Cinnamon Roll Bites Vanilla Glaze

Soft bite-sized cinnamon roll bites with warm gooey centers and a sweet vanilla drizzle are just the thing for cozy mornings or last minute brunch plans. They come together quickly from scratch and disappear even faster at any gathering. Picture yourself pulling a tray of these out of the oven and immediately filling your kitchen with the irresistible smell of cinnamon and sugar.

I first whipped these up on a lazy weekend morning for my family when we were craving cinnamon rolls but short on time. The smell had everyone up and out of bed in record time and now it is a go to for brunches with friends.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: gives the bites their soft chewy texture Use unbleached for best results and fluff with a fork before measuring
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the dough Slightly finer sugar melts better into the dough
• Baking powder: makes the bites rise Skip if using self rising flour
• Salt: brings out the flavors in both dough and filling Try fine sea salt for more even seasoning
• Whole milk: creates tenderness in the dough For extra richness use a combination of whole milk and a splash of heavy cream
• Unsalted butter: adds flavor and moisture in both dough and filling Melt just before use for easy mixing and brushing
• Vanilla extract: gives warmth to dough and glaze Use real vanilla for a fuller flavor
• Brown sugar: makes the filling caramel like and gooey Choose fresh and soft brown sugar so it packs down easily
• Ground cinnamon: is the star of the show Go for a fragrant cinnamon such as Saigon if you love an intense aroma
• Powdered sugar: creates the classic vanilla glaze Sift before mixing for smooth results
• Quality milk for the glaze: gives a pourable consistency Adjust more or less for your desired thickness
• Helpful tip: Try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for texture They toast up beautifully as the bites bake

Instructions

Prepare and Preheat:

Get your oven ready by bringing it up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and encourage browning

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together your flour sugar baking powder and salt in a large bowl Fluffing these together helps the bites stay light

Combine Wet and Form Dough:

Pour in milk melted butter and the vanilla extract Stir just until a soft dough forms Too much mixing at this stage can make the bites tough so combine gently

Create Cinnamon Filling:

In a separate small bowl stir together your brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly mixed This is your flavor powerhouse

Roll Out Dough:

On a lightly floured countertop pat and roll your dough into a rectangle about a quarter inch thick Use a rolling pin and a ruler if you want uniformity

Brush and Fill:

Generously brush the rolled dough with melted butter then sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mix edge to edge Press gently to help the filling stick

Shape and Slice:

Carefully roll up the dough tightly from the long side Try to keep the roll even Slice into 24 equal pieces using a sharp knife

Arrange and Bake:

Place pieces cut side up onto the baking sheet with a bit of space to allow for expansion Bake for around 15 minutes until lightly golden and puffy

Glaze While Warm:

Whisk powdered sugar milk and vanilla to create a thick but pourable glaze As soon as the bites come out of the oven drizzle generously over the tops The glaze will soak in just enough for sticky fingers and happy faces

Save

I am especially attached to the spicy scent of fresh ground cinnamon in this recipe Once when making these with my niece she requested extra glaze and now that tradition has stuck Every batch feels a little more special because of the memories of baking together

Storage Tips

Cinnamon roll bites are best enjoyed warm on the day they are made but will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for about two days Refrigerate if your kitchen is warm To reheat briefly microwave or warm in a low oven for a few minutes to revive the gooey centers

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap dairy milk for any unsweetened plant milk or use vegan butter to make these dairy free Whole wheat flour can be substituted for half of the all purpose flour for a nutty heartier flavor Love raisins or cranberries Add a handful for a fruity twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve the bites piled in a large bowl alongside fresh fruit for brunch They also make an irresistible companion to hot coffee or tea My favorite is to set out a small dish of cream cheese icing so people can dip if they want extra sweetness

Cultural and Historical Context

Cinnamon rolls have deep roots in both American and Scandinavian baking traditions Their smaller cousin the bite sized version fits the fast pace of modern breakfasts while keeping the spirit of comfort and togetherness Cinnamon has long been enjoyed for its warming properties making these perfect for chilly mornings

Seasonal Adaptations

Add diced apples or pears to the filling for an autumn twist Use orange zest in the glaze come spring for brightness Stir a pinch of allspice or nutmeg into the filling for winter holiday gatherings

Success Stories

Many friends have raved about making double batches of these for holiday brunches and telling me none ever make it to the next day One reader even said this was the first recipe her kids wanted to help make from start to finish You will love how quickly these become a new family tradition

Freezer Meal Conversion

Bake as directed cool fully then freeze in a single layer packed airtight For serving thaw at room temperature and reheat gently Add the glaze after warming to keep them looking glossy and fresh

Save

Once you start making these from scratch you will notice they taste fresher and more personal than anything bought in the store The smiles and sticky fingers say it all

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get bite-sized pieces with a gooey center?

Roll the dough thin, spread filling generously, and bake just until golden to keep a tender, gooey middle.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Prepare and slice the bites, then refrigerate. Bake fresh before serving for the best texture and flavor.

→ How do I add more crunch?

Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar filling before rolling up the dough.

→ Is there a way to make the dough richer?

Substitute half of the milk with heavy cream for an extra tender and flavorful bite.

→ What tools do I need to prepare these bites?

You’ll use mixing bowls, a rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper, a pastry brush, and a knife.

→ Are there common allergens in this dish?

These contain wheat (gluten), milk, and butter. Always check ingredient labels for cross-contamination.