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Lazy Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon Roll Balls

5 from 1 vote
These cinnamon roll balls are the perfect dessert when you're craving cinnamon rolls but don't want to put in too much effort. They're soft and pillowy and glazed with a classic cream cheese frosting that will keep you coming back for more.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with dough hook and whisk attachment
  • Hand whisk
  • 8" round baking dish

Ingredients
  

Cinnamon Roll Dough

  • 92 grams granulated white sugar
  • 78 grams unsalted butter softened
  • 7 grams salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 454 grams all-purpose flour
  • 6 grams instant yeast
  • 255 grams full-fat milk lukewarm

Cinnamon Butter

  • 100 grams unsalted butter
  • 60 grams brown sugar
  • 20 grams cinnamon powder
  • 1/4 th tsp sea salt

Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 120 grams cream cheese
  • 55 grams unsalted butter softened
  • 120 grams powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla essence

Instructions
 

Cinnamon Roll Dough

  • Warm the milk to lukewarm, then stir in the yeast and set aside.
  • Add the yeast mixture to a stand mixer along with the butter, sugar, salt, egg, and flour. Knead with the dough hook for 10–15 minutes until you get a smooth, non-sticky dough.
  • Test the dough by stretching a small piece between your fingers; it should be thin enough to see light through without tearing. If it tears, continue kneading.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with cling film, and leave to proof for 60-90 minutes until nearly doubled. Use this time to prepare the cinnamon butter.
  • Once proofed, knock back the dough to release the air. Divide into small balls of roughly 25 grams each, or go by eye.
  • Dip each ball into the cinnamon butter and layer them into a round pan until all the dough is used up.
  • Pour any remaining cinnamon butter over the top, cover, and let rise for another 45 minutes.
  • Bake at 170°C for 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through.
  • Invert onto a plate to release, then drizzle with the cream cheese glaze while still warm. Best served hot or reheated before eating.

Cinnamon Butter

  • Combine the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt in a bowl and melt together. Whisk until the sugar is fully incorporated.

Cream Cheese Glaze

  • Add the butter, cream cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla to a bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed until smooth and creamy.

Notes

Need help with the dough? Check out my detailed cinnamon roll guide for tips and tricks!
Storage: 
These rolls can be stored covered in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before eating. 
Course: Dessert, Tea time
Keyword: cinnamon, cinnamon roll