Name: Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 43 min
Yield: 4 Pieces
Cuisine: American

Jule’s Menu Verified

February 17, 2026

If you’ve ever craved fresh, gooey cinnamon rolls but didn’t want to end up with a dozen leftovers, this recipe is a dream come true. This small-batch recipe makes just four perfectly soft and sweet cinnamon rolls — enough for a cozy breakfast or an indulgent snack without any waste. Quick to shape, easy to bake, and perfect for mornings when you want the aroma of freshly baked buns filling your kitchen, this recipe proves that sometimes, less really is more.

From the Cook

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Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls

Jule’s Menu Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Mix flour, dry yeast, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl. Add butter, egg yolks and milk and knead with a dough scraper for about 2 minutes until a soft, only slightly sticky dough is formed.

Cover the bowl with cling film and set aside for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, perform a "stretch and fold" technique. To do this, gently lift the dough on one side and pull it upwards slightly until it stretches but doesn't tear. Fold the stretched side over the center, rotate the bowl 90 degrees, and repeat this process until all four sides have been stretched and folded. Cover the bowl again with cling film and let the dough rise for 60 to 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in volume.

Place the dough on a lightly floured work surface, briefly knead it with your hands, and shape it into a smooth ball. Then roll it out into a 20 by 30 centimeter rectangle using a rolling pin.

Carefully spread the softened butter over the dough using a pastry scraper. Mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl and then sprinkle evenly over the dough.

Roll the dough up over the short side, then divide the roll into 4 equal rolls using kitchen thread or a sharp knife and place them in a small baking dish greased with a little butter or oil.

Cover the cinnamon rolls again with cling film and let them rise for 30 minutes or until they have roughly doubled in volume.

After 30 minutes, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) using conventional oven settings (top and bottom heat). Then, place the cinnamon rolls in the oven and bake for 18 minutes, or until the surface is lightly golden brown. After baking, brush the cinnamon rolls with a little butter, top with frosting or enjoy them plain.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Yeast Activation Magic 🌈
Ensure your milk is precisely lukewarm (110-115°F) when activating the yeast to guarantee perfect rising without killing the yeast cultures.
Butter Temperature Trick 🧈
For the most luxurious filling, use room temperature butter that's soft but not melted, allowing it to spread evenly without creating wet spots in the dough.
Humidity-Proof Rolling 🌡️
When rolling out the dough, dust your surface with a minimal amount of flour to prevent sticking while avoiding drying out the delicate dough.
Precise Cinnamon Layer 🌀
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture in a thin, even layer, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spillage during rolling.
Perfect Rise Environment 🌞
Create an ideal proofing environment by placing the covered dough in a warm, draft-free area like a slightly warm oven (turned off) with a pan of hot water underneath.

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About the Cook

Jule’s Menu

Hi, I’m Julia, and I’m the recipe developer, photographer, and author behind Jules’ Menu. I’ve spent the last eight years perfecting healthy everyday recipes so they strike the perfect balance between healthy and nourishing, simple and practical, and gourmet-level delicious.