Single Serve Cinnamon Roll

Introduction to the Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, gooey cinnamon roll straight from the oven—but making a whole batch can feel like a commitment. That’s where this Single Serve Cinnamon Roll comes in. It’s soft, buttery, swirled with cinnamon-sugar goodness, and topped with a rich cream cheese icing—just like the classic, but in a perfect portion for one.

This is the kind of treat that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. No need for a stand mixer, fancy ingredients, or even hours of rise time. In fact, this cinnamon roll comes together in under an hour, thanks to Rapid Rise Instant Yeast and a small-batch approach that cuts the fuss without cutting flavor.

Using pantry staples like flour, milk, sugar, and butter, you’ll whip up a tender dough, roll it out, fill it with spiced brown sugar and butter, and bake until golden and bubbling. The final touch—a quick cream cheese icing that melts into the warm roll—makes this dessert downright irresistible.

Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast, a spontaneous late-night treat, or a rainy-day baking project, this single-serve recipe delivers all the comfort of a bakery-style cinnamon roll without the leftovers. If you’ve never worked with yeast before, this is a fantastic starter recipe—small, forgiving, and fast.

Need more small-batch inspiration? Check out this Small Batch Cinnamon Roll guide or read up on working with instant yeast.

This Single Serve Cinnamon Roll is proof that sometimes, the best things really do come in small packages.

---

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Print

---

Advanced Techniques

Mastering the Dough Consistency

Achieving a soft but manageable dough is the foundation of this cinnamon roll. Use just enough flour so it pulls away from the bowl but still feels slightly tacky to the touch. Over-flouring will make it dense. If needed, add milk or flour a teaspoon at a time during kneading to reach the perfect consistency.

Quick Proofing Tricks

To speed up the rise time, create a warm proofing environment by placing the covered roll in an OFF oven with the light on, or inside a microwave next to a cup of hot water. The gentle warmth encourages the yeast to activate faster and gives you that puffy, bakery-style look.

Adding Mix-Ins or Twists

For variety, sprinkle chopped pecans, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel sauce inside before rolling. You can even add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the filling for a warm spice twist. This transforms the classic cinnamon roll into something even more personalized.

Baking Without a Ramekin

No ramekin? No problem. Use a muffin tin, small oven-safe bowl, or even a mini cake pan. Just ensure it’s deep enough to allow the roll to rise upward and not spread out too flat. Line with parchment or grease well to prevent sticking.

Freezing the Dough for Later

After shaping the roll, you can freeze it before the final rise. Place in an airtight container or wrap in plastic. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, let rise at room temp, then bake as directed. Perfect for prepping ahead without losing freshness.

See more advanced recipes at cookingwhite.com

---

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftovers (If You Have Any!)

Though it’s designed for one, if you somehow end up with half left, wrap it tightly in plastic or foil and store at room temp for up to 1 day. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to refresh the gooey texture.

Freezing After Baking

To freeze a baked roll, wrap it in plastic and then foil. It’ll keep for up to 1 month. To enjoy, thaw overnight and reheat gently in the microwave. Add fresh icing before serving to recreate that just-baked taste.

Prepping the Night Before

Want a fresh roll in the morning? Assemble and shape the roll the night before, then cover and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit at room temp for 30–45 minutes before baking. This is perfect for busy mornings or surprise guests.

Reviving a Stale Roll

If your roll dries out a bit, place it in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top and heat in 10-second bursts until warm and soft. The steam rehydrates the roll without overcooking.

Storing Extra Icing

Have leftover icing? Store it in a small airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Use it on toast, muffins, or even pancakes. It’s too good to waste!

---

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Dairy-Free Option

Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat), dairy-free butter, and vegan cream cheese for the icing. Choose a dairy-free powdered sugar brand, if needed. The result is still soft, rich, and just as comforting.

Vegan Version

To make this fully vegan, follow the dairy-free steps and ensure your sugar is vegan-certified. Skip any animal-derived additives. The yeast and flour base remains the same, and the taste is deliciously close to the classic.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that includes xanthan gum. Add an extra teaspoon of milk if the dough feels too dry. Gluten-free doughs can be more fragile, so roll gently and avoid over-kneading.

Low-Sugar Cinnamon Roll

Reduce the sugar in the dough and filling by half or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol. The roll will still bake up golden and flavorful, especially when paired with a lighter icing option.

Protein Boost Add-In

For a more balanced snack, you can add 1 tablespoon of unflavored or vanilla protein powder to the flour. You may need to slightly increase the liquid (milk) to balance the texture. The result is a more satisfying cinnamon roll that fuels you, too.

---

FAQs About the Recipe

Can I Make This Without Yeast?

Yes! You can replace the yeast with 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. The result will be more like a cinnamon biscuit—still tasty, but less fluffy and chewy than the yeast version.

What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese for the Icing?

No cream cheese? No problem. You can make a simple glaze with 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 teaspoons milk, and a splash of vanilla. Or use Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy alternative.

Can I Bake This in an Air Fryer?

Yes! Place the roll in a small air fryer-safe dish and bake at 325°F for about 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on it—it may cook faster depending on your air fryer model. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.

Is It Okay to Double the Recipe?

Absolutely. You can double or triple the ingredients to make 2–3 rolls for sharing (or not). Just use a slightly larger baking dish or bake each in its own ramekin for even cooking.

How Do I Know When It’s Done?

The top should be golden brown and the center should no longer look wet or doughy. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake or you’ll lose the gooey center.

---

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

This Single Serve Cinnamon Roll is proof that big flavor doesn’t require a big batch. Whether you’re baking for one, exploring small-batch desserts, or just craving a cozy treat without the leftovers, this recipe checks all the boxes.

It’s fast, flexible, and delivers that classic cinnamon roll experience—sweet swirls, buttery richness, and velvety icing—all in under an hour. Plus, the process is just as enjoyable as the result: from kneading the dough to swirling the cinnamon sugar, it’s a hands-on, soul-satisfying experience.

No stand mixer, no overnight rise, and no guilt from overindulging—just one perfect cinnamon roll, made just for you. Whether it’s your first homemade cinnamon roll or your fiftieth, this recipe guarantees success every time.

So go ahead—make yourself something warm, gooey, and utterly delicious. You deserve it.