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.