Imagine a warm, pillowy cinnamon roll, perfectly sized for one, with a gooey cinnamon-sugar heart and topped with decadent cream cheese frosting. This recipe brings that imagination to life, offering you a way to treat yourself to a personal indulgence without the commitment to a whole batch. Whether you're looking for a special breakfast, a comforting snack, or a delightful dessert, this single-serve cinnamon roll is the ultimate "treat yo-self" dessert that promises to satisfy your sweet cravings with its perfect portion and irresistible flavors.
Why You'll Love This:
This cinnamon roll recipe is a game-changer for anyone with a sweet tooth who appreciates the value of portion control. It's designed to deliver all the joy of a classic cinnamon roll, but in a size that's just for you. The dough is easy to prepare, and the filling strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, all wrapped up in a luscious cream cheese icing. What's more, it's adaptable to any dietary preference by simply using your choice of milk. Indulge in the coziness of baking with the practicality of a single serving.
Perfect Occasion:
This single-serve cinnamon roll is perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet and comforting but don't want leftovers tempting you for days. It's ideal for a leisurely weekend morning, a delightful afternoon pick-me-up, or a cozy evening treat. Celebrate personal milestones, cheer yourself up on a down day, or make any ordinary day a little more special with this exquisite homemade delight.
Decoration Tips:
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a little cinnamon or zest of orange over the cream cheese icing. If you're feeling adventurous, a drizzle of salted caramel or a few toasted pecans could add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. Serve your cinnamon roll on a beautiful plate with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate indulgence.
Ingredients for Dough:
- 1/4 cup of your choice of milk
- 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted)
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast (Rapid Rise)
- 2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
- 1 1/2 teaspoons butter (unsalted, room temperature)
For Cream Cheese Icing:
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon butter (unsalted, room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon milk
- A tiny pinch of salt
- A dash of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Warm milk and butter in the microwave for 30 seconds until the butter melts partially. Ensure it's warm, not hot.
- Dissolve sugar and yeast in the warm milk mixture.
- Stir in 2/3 cup of flour and salt, adding more flour as needed until a soft dough forms. Avoid making the dough too dry.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in an oiled bowl, covered, in a warm place until it doubles in size, about an hour.
- Prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll out the dough into a long, thin rectangle, spread with butter, and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Roll it tightly.
- Place the roll in a greased ramekin or on a baking sheet. Let it rise again until puffy, about 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until golden. Let it cool slightly.
- For the icing, mix all ingredients until smooth. Microwave briefly if lumpy.
- Spread the icing over the warm roll.
Indulge in the simple pleasure of a homemade cinnamon roll, made just for you, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and everything nice.
