There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking with kids, especially when the result is warm, gooey, and perfectly cinnamon-sweet. These Cinnamon Roll Bites are an easy, fun recipe that kids can help with every step of the way, from rolling the biscuit dough to drizzling on the sweet glaze. They’re the perfect comfort treat for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy afternoon snack. Here’s a more detailed version of your recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Cinnamon Roll Bites:
- 2 cans of refrigerated biscuits (any brand, but make sure they’re the smaller, round biscuits)
- 1 stick of butter (melted – for that rich flavor)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (adds that signature cinnamon flavor)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness and that delicious coating)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for sweetness and smoothness)
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened – to create a rich, smooth glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor depth)
- 2 tablespoons milk (to adjust the consistency of the glaze)
Directions:
Making the Cinnamon Roll Bites:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your cinnamon roll bites bake evenly and become soft and golden.
- Grease your pan: Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan (or any similar-sized baking dish). This helps prevent the cinnamon roll bites from sticking to the bottom and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Quarter the biscuits: Open the two cans of refrigerated biscuits and separate them. Using a sharp knife, cut each biscuit into quarters (each biscuit should make 4 pieces).
- Roll the biscuit pieces: Take each quartered biscuit and gently roll it into a small ball. If your kids are helping, they’ll love this part—it’s like making mini dough balls!
- Coat the biscuit balls: In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon. Mix well. Then, dip each rolled biscuit ball into the melted butter, making sure it’s fully coated. After that, dip it into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat it evenly. Place the coated balls into the greased pan, packing them together in a single layer.
- Pour the leftover butter-sugar mixture: Once all the dough balls are in the pan, pour the remaining butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. This will give the rolls a sweet, sticky coating as they bake.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll bites are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them—depending on your oven, they may take a few minutes less or a bit longer.
- Cool slightly: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before adding the glaze. This will let the cinnamon roll bites set and become easier to drizzle.
Making the Glaze:
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons softened butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons milk. Stir until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Drizzle: Once the cinnamon roll bites have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm bites. The glaze will melt into the warm dough, adding that final sweet touch.
Benefits of Cinnamon Roll Bites:
- Easy and Quick: This recipe is so simple and comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfect for a last-minute treat or a fun weekend activity with the kids.
- Customizable: If you prefer, you can switch up the sugar coating with a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon for a richer flavor. Or, add nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch.
- Less Mess: Because you’re using refrigerated biscuit dough, you skip the need to make dough from scratch, cutting down on mess and prep time. Plus, the kids can have fun without you worrying about flour everywhere!
- Great for Baking with Kids: Kids can help with so many parts of this recipe, from rolling the dough into balls to drizzling the glaze. It’s a perfect bonding activity that results in a delicious treat everyone can enjoy together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned biscuits?
- Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, you can use your favorite biscuit recipe. Just make sure to cut the dough into quarters so that the bites are small and easy to roll.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prep the cinnamon roll bites the night before. Simply prepare the bites, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them. The next morning, bake them as directed—no need to let them come to room temperature.
3. Can I freeze these cinnamon roll bites?
- Yes! To freeze, bake the bites first, then allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to reheat.
4. How can I adjust the sweetness?
- If you find the cinnamon roll bites too sweet for your taste, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze or leave it out entirely. You can also add a little more cinnamon to balance the sweetness.
5. Can I make these without a glaze?
- Of course! The glaze is optional. The cinnamon roll bites are already sweet on their own, so feel free to skip the glaze if you prefer a less sugary option. They’ll still be delicious!
6. What other flavors can I add?
- Feel free to get creative! You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a warm, spicy flavor, or mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips to make them extra indulgent.
7. What can I serve with cinnamon roll bites?
- These bites are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to serve them as part of a breakfast spread, try pairing them with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a nice cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Final Tips:
- Go easy on the butter: You might have a little leftover butter after coating the biscuit balls. Feel free to drizzle or pour the remaining butter over the top for extra richness.
- For a fun twist: Try adding a little chopped fruit to the dough before baking, like diced apples or blueberries, to give the cinnamon roll bites a fruity surprise.
- Serve them warm: Cinnamon roll bites are best served fresh out of the oven or warm with a little extra drizzle of glaze. The gooey, sweet texture is unbeatable when they’re fresh!
These Cinnamon Roll Bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially for kids! Easy to make and even easier to eat, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Plus, they’re so fun to bake together—happy baking and enjoy your sweet, cinnamon-filled mornings! 😊