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Fluffy Star-Shaped Cinnamon Roll Bites

star-shaped cinnamon roll bites - featured image

These fluffy star-shaped cinnamon roll bites are a fun twist on classic cinnamon rolls, featuring soft, pillowy centers with slightly crisp edges and topped with creamy icing. Perfect for a quick, charming homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g), sifted
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 cup whole milk (240ml), warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (56g), melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (56g), softened (for filling)
  • ½ cup brown sugar (100g), packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (113g), softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120g), sifted
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g), softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons milk (15-30ml), to adjust icing consistency

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (110°F/43°C) with sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
  6. Shape the dough: Punch down dough and roll out into a 12×16 inch (30×40 cm) rectangle about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick.
  7. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
  8. Cut stars: Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Re-roll scraps gently to cut more stars.
  9. Second rise: Arrange star-shaped pieces on parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart. Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
  10. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
  11. Make the icing: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk gradually to reach spreadable consistency.
  12. Cool & ice: Let bites cool 5 minutes on baking sheet, transfer to cooling rack, then spread or drizzle icing while warm.

Notes

Use a sharp star-shaped cutter for best results to maintain dough shape. If dough is too sticky, add flour gradually. Do not skip the second rise for fluffy texture. Adjust milk in icing slowly to avoid runniness. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, star-shaped, cinnamon roll bites, homemade treats, easy cinnamon rolls, breakfast bites, creamy icing