Mini Cinnamon Delight Bites

Featured in: Sweet Endings and Treats

Enjoy bite-sized cinnamon treats with a tender texture, made with brown sugar, warm spices, and a touch of vanilla. Each mini delight is baked until golden, then topped with a simple vanilla icing and dusted with extra cinnamon for a sweet finish. Serve fresh and warm or at room temperature—perfect for sharing at gatherings, enjoying as a quick snack, or ending a meal on a sweet note.

A smiling woman in a chef's jacket stands in a commercial kitchen, looking at the camera with various food containers and utensils in the background.
Updated on Wed, 21 May 2025 12:54:16 GMT
A plate of powdered sugar covered pastries. Pin it
A plate of powdered sugar covered pastries. | tasteofcook.com

These Mini Cinnamon Delight Bites blend the warmth of cinnamon with a tender crumb and sweet drizzle, creating a treat that is perfectly poppable and impossible to resist. This recipe comes together with ingredients you likely already have on hand and fills your kitchen with comforting aromas. Whether you need a sweet snack for a gathering or a quick dessert to perk up your weeknight, these bites deliver bakery-style goodness in every mini mouthful.

Every time I make these for brunch or as an afterschool treat my family hovers by the oven hoping to snag the first warm bite

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: Gives the bites a soft yet sturdy texture. Try to use unbleached flour for best results
  • Brown sugar: Infuses rich molasses notes and helps keep the mini bites moist. Use dark brown sugar for extra depth
  • Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to ensure the bites rise light and fluffy. Always check freshness for best leavening
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens flavors. Opt for fine sea salt so it blends well
  • Ground cinnamon: Provides the signature warmth and spice. Go for a fresh jar for boldest flavor
  • Unsalted butter: Melted allows every bite to be tender and flavorful. Choose high-quality butter for a rich taste
  • Buttermilk: Brings tanginess and tenderness. If you do not have buttermilk, mix milk with a little lemon juice and wait five minutes
  • Large egg: Helps bind everything and adds a touch of richness. Choose best-quality eggs for a golden crumb
  • Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness and brings a classic bakery aroma. Pure vanilla delivers more flavor
  • Powdered sugar: Creates a lush icing drizzle. Sift before mixing for a super smooth glaze
  • Milk: Thins the icing to perfect drizzling consistency. Whole or two percent milk works well
  • Extra ground cinnamon: Finishes the tops with a pop of spice. A dusting makes them look and taste extra special

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:
Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and get your mini muffin tin ready by greasing it with nonstick spray or placing mini paper liners in each cup so the bites release easily
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and ground cinnamon until everything looks evenly mixed. This step ensures your leaveners and spices get distributed well
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl whisk together the melted unsalted butter, buttermilk, egg and vanilla extract until completely smooth. This will help the liquid ingredients blend seamlessly into the batter
Combine Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold them together using a spatula until there are almost no dry streaks visible. Be careful not to overmix as that can toughen the bites. A few lumps are fine
Fill Muffin Tin:
Using a teaspoon or small scoop portion the batter into your prepared mini muffin tin so each cup is filled about two thirds full. This ensures room for the bites to rise without overflowing
Bake:
Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes. The bites are done when the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Watch closely to avoid overbaking
Cool:
After baking, let the bites cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This keeps the bottoms from getting soggy and helps set the structure
Prepare Icing:
In a small bowl combine the powdered sugar with one tablespoon of milk. Whisk until smooth and add a little extra milk as needed so the icing is pourable but not too thin
Drizzle and Dust:
Once the bites are completely cool, drizzle the icing back and forth over each one with a spoon. Finish with a pinch of ground cinnamon on top for a pretty look and extra flavor
Serve:
Share these mini cinnamon bites while they are still a little warm or at room temperature. They are wonderful as a sweet snack, dessert, or part of a brunch spread
A plate of powdered sugar donuts. Pin it
A plate of powdered sugar donuts. | tasteofcook.com

Cinnamon has always been my favorite spice and I love how its aroma fills the house as these bake. My daughter and I started making these together on chilly mornings and it quickly became our Sunday tradition

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place cooled bites in a freezer bag and freeze up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave to bring back that just baked softness. The icing holds up well even after freezing, so you can confidently make these ahead for gatherings or to satisfy a future craving

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have buttermilk, make a quick substitute by adding a scant teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to half a cup of milk and letting it rest for five minutes. Coconut oil can be swapped in for melted butter if needed. For a fun twist, fold mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans into the batter just before baking. A simple swap to gluten free all-purpose flour works here too for those needing a gluten free option

Serving Suggestions

These mini bites shine on their own but they also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or chai tea. For an extra special treat, serve them as part of a brunch platter with fresh berries, yogurt, and a drizzle of honey. I love setting them out after school with apple slices or tucking a few into lunchboxes for a sweet midday surprise. They can even double as a simple party dessert arranged on a pretty tray

A plate of powdered sugar covered pastries. Pin it
A plate of powdered sugar covered pastries. | tasteofcook.com

With their irresistible texture, slight tang from buttermilk, and cozy cinnamon drizzle, these Mini Cinnamon Delight Bites are always a hit in my home. I hope they become a favorite in yours too

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk; adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar can provide similar tanginess.

→ What's the best way to ensure soft, fluffy bites?

Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients without overmixing. The batter should remain slightly lumpy for a tender texture.

→ How do I know when the bites are done baking?

Bake until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, typically after 12-15 minutes.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store cooled bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days; add icing before serving for best results.

→ Is it possible to freeze the cinnamon bites?

Yes, freeze the baked and cooled bites without icing in a sealed bag. Thaw, then add icing and cinnamon dust before serving.

→ How can I adjust the sweetness?

You can decrease or increase the brown sugar or the amount of icing according to your preference for sweetness.

Mini Cinnamon Delight Bites

Soft baked mini cinnamon bites topped with sweet vanilla icing, ideal for dessert or snacking any time.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (Approximately 24 mini bites)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Batter

01 125 g all-purpose flour
02 55 g brown sugar, packed
03 1/2 tsp baking powder
04 1/2 tsp baking soda
05 1/4 tsp salt
06 1 tsp ground cinnamon
07 60 g unsalted butter, melted
08 120 ml buttermilk
09 1 large egg
10 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Icing & Topping

11 30 g powdered sugar
12 15–30 ml milk
13 Extra ground cinnamon, for dusting

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or line each well with mini paper liners.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well blended.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 04

Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps may remain.

Step 05

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cavity approximately two-thirds full.

Step 06

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Step 07

Let the cinnamon bites rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 08

In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar with 15 ml milk. Whisk, adding more milk as required to achieve a drizzleable consistency.

Step 09

Drizzle the cooled bites with icing and dust lightly with ground cinnamon. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  1. For a thinner icing, adjust the amount of milk gradually to reach desired consistency.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mini muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (gluten)
  • Contains egg
  • Contains milk and milk derivatives

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 65
  • Total Fat: 2.5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • Protein: 1 g