Miniature Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe

The Best Miniature Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe Ever Made

Miniature cinnamon roll cheesecakes blend two beloved desserts into a single, irresistible bite-sized treat.

Sweet, creamy textures merge with warm spice notes that dance across your palate.

Compact and elegant, these tiny confections upgrade traditional pastry expectations into something magical.

Delicate swirls of cinnamon complement rich cream cheese filling, creating a harmonious dessert experience.

Subtle layers of flavor unfold with each careful bite, promising a sophisticated yet comforting indulgence.

Compact portions mean you can savor without overwhelming your appetite or feeling guilty about indulging.

Professional bakery techniques come together in this simple yet impressive dessert that looks complicated but tastes extraordinary.

What Makes Miniature Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Special

  • Indulge in Miniature Delights: These tiny cheesecakes pack massive flavor into bite-sized treats, perfect for portion control and elegant dessert presentations.
  • Swirl with Sensation: The cinnamon-sugar ribbon creates a mesmerizing marbled effect that adds visual drama and delivers a warm, spicy-sweet punch to every creamy bite.
  • Foolproof Baking Technique: The water bath method ensures even baking and prevents cracking, making this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced pastry enthusiasts.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable topping and decoration options allow you to personalize these mini cheesecakes for any occasion, from casual gatherings to sophisticated dinner parties.

Ingredient List for Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Crackers: Classic base for a sweet, crumbly foundation with rich, buttery texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
  • Unsalted Butter: Melted butter provides richness and helps compress the crust.
Cheesecake Base Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy base that creates the creamy cheesecake texture, best at room temperature.
  • White Sugar: Provides balanced sweetness to the cheesecake filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor that enhances the cheesecake's taste.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps stabilize and thicken the cheesecake mixture.
  • Large Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the cheesecake.
Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl and Topping Ingredients:
  • Softened Butter, Brown Sugar, Flour, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a rich, spicy swirl with classic cinnamon roll flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and smooth texture to the cream cheese topping.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps adjust the frosting consistency for perfect spreadability.

Instructions to Assemble Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with 9 paper liners. Fill half of the empty spaces with water. Spray liners with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Crust

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor. Mix in:
  • Brown sugar
  • Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner using a tablespoon or bottle cap.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Base

Beat cream cheese and white sugar gently until smooth. Add:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Flour
  • Lightly beaten egg

Mix carefully without overmixing.

Step 4: Craft the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

Blend softened butter with:
  • Brown sugar
  • Flour
  • Ground cinnamon

Create a thick, fragrant paste.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl the Cheesecakes

Spoon cheesecake filling into each cup. Add a dollop of cinnamon sugar mixture. Use a toothpick to create beautiful swirls. Top with remaining cheesecake and cinnamon sugar.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven. Bake for 20-22 minutes until edges turn golden and centers have a gentle jiggle.

Step 7: Cool and Rest

Let cheesecakes cool at room temperature for one hour. Refrigerate for at least two hours to set.

Step 8: Finish with Dreamy Frosting

Whip together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cream cheese

Add heavy cream if needed for smooth consistency. Generously top each cheesecake with frosting.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove cheesecakes from tin. Garnish with extra frosting drizzle if desired. Serve chilled and savor every bite!

Pro Tips for Mini Cheesecake Success

  • Prevent Cracking: Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to keep the texture smooth and prevent unsightly cracks from forming.
  • Master the Water Bath: Filling empty muffin tin spaces with water helps distribute heat evenly, creating perfectly baked mini cheesecakes with consistent texture.
  • Swirl Like a Pro: Use a toothpick to create beautiful cinnamon swirls, moving gently in circular motions for an artistic and delicious marble effect.
  • Chill for Perfection: Allow cheesecakes to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to set the texture and enhance flavor development.
  • Frosting Finesse: Pipe or spoon cream cheese topping when cheesecakes are completely cool to ensure a clean, professional-looking presentation that doesn't melt or run.

How to Store and Reheat Mini Cinnamon Cheesecakes

  • Refrigeration: Store miniature cheesecakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep them flat to preserve the swirl pattern and prevent topping from smearing.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual cheesecakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm cheesecakes at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the texture grainy and compromise the delicate cream cheese topping.

