Description
Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls are a warm, soft, and fluffy plant-based treat made with simple pantry ingredients. This recipe offers the perfect portion size for a quick, delicious, and comforting indulgence with a tender dough and cinnamon-spiced filling. Featuring a luscious natural glaze and easy-to-follow steps, these rolls are ideal for any day and customizable for creative variations.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk, warmed
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons natural brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons plant-based margarine, melted
- 2 tablespoons applesauce
Cinnamon Filling
- 1/4 cup natural brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder (natural)
- 1 tablespoon plant-based margarine, melted
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons plant-based margarine
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 tablespoon plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (natural)
Optional Toppings and Variations
- Finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- Dried cranberries or raisins
- Mini plant-based chocolate chips
- Pinch of cardamom or nutmeg
- Sprinkle of ground cinnamon (natural)
- Toasted nuts
- Grape juice reduction drizzle
- Cinnamon sugar (natural) dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the plant-based milk until lukewarm. Stir in active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of natural brown sugar to activate the yeast. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining natural brown sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted plant-based margarine, and applesauce to form a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Cover and allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Cinnamon Filling: While the dough rises, mix natural brown sugar, cinnamon powder, and melted plant-based margarine in a small bowl until crumbly yet spreadable to create the cinnamon filling.
- Assemble the Rolls: Roll the dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small border at the edges. Roll the dough from the long side into a tight log. Slice the log into even 1.5-inch thick pieces. Place the slices spaced slightly apart in a greased baking dish.
- Second Rise and Bake: Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown and inviting.
- Prepare the Glaze and Finish: Whisk together plant-based margarine, natural gelling agent, plant-based milk, and maple syrup until smooth and glossy. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls immediately after baking, allowing it to soak into every crevice.
Notes
- Ensure liquids are warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
- Knead the dough until elastic but not sticky for optimal texture.
- Allow sufficient rising time for fluffy dough development.
- Use a sharp knife or floss to slice dough cleanly without squishing.
- Apply glaze while rolls are warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth effect.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 to 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: small batch cinnamon rolls, plant-based cinnamon rolls, quick cinnamon rolls, soft cinnamon rolls, fluffy cinnamon rolls, easy cinnamon roll recipe