Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes
There’s nothing quite like combining two favorite treats—cinnamon rolls and cheesecake—into one irresistible bite-sized dessert. These Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes are creamy, spiced with warm cinnamon, and baked in a muffin pan for the perfect handheld treat.
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Chill Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Roll Crust:
- 1 ½ cups crushed cinnamon graham crackers (or vanilla wafers + 1 tsp cinnamon)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
- In a medium bowl, mix together crushed graham crackers, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture into each muffin cup and press down firmly with the back of a spoon or the bottom of a small glass.
- Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the cheesecake filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition (don’t overmix).
- Stir in sour cream, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until just combined.
- The batter should be thick, smooth, and lump-free.
Step 3: Create the cinnamon swirl swirl
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of cheesecake batter over each baked crust.
- Drizzle about ½ teaspoon of cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, then add another tablespoon of cheesecake batter on top.
- Use a toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the cheesecake layer, creating a marbled effect.
Step 4: Bake the cheesecakes
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the centers are set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results).
Step 5: Make the cream cheese glaze
- In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tbsp milk until smooth.
- If needed, add an extra tablespoon of milk to reach a drizzle consistency.
- Transfer glaze to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
- Once cheesecakes are fully chilled, drizzle glaze over each one in a classic cinnamon roll spiral pattern.
- Sprinkle lightly with extra cinnamon for presentation.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your bite-sized cinnamon roll cheesecakes!
Pro Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are room temp for a silky filling.
- Don’t Overbake: The centers should jiggle slightly when you remove them. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Storage: Store cheesecakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully (unglazed) for up to 1 month—just thaw and drizzle before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Cheesecake)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mini cake | 210 | 4g | 21g | 12g | 0g | 15g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online calculators and may vary based on specific brands and preparation. For precise dietary advice, please consult a nutritionist.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes
- Perfect for holidays, brunch, or party trays.
- Easier and faster than a full cheesecake.
- Combines the nostalgic flavor of cinnamon rolls with creamy cheesecake.
- Naturally Pinterest-friendly with their adorable mini size and glazed swirl topping.
These little desserts look bakery-quality but are surprisingly simple to whip up at home. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, bake sale, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these mini cheesecakes are sure to be a hit.