What Pairs Nicely with Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes

  • Brew Rich Coffee Companion: Pair these miniature cheesecakes with a robust medium-roast coffee that complements the warm cinnamon notes, cutting through the creamy sweetness and enhancing the dessert's rich flavors.
  • Spice Up with Chai Latte: Match the cheesecakes with a warm chai latte, whose cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon undertones will beautifully echo the dessert's spicy cinnamon swirl, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
  • Dessert Wine Delight: Select a sweet late-harvest Riesling or a moscato, whose fruity and honeyed profile will balance the creamy cheesecake's decadence while providing a refreshing contrast to the cinnamon's warmth.
  • Cold Milk Comfort: Enjoy these mini cheesecakes with a chilled glass of whole milk, which offers a classic, simple pairing that neutralizes the dessert's richness and provides a clean, smooth backdrop to the intricate flavors.

Recipe Variations for Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes

  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Replace graham cracker crust with crushed pecans or almonds, adding a rich, toasted flavor and extra crunch to the cheesecake base.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Incorporate cocoa powder into the cheesecake batter and sprinkle chocolate chips in the cinnamon-sugar swirl for a decadent chocolate-cinnamon combination.
  • Seasonal Fruit Fusion: Fold in finely diced fresh berries or diced apples into the cheesecake mixture, complementing the warm cinnamon notes with a fruity burst of flavor.
  • Salted Caramel Upgrade: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the cream cheese topping, creating a sweet and salty contrast that elevates the entire dessert experience.
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Miniature Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe

Miniature Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Miniature cinnamon roll cheesecakes blend creamy richness with classic pastry charm. Delicate graham cracker crusts cradle silky cream cheese filling swirled with warm cinnamon, offering a perfect single-serve indulgence that promises pure comfort in each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 package (8 ounces / 226 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 4 full sheets of graham crackers
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup butter (unsalted or salted), softened (not melted)

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted), melted
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons white flour
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon white flour

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ounces (57 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 11.5 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk (only if needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a muffin tin with 9 liners, filling half of the empty spaces with water for even baking. Lightly spray the liners with non-stick spray.
  2. Pulse graham crackers into fine crumbs in a food processor, then combine with brown sugar and melted butter until the mixture is thoroughly integrated.
  3. Compress the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of each muffin liner, using the back of a tablespoon to create a compact base.
  4. In a mixing bowl, gently combine cream cheese and white sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring minimal air incorporation.
  5. Incorporate vanilla extract, flour, and lightly beaten egg into the cream cheese mixture, stirring until just combined without overmixing.
  6. Create a cinnamon-sugar swirl by blending softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon into a thick, uniform paste.
  7. Distribute a tablespoon of cheesecake filling into each prepared muffin cup, followed by a half teaspoon of cinnamon-sugar swirl on top.
  8. Delicately intertwine the cinnamon sugar into the cheesecake filling using a toothpick, creating a marbled effect.
  9. Layer the remaining cheesecake filling over the swirled base, then generously sprinkle the leftover cinnamon-sugar mixture across the surface.
  10. Perform a second swirling technique with a toothpick to enhance the visual appeal and flavor distribution.
  11. Bake for 20-22 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center and lightly golden edges as indicators of perfect doneness.
  12. Allow the miniature cheesecakes to cool at room temperature for one hour before transferring to the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours.
  13. Prepare the cream cheese topping by whipping together powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and cream cheese until achieving a smooth consistency.
  14. Gradually incorporate heavy cream if needed to reach the desired frosting texture.
  15. Once completely chilled, generously top each miniature cheesecake with the cream cheese frosting, optionally adding an extra drizzle for indulgence.

Notes

  • Precise crust preparation ensures a crisp, stable base for these mini cheesecakes.
  • Gentle mixing of cream cheese prevents air bubbles, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Cinnamon-sugar swirl adds a delightful ribbon of warmth and sweetness throughout each bite.
  • Careful baking time maintains the perfect balance between set edges and a slightly jiggly center.
  • Cooling process is crucial for developing the ideal cheesecake consistency and flavor melding.
  • Cream cheese topping provides a luxurious, velvety finish that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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