      • 4th of July
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
  • Travel
    • Europe
    • United States
      • New York City
      • Portland
    • What To Wear
  • Life
    • Home
    • Party Ideas
    • Empty Nesters
    • Church
      • Activity Day
      • Relief Society
    • Organizational Tips
    • Recommended Reads
  • New? Start Here
  • Subscribe for weekly recipes

    FREE 5 Instant Pot Meals in 5 Minutes E Course!


    Thank you for subscribing!


Recipe Finder

  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Bread
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Dessert
    • Main Dishes
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches and Burgers
    • Sauces and Dressings
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup
  • Cooking Method
    • Oven
    • Crock Pot
    • Grilling
    • Instant Pot
    • One Pan
    • Quick and Easy
  • Ingredients
    • Beef
    • Eggs
    • Pasta
    • Pork
    • Poultry
    • Seafood
    • Vegetarian
    • Gluten Free
  • Cuisine
    • American
    • Asian
    • European
    • Indian
    • Italian
    • Mediterranean
    • Mexican
  • Holiday
    • New Year’s Eve
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
Home / Latest Posts / Recipes / Cooking Method / Recipes for Two / Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls in an Hour

Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls in an Hour

Jump to Recipe Share
Share on:
By: Leigh Anne WilkesPosted: 3/31/22Updated: 3/24/24

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure policy here.

one cinnamon roll on a spatula

Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls are everything a cinnamon roll should be, soft, gooey and delicious. They are ready in just over an hour and they are the perfect amount for 2-4 people.

four cinnamon rolls in a pan

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They are quick! I love a good cinnamon roll but I don’t like the fact that I have to get up hours before everyone else so that we can all enjoy them for breakfast, fresh out of the oven. With this recipe I can have fresh small batch cinnamon rolls in an hour.

The perfect amount. Now that we are a reduced size family, I also don’t like that my regular recipe makes 12 rolls! Way too tempted to eat too many! This recipe makes 4 rolls, just the right amount.

pan of four cinnamon rolls

Ingredients Needed

  • Yeast. For this recipe I used active dry yeast. You will need to proof the yeast in the warm water mixture first. See my full post on tips for how to proof yeast. Be sure your water temperature is between 105-100 degrees F. You are also adding in your Buttermilk with the water so make sure it is at least room temperature and not cold out the fridge. Your melted butter should also not be too hot, same temp as the water is great.
yeast proofing in a bowl
  • Flour. I usually use all purpose flour but if I have bread flour I will use that. Bread flours gives you a slightly more tender roll.
  • Egg. Yes, this recipe calls for only an egg yolk. In small batch recipes, using the entire egg can give the finished product an eggy taste. If you are using small eggs you can use the whole egg but I usually have medium to large on hand.
  • Buttermilk. If I have buttermilk I always use that as I think it also helps makes for a more tender roll but if you don’t have buttermilk you can substitute regular milk or add 1/4 tsp of lemon juice or vinegar to your 1/4 cup milk to make your own buttermilk. Be sure your buttermilk is room temperature.
  • Salt
  • Butter. I prefer salted butter.
  • Sugar. Granulated sugar, brown sugar and powdered sugar
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Egg
  • Ground Cinnamon
cinnamon roll on a spatula

How to Make Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls

  • Proof Yeast in mixture of water, buttermilk, melted butter and sugar. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and foamy. Be sure all ingredients are room temperature or warmer. Water should be 105-110 degrees F.
  • Prepare filling while yeast is proofing (see below)
  • Add flour, salt and eggs into stand mixer using a dough hook attachment. Pour in proofed yeast mixture. Knead for 5-10 minutes or until dough is soft and smooth.
  • Stir together melted butter, brown sugar, sugar and cinnamon until it resembles damp sand.
  • Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface into a triangle about 6 x 9 inches.
  • Spread with cinnamon sugar filling mixture.
cinnamon roll mixture on dough
  • Roll up dough starting with the long side. Place seam on bottom.
cinnamon roll dough on counter
  • Cut dough roll into 4-6 pieces depending on the size of cinnamon roll desired. I use thread or unflavored dental floss to cut the rolls.
slicing cinnmon roll dough with thread
  • Slide the thread under the dough to the middle of the roll. Pull the threads up, cross them over and then pull apart on the threads so it slices evenly through the dough. Cut each half into 2-3 rolls.
sliced cinnamon roll dough
  • Place rolls on a greased baking pan. I use this 9 x 7 baking dish for all my small batch cooking.
cinnamon roll dough on baking sheet
  • Let rise for 15 minutes.
  • Bake in a 400 degree oven for about 12 minutes or until baked through and golden brown.
baked cinnamon rolls on a cooling rack
  • Mix together softened butter, powdered sugar., vanilla and as much milk or whipping cream as needed to get a nice spreading consistency.
  • Spread with frosting. If you like your frosting to be like a glaze, frost your rolls while they are still fairly warm. If you prefer your frosting to sit on top of the cinnamon roll allow them to cool for 10 minutes or so.
frosting a cinnamon roll

Tips for Freezing Cinnamon Rolls

  • I prefer to freeze my cinnamon rolls unfrosted. That way the frosting doesn’t soak in or melt off while you are warming up the frozen roll.
  • Wrap each roll individually and store in a freezer bag.
  • You can also freeze leftover frosting in a freezer bag.
  • Warm frozen roll in the microwave for about 30 sections.
  • If you don’t have a microwave, thaw the frozen roll, wrap in foil and heat in a 250 degree oven until warmed through.
  • Thaw frozen frosting and spread on warmed cinnamon roll.
overhead shot of four cinnamon rolls

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, it doubles great and if you want a full batch of 12 cinnamon rolls use this recipe.

I don’t have a stand mixer, can I make these by hand?

You can definitely make them by hand, just use a wooden spoon to mix the dough together and knead by hand.

Can I freeze small batch cinnamon rolls?

I prefer to freeze them after they are baked. You can freeze them with or without the frosting. Wrapped to be airtight in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, they will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and warm before enjoying.

Try these other recipes:

  • Orange Rolls for Two,
  • Cinnamon Roll for One,
  • Small Batch 30 Minute Rolls
  • 30 Minute Rolls
  • How To Proof Yeast

Be sure and follow me over on You Tube for weekly cooking demos.

4.88 from 8 votes
four cinnamon rolls in a pan

Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls

Recipe From: Leigh Anne Wilkes
Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls are everything a cinnamon roll should be, soft, gooey and delicious. They are ready in just over an hour and they are the perfect amount for 2-4 people.
serves: 4 servings
Prep:45 minutes minutes
Cook:15 minutes minutes
Total:1 hour hour
Rate Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup warm water 105-110 degrees F
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk room temperature
  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp butter melted but not hot
  • 1 Tbsp dry active yeast
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 cups all purpose or bread flour

Cinnamon Filling

  • 1/2 Tbsp butter melted
  • 3 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

Frosting

  • 1 Tbsp butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1-2 tsp milk

Instructions

  • Mix together water, buttermilk, sugar, melted butter and yeast in a bowl. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and foamy.
  • Add in salt, eggs and flour. Mix and knead for 5-10 minutes until dough is soft and smoth.
  • Allow to sit for 10 minutes. Prepare filling.

Cinnamon Filling

  • Mix together butter, sugars and cinnamon. Will resemble damp sand.
  • Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface into a 6 x 9 inch rectangle.
  • Spread with cinnamon filling.
  • Roll up dough along the long end. Using thread or dental floss, cut into 4-6 pieces.
  • Place on a greased baking sheet and let rise for 15 minutes.
  • Bake at 400 degrees F. for 12-15 minutes.

Frosting

  • Mix together butter, powdered sugar and vanilla. Add enough milk to form a nice spreading consistency.
  • Allow rolls to cool for about 5 minutes and then frost.

Tips & Notes:

How to freeze cinnamon rolls: 
  • I prefer to freeze my cinnamon rolls unfrosted. That way the frosting doesn’t soak in or melt off while you are warming up the frozen roll.
  • Wrap each roll individually and store in a freezer bag.
  • You can also freeze leftover frosting in a freezer bag.
  • Warm frozen roll in the microwave for about 30 sections.
  • If you don’t have a microwave, thaw the frozen roll, wrap in foil and heat in a 250 degree oven until warmed through.
  • Thaw frozen frosting and spread on warmed cinnamon roll.

Recommended Products

Baking Sheet (9 x 7)
Rolling Pin

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 553kcal (28%) Carbohydrates: 104g (35%) Protein: 9g (18%) Fat: 11g (17%) Saturated Fat: 6g (38%) Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 73mg (24%) Sodium: 390mg (17%) Potassium: 119mg (3%) Fiber: 2g (8%) Sugar: 57g (63%) Vitamin A: 358IU (7%) Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 55mg (6%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
* Disclaimer: All nutrition information are estimates only. Read full disclosure here.
Course:Breakfast
Cuisine:American
four cinnamon rolls in a pan
Did you make this?I love seeing what you made. Be sure to share a picture and tag @yourhomebasedmom on social media!
Tag on Insta! Leave a Rating

.

Previous Post
Crescent Rolls
Next Post
Skillet Carrot Cake

Reader Interactions

4.88 from 8 votes (7 ratings without comment)

Leave a Review Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Made this? Rate this recipe:




  1. Purnima Dinesh says

    Posted on 2/15 at 10:19 pm

    Leigh Anna, thanks for this small batch recipe and also tips on how to store. I followed your exact recipe directions, cut 6 pieces and got gorgeous and delicious outcome! Keeper!! Thanks for sharing!
    Picture on your Insta DM.

    Reply
  2. K.M. says

    Posted on 3/24 at 1:29 pm

    Just doublechecking. Is that 1 tablespoon of dry active yeast? You didn’t used consistent abbreviations, and I’m not really a person who knows bread. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Leigh Anne Wilkes says

      Posted on 3/24 at 2:20 pm

      Is it is 1 tablespoon, I’ve updated the abbreviations to make sure they are all the same. Enjoy

      Reply
  3. Vicki J. says

    Posted on 5/16 at 9:13 am

    Just made these small batch cinnamon rolls. I goofed up and missed doing the 10 minute rise before rolling them out. My bad, I just overlooked it. But they still came out fine and were delicious! I made 4 rolls and only mixed up half the frosting (used maple flavoring), since I like less frosting on mine. They are big! I did eat a whole one, but it really stuffed me, so next time I will cut them into 6 rolls and see if that is a better size for me. Hmmmm, wonder what size baking sheet would be best for 6 rolls?

    Thanks so much for this wonderful small batch recipe Leigh Anne! This is a recipe I am sure I will use over and over again.

    Reply
    • Vicki J. says

      Posted on 5/16 at 9:26 am

      I see why I missed the 10-15 minute resting period before rolling the rolls out. I was going by the instructions at the beginning of this article and it doesn’t mention that resting period there. I only noticed I missed doing it while watching the video while my rolls were baking. That step is in the recipe you print out (and the video), just not in the main article about the rolls.

      Reply
  4. Sandra Ainsworth says

    Posted on 4/16 at 7:58 pm

    loving your recipes for twotried your brownies great

    Reply
  5. Judi says

    Posted on 3/31 at 6:48 am

    Thanks so much for sharing these small batch recipes. Sometimes having leftovers gets old. Please keep coming up with new ones – love it!!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Seasonal Posts

two cones with malted milk ice cream on them

Malted Milk Ice Cream

Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe

Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream

dish of lemon meringue ice cream

Lemon Meringue Ice Cream

creamsicle ice cream in a hand

Creamsicle Ice Cream

Most Popular Posts

Crock Pot 5 ingredient Pork Roast sliced

Crock Pot Pork Roast

Lemon Oatmeal Cookies

Lemon Oatmeal Cookies

baked riblets

Easy Oven Baked Riblets

overhead shot of ooey gooey cake

Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window

Trending Now

overhead shot of cinnamon rolls

One Hour Cinnamon Rolls

plate of smashed potatoes and a fork

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

overhead shot of bowl of almond chicken

Almond Chicken

baked riblets

Easy Oven Baked Riblets

No knead bread in a pan

Instant Pot Bread

Tomato tart pieces

Easy Tomato Tart

spoon full of mac and cheese

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Almond Torte

  • Crock Pot
  • Instant Pot
  • Chicken
  • Breakfast
  • Appetizers
  • Bread
  • Salad
  • Dessert

Order my Cookbook, Holiday Slow Cooker!

Buy Now!
Back to Top
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • Contact
© 2013–2025 Leigh Anne Wilkes Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.