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Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes


  • Author: Adaline L.
  • Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x

Description

There’s a certain comfort in the scent of cinnamon wafting through a kitchen—it wraps you up like a blanket. For many of us, cinnamon rolls bring back memories of slow weekend mornings, the sticky swirl of brown sugar, and icing drizzled over golden tops. But imagine that familiar flavor baked into a creamy, silky cheesecake. That’s where these Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes come in.

This recipe was born out of a craving for both cinnamon rolls and cheesecake during a chilly autumn brunch. I wanted the spicy-sweet warmth of a cinnamon bun, but with the smooth, tangy indulgence of cheesecake. After a few trials, the perfect fusion came to life in these mini treats—each one layered with cinnamon-sugar goodness, soft cheesecake filling, and a drizzle of icing that mimics the gooey topping of a classic roll.

 

They’re small enough to pick up with your fingers, yet big enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a fall-inspired dessert, or just want something cozy with your coffee, these cheesecakes are a showstopper—and incredibly easy to make.


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the crust:
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • For the cheesecake filling:
  • 450g (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • For the cinnamon swirl:
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • For the icing drizzle (optional but recommended):
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 12 tablespoons milk
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat and prep
  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a standard muffin pan with 12 paper liners. Set aside.
  • 2. Make the crust
  • In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  • Spoon about 1 tablespoon of crust mixture into each muffin liner. Press down firmly using the bottom of a small glass or spoon. Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then let them cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
  • 3. Prepare the cinnamon swirl
  • Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside—it’ll be swirled into the cheesecake later.
  • 4. Make the cheesecake batter
  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add flour and mix again. Then add eggs, one at a time, beating just until combined. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream. Do not overmix.
  • 5. Layer and swirl
  • Spoon about 1½ tablespoons of cheesecake batter over each baked crust. Add a small dollop (about ½ to 1 teaspoon) of cinnamon swirl mixture on top. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl it into the cheesecake.
  • Add another small spoonful of cheesecake batter on top, then swirl with more cinnamon mixture if desired.
  • 6. Bake
  • Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly in the middle. The tops may puff slightly but will settle as they cool.
  • Let the cheesecakes cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
  • 7. Add icing drizzle
  • Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the chilled cheesecakes just before serving.

Notes

These Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes are just as delicious without the icing drizzle if you prefer a less-sweet finish. They can also be topped with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for a richer bite.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 240