Can You Make Fluffy, Sweet Mini Cinnamon Rolls with a Maple Glaze in Just 40 Minutes of Active Time?
Craving a warm, indulgent breakfast treat that’s perfect for sharing? What if you could bake two dozen mini cinnamon rolls with a rich maple icing in just 40 minutes of hands-on time? Mini Maple Cinnamon Rolls are your answer—a beloved recipe with 27 reviews, ideal for holiday brunches, family breakfasts, or cozy gatherings. Ready to fill your kitchen with sweet, spiced aromas? Let’s get baking!
Overview: Why Mini Maple Cinnamon Rolls Shine
What makes Mini Maple Cinnamon Rolls so special? These bite-sized rolls combine a soft, yeast-based dough with a buttery cinnamon-brown sugar filling and a luscious maple icing, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Made in a bread machine for easy dough prep and baked in a single pan, they’re perfect for Christmas mornings, potlucks, or gifting. The recipe is beginner-friendly (with a bread machine), kid-approved, and adaptable for dietary needs.
Time requirement: 40 minutes active (20 minutes prep, 20 minutes cooking), plus ~1 hour for dough cycle and 20 minutes rising. The bread machine simplifies dough prep.
Difficulty level: Moderate. The bread machine handles the dough, but rolling and slicing require some care. A bread machine, 13×9-inch baking pan, and rolling pin are the main tools, and kids can help sprinkle filling or spread icing.
Health perks: Moderate butter and sugar keep it balanced as a treat, while whole milk provides calcium and protein. The recipe supports gluten-free or vegan diets with swaps, making it a wholesome indulgence.
Essential Ingredients: What You Need and Why It Matters
Here’s the lineup for 24 mini rolls. Each ingredient plays a key role, with swaps for flexibility.
Dough
- Whole milk (2/3 cup): Adds richness and softens dough. Sub: Plant-based milk or 2% milk.
- Maple syrup (1/3 cup): Sweetens dough with maple flavor. Sub: Honey or agave nectar.
- Butter (1/3 cup, softened): Provides tenderness and flavor. Sub: Vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds and enriches dough. Sub: Flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) for vegan.
- Salt (3/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness. Sub: Kosher salt or reduce to 1/2 teaspoon for low-sodium.
- Bread flour (3 cups): Creates chewy, structured dough. Sub: All-purpose flour (may be less chewy) or gluten-free bread flour blend.
- Active dry yeast (1/4 oz package, 2-1/4 teaspoons): Leavens dough for fluffiness. Sub: Instant yeast (same amount).
Filling
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds caramel-like sweetness. Sub: Coconut sugar or granulated sugar.
- Bread flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens filling for even spreading. Sub: All-purpose flour or cornstarch.
- Ground cinnamon (4 teaspoons): Provides warm, spiced flavor. Sub: Pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg.
- Cold butter (6 tablespoons): Creates crumbly, rich filling. Sub: Vegan butter or coconut oil.
Maple Icing
- Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup): Forms smooth, sweet icing. Sub: Maple sugar or omit for lighter topping.
- Butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness to icing. Sub: Vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Maple syrup (3 tablespoons): Enhances maple flavor. Sub: Honey or agave nectar.
- Whole milk (1-2 teaspoons): Thins icing to spreadable consistency. Sub: Plant-based milk or water.
These ingredients are pantry-friendly and festive, creating a wholesome, indulgent treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Bake These Rolls!
Ready to start? You’ll need a bread machine, a 13×9-inch baking pan, and a rolling pin. These steps are straightforward, with tips for success.
- Prepare dough: In the bread machine pan, add 2/3 cup whole milk, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/3 cup softened butter, 1 egg, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 3 cups bread flour, and 1/4 oz yeast in the order suggested by your machine’s manufacturer (typically liquids first, then dry, yeast last). Select the dough setting (about 1-1.5 hours). After 5 minutes, check dough; add 1-2 tablespoons water if too dry or 1-2 tablespoons bread flour if too sticky. Tip: Scrape down pan sides for even mixing.
- Make filling: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons bread flour, and 4 teaspoons cinnamon. Cut in 6 tablespoons cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Tip: Keep butter cold for a crumbly texture.
- Shape rolls: When the dough cycle is complete, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half and roll each into a 12×7-inch rectangle. Sprinkle half the filling over each rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Roll up each rectangle jelly-roll style from the long side; pinch seams to seal. Cut each roll into 12 slices (24 total). Tip: Use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
- Assemble: Place slices cut side down in a greased 13×9-inch baking pan, arranging snugly. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 20 minutes). Tip: Place in a turned-off oven with a bowl of hot water for faster rising.
- Preheat and bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Tip: Check at 20 minutes; cover with foil if browning too quickly.
- Make icing: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1-2 teaspoons milk until smooth and spreadable. Tip: Adjust milk for desired thickness; start with 1 teaspoon.
- Finish and serve: Cool rolls on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Spread icing over warm rolls. Serve warm for best flavor. Tip: Spread icing evenly with a spatula or drizzle for a rustic look.
Assembly: Plate It Like a Pro
These mini rolls are golden and sticky, making them easy to plate beautifully. Here’s how to make them look as good as they taste.
- Rolls: Place 2-3 rolls per plate, showcasing the swirls and glossy icing. Tip: Arrange in a circular pattern for a festive look.
- Garnish: Dust with extra confectioners’ sugar or sprinkle with chopped pecans. Tip: A drizzle of extra maple syrup adds a gourmet touch.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with coffee, hot cocoa, or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast or dessert. Tip: Brew coffee during baking for efficiency.
- Presentation: For a cozy vibe, use white or festive plates to highlight the golden rolls and icing. Serve on a tiered stand for gatherings. Tip: Add a cinnamon stick or edible glitter for a holiday sparkle.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips: Keep It Fresh
Want to enjoy leftovers or prep ahead? Here’s how to keep your rolls tasting great.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds; add fresh icing if needed. Tip: Store without icing to prevent sogginess.
- Freezing: Freeze baked, un-iced rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, reheat, and ice fresh. Tip: Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
- Make-ahead: Prepare dough in the bread machine and refrigerate overnight (up to 12 hours) before shaping. Make filling and store in fridge up to 2 days. Tip: Shape and bake fresh for best texture.
Health tip: Storing properly preserves the rolls’ texture, and whole milk provides calcium for a nutrient boost.
Recipe Variations: Get Creative
This recipe is flexible. Try these twists to keep it exciting while staying wholesome.
- Vegan version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, flax egg, and vegan icing (swap butter for coconut oil).
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free bread flour blend; check yeast for gluten.
- Lower sugar: Reduce brown sugar to 1/3 cup in filling and confectioners’ sugar to 3/4 cup in icing; add 1 tablespoon applesauce to dough.
- Add-ins: Mix 1/4 cup chopped pecans or raisins into filling.
- Spiced boost: Add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or ginger to filling for extra warmth.
- Glaze swap: Use cream cheese icing (1/2 cup cream cheese + 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar + 1 tablespoon milk) for tanginess.
Conclusion: Savor Your Mini Maple Cinnamon Rolls
You’re now ready to master Mini Maple Cinnamon Rolls! These wholesome, fluffy treats bring sweet maple, warm cinnamon, and soft dough together for a breakfast or dessert that’s perfect for holiday brunches, family gatherings, or gifting. With just 40 minutes of active time and a bread machine, you can create a flavorful, crowd-pleasing batch that’s as delicious as it is festive. Play with vegan or spiced twists to make it your own. Grab that bread machine, roll some dough, and enjoy this cozy delight. Share your results in the comments—I’d love to hear how it turned out!
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Mini Maple Cinnamon Rolls
Description
Craving a warm, indulgent breakfast treat that’s perfect for sharing? What if you could bake two dozen mini cinnamon rolls with a rich maple icing in just 40 minutes of hands-on time? Mini Maple Cinnamon Rolls are your answer—a beloved recipe with 27 reviews, ideal for holiday brunches, family breakfasts, or cozy gatherings
Ingredients
Dough
- Whole milk (2/3 cup): Adds richness and softens dough. Sub: Plant-based milk or 2% milk.
- Maple syrup (1/3 cup): Sweetens dough with maple flavor. Sub: Honey or agave nectar.
- Butter (1/3 cup, softened): Provides tenderness and flavor. Sub: Vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds and enriches dough. Sub: Flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) for vegan.
- Salt (3/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness. Sub: Kosher salt or reduce to 1/2 teaspoon for low-sodium.
- Bread flour (3 cups): Creates chewy, structured dough. Sub: All-purpose flour (may be less chewy) or gluten-free bread flour blend.
- Active dry yeast (1/4 oz package, 2-1/4 teaspoons): Leavens dough for fluffiness. Sub: Instant yeast (same amount).
Filling
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds caramel-like sweetness. Sub: Coconut sugar or granulated sugar.
- Bread flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens filling for even spreading. Sub: All-purpose flour or cornstarch.
- Ground cinnamon (4 teaspoons): Provides warm, spiced flavor. Sub: Pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg.
- Cold butter (6 tablespoons): Creates crumbly, rich filling. Sub: Vegan butter or coconut oil.
Maple Icing
- Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup): Forms smooth, sweet icing. Sub: Maple sugar or omit for lighter topping.
- Butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness to icing. Sub: Vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Maple syrup (3 tablespoons): Enhances maple flavor. Sub: Honey or agave nectar.
- Whole milk (1-2 teaspoons): Thins icing to spreadable consistency. Sub: Plant-based milk or water.
These ingredients are pantry-friendly and festive, creating a wholesome, indulgent treat
Instructions
Ready to start? You’ll need a bread machine, a 13×9-inch baking pan, and a rolling pin. These steps are straightforward, with tips for success.
- Prepare dough: In the bread machine pan, add 2/3 cup whole milk, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/3 cup softened butter, 1 egg, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 3 cups bread flour, and 1/4 oz yeast in the order suggested by your machine’s manufacturer (typically liquids first, then dry, yeast last). Select the dough setting (about 1-1.5 hours). After 5 minutes, check dough; add 1-2 tablespoons water if too dry or 1-2 tablespoons bread flour if too sticky. Tip: Scrape down pan sides for even mixing.
- Make filling: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons bread flour, and 4 teaspoons cinnamon. Cut in 6 tablespoons cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Tip: Keep butter cold for a crumbly texture.
- Shape rolls: When the dough cycle is complete, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half and roll each into a 12×7-inch rectangle. Sprinkle half the filling over each rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Roll up each rectangle jelly-roll style from the long side; pinch seams to seal. Cut each roll into 12 slices (24 total). Tip: Use a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.
- Assemble: Place slices cut side down in a greased 13×9-inch baking pan, arranging snugly. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 20 minutes). Tip: Place in a turned-off oven with a bowl of hot water for faster rising.
- Preheat and bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Tip: Check at 20 minutes; cover with foil if browning too quickly.
- Make icing: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1-2 teaspoons milk until smooth and spreadable. Tip: Adjust milk for desired thickness; start with 1 teaspoon.
- Finish and serve: Cool rolls on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Spread icing over warm rolls. Serve warm for best flavor. Tip: Spread icing evenly with a spatula or drizzle for a rustic look.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Can I make these without a bread machine? Yes! Mix dough by hand or with a stand mixer; knead 5-7 minutes until smooth, then let rise 1 hour until doubled.
What are the health benefits? Whole milk provides calcium; moderate sugar and butter keep it balanced as a treat.
How do I know the rolls are done? They’re golden brown after 20-25 minutes.
Can I prep for a party? Yes! Make dough and filling up to 12 hours ahead; shape and bake fresh.
Kid-friendly? Totally! Sweet maple flavor appeals to kids; reduce cinnamon for milder taste.
Why is my dough sticky? Too little flour or improper kneading. Add flour sparingly during rolling.
Gluten-free? Use gluten-free bread flour; check yeast.
How to store leftovers? Room temp for 2 days, fridge for 5 days; reheat gently. Freeze for 2 months; thaw before icing.