Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Bites Recipe
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It’s quick and easy: you don’t need yeast, and the dough comes together in minutes.
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You still get the comforting cinnamon‑sugar flavor of cinnamon rolls, but in bite‑size portions — great for sharing or snacking.
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The bites are versatile: perfect warm for breakfast, or cooled for a sweet treat later; you can even prep dough ahead of time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Biscuit Dough
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2 cups flour (all‑purpose, whole wheat, or a mix)
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1 tbsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup cold butter
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¾–1 cup cold milk
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
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½ cup melted butter
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3 tablespoons brown sugar
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Glaze
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⅓ cup icing (powdered) sugar
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1–2 tablespoons milk (just enough to bring the glaze together)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350 °F (about 175 °C). Lightly grease a 10‑inch pie plate or baking dish (or line with parchment).
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Cut the cold butter into cubes, then use a pastry cutter (or fork) to “cut” the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (pea-sized pieces).
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Gradually stir in the cold milk — just enough so the dough comes together. Then bring the dough together by hand; if it becomes sticky, add a touch more flour.
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In a separate medium bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
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Roll the dough into roughly 1‑inch balls. Dip each ball in the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place all coated balls in the prepared pie plate or dish, arranging them in a single layer.
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Drizzle any remaining melted butter over the dough balls in the pan.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bites are puffed, golden, and the butter/sugar mixture at the bottom of the pan is bubbling.
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While they bake, whisk together the icing sugar and milk to make the glaze.
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Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly, then drizzle the glaze over the warm bites. Serve warm (or cool).
Servings and timing
Makes about 10 servings. Total time: around 40 minutes (≈ 15 minutes prep, 25 minutes bake).
Variations
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Use store‑bought biscuit dough instead of mixing dough from scratch — saves time.
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Try 100% whole‑wheat flour (or a mix) to add more fiber.
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For a dairy‑free version: swap butter for non‑dairy margarine and replace milk with almond or oat milk.
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Customize the glaze by stirring in a bit of vanilla extract, lemon juice, or orange juice for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Let the bites cool completely before storing.
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Store in an airtight container: at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
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To freeze: flash‑freeze cooled bites on a tray, then transfer to a freezer‑safe bag or container. Freeze up to 3 months.
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To reheat frozen bites: thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake (covered) at 350 °F for about 15 minutes (or until warmed through).
FAQs
How many bites does this recipe make?
The recipe yields around 25 bite‑sized balls.
What is a serving size?
A serving is roughly 2½ bites (so the full recipe yields about 10 servings).
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes — you can form the dough balls, wrap them tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to a week before baking.
Can I freeze the dough balls before baking?
Absolutely. After forming and coating the balls, place them in the pan, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter for 30 min to 1 hr before baking (you may need to add ~5 minutes to the bake time).
Can I freeze the baked cinnamon roll bites?
Yes. Once cooled, flash‑freeze bites on a tray, then store in a freezer‑safe container for up to 3 months.
Should I let them cool before storing?
Yes — always cool to room temperature before storing to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy.
What texture should the bites have — cakey, biscuit‑like, or bread‑like?
They should be somewhat biscuit-like: soft and tender on the inside, with a slightly crisp, sugary exterior from the cinnamon sugar coating.
What if the dough becomes too sticky when adding milk?
Simply add a little more flour until the dough is manageable and lightly holds together.
Can I make these bites dairy-free?
Yes — substitute butter with non‑dairy margarine and milk with plant‑based milk (like almond or oat milk), both in the dough and in the glaze.
Can I use store‑bought biscuit dough to save time?
Yes — using pre-made biscuit dough works well and simplifies the process even more.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Roll Bites offer all the cozy, cinnamon‑sugar goodness of classic cinnamon rolls — but without the long rise time or fuss. Whether you’re craving a warm breakfast treat, an indulgent afternoon snack, or a simple dessert, these bites are quick to prepare and easy to customize. With options to prep ahead or freeze, and plenty of ways to mix up the flavors, they’re a versatile addition to any baking repertoire.
