Cinnamon Roll Bites:
Sweet, Gooey, and Perfectly Poppable 🍥
Craving the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want something quick and shareable? These Cinnamon Roll Bites are fluffy, bite-sized morsels swirled with cinnamon-sugar goodness and topped with a sweet icing drizzle. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a fun dessert that everyone can pull apart and enjoy. These addictive little bites will have your kitchen smelling like a bakery in no time!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6–8 (makes about 24–30 bites)
Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per serving
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp salt
- 2½–3 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating active yeast.
- Stir in granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add 2½ cups of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add up to ½ cup more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface or with a stand mixer for 3–4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon until combined.
- Roll out the dough into a 12×10-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously on top.
- Form the Bites:
- Cut the dough into 1-inch strips, then cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces to create small squares. Roll each square into a loose ball or leave as is for a rustic look.
- Place the dough pieces in the prepared baking dish, arranging them close together but not tightly packed.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Icing:
- While the bites bake, whisk together powdered sugar, 1–2 tbsp milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust milk for desired drizzle consistency.
- Serve:
- Remove the bites from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes. Drizzle with icing while still warm.
- Pull apart and enjoy immediately!
Tips for Success
- Quick Rise Option: If short on time, let the dough rest for 10 minutes after kneading instead of a full rise. The bites will still be fluffy due to the yeast and quick prep.
- Add-Ins: Sprinkle chopped pecans, raisins, or mini chocolate chips into the filling for extra flavor.
- Icing Variations: Add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the icing for a tangy twist or a dash of cinnamon for warmth.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze baked, unfrosted bites in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw, reheat, and drizzle with icing before serving.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Bites
These Cinnamon Roll Bites pack all the gooey, cinnamon-sweet goodness of classic cinnamon rolls into poppable, shareable pieces. With a quick prep time and no long rise required, they’re perfect for satisfying sweet cravings in a hurry. The warm, buttery bites paired with a sweet icing drizzle make them an irresistible treat for breakfast, dessert, or any time you need a little comfort!
Bake these up and watch them disappear! Share your creations with #CinnamonRollBites on social media. Happy baking! 🍥
