Mini Cinni Bites

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted, melted butter

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 tbsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

½ cup cold butter

¾ cup cold milk

¼ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup packed brown sugar

2 cups flour (all purpose, self rising, whole wheat)

Glaze:

⅓ cup confectioner’s sugar

1 to 2 tbsp milk (just use enough to bring the glaze to a glaze form)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Mix it using a whisk.

Cut the cold butter into cube sized pieces and place in the bowl. Cut into the flour mix using a pastry cutter or a fork. Continue until the mix is pea-size pieces.

Slowly add milk, a little at a time. Begin to roll the dough into a ball with your hands. If too much milk is added, you can add a little bit more flour.

Preheat the oven to 350*.

Grease the bottom and side of a pie plate

Place 3 to 4 tbsp of the melted butter in the pie dish. Swirl to coat the bottom.

In another bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar and cinnamon

Roll the dough into 1 inch balls.

Dip the balls into the remaining melted butter and then roll in the cinnamon sugar mix.

Place in the pie plate

Drizzle any remaining melted butter over the tops of the dough balls

Bake for 23 to 26 minutes until fully cooked and the butter mix with sugar is bubbling in the bottom of the pie dish.

You may want to cover a sheet pan with aluminum foil and place underneath your biscuit pan in the oven. This will catch any butter and sugar mix that may boil up and over the edge of the pan.

Notes:

Butter Temperature:

Use cold butter for cutting into the flour mixture to achieve a flaky texture. The melted butter used later is for coating and adding flavor.

Cutting Butter:

When cutting cold butter into the flour, work quickly to prevent the butter from warming up. The butter pieces should be the size of small peas.

Milk Addition:

Add milk gradually to avoid adding too much. The dough should come together without being too sticky. If the dough is too wet, incorporate a bit more flour.

Flour Choice:

You can use all-purpose flour for a standard texture, or self-rising flour to make the dough a bit lighter. Whole wheat flour can be used for a denser, nuttier flavor, but may require additional adjustments to the liquid.

Rolling Dough:

