Cinnamon rolls come with a lot of steps … or so I thought.

Growing up, we *sometimes* purchased the pop ‘n’ bake cinnamon rolls, and they were absolutely a TREAT. Still a fan! And while I still admire the sweet treat of that poppin’ favorite, I also discovered that cinnamon rolls do not need to be fussy. They don’t require a lot of attention or babysitting. In fact, I think we’re all pretty short on time, so I thought to myself, what would happen if I dumped in these ingredients and just let it go.

And another twist: baking the cinnamon rolls in a muffin pan. Because everyone loves an edge!

I’m still surprised how easy these came together. I made the cinnamon rolls the night before we intended to enjoy and let the rolls do a slow rise in the refrigerator before baking. The morning-of, I took the cinnamon rolls out of the refrigerator, and let it come to room temp. I enjoyed a cup of coffee while everyone was sleeping. JOY.

Then, I baked and topped with icing. Like I said, no fuss.

So fluffy and light.

Cinnamon Rolls Baked in a Muffin Pan

Ingredients

Dough
4 cups flour
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/3 cup sugar
6 tablespoons butter (I used salted)
1 1/2 cups milk
1 egg, room temp

Filling
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
4 tablespoons softened butter

Instructions

1. Mix flour, sugar, and yeast in stand mixer.
2. Melt butter. Warm with milk to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. With mixer on low, slowly add the melted butter and warmed milk. Then add egg.
4. Switch to hook and turn to medium and mix for about 5 min.
5. Drop into oiled bowl and let dough rest for about an hour/double in size.
6. Drop dough on floured surface and roll out to rectangle.
7. Add softened butter and then cinnamon/sugar.
8. Roll up and cut 1.5” slices. I cut from the center.
9. Place in buttered muffin tin.
10. Place in refrigerator to rest overnight.
11. In morning, pull out of refrigerator and let it come to room temp.
12. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 min.
13. Top with cream cheese frosting 🥰

Tips:

Yes, you can freeze!
Yes, you can use any kind of milk in this.
Yes, you can use unsalted butter – just add in a little salt to dry mix.
Yes, you can bake and not refrigerate but let the dough rise again before you do.
Yes, you can use a regular baking dish and the cinnamon rolls will still be delicious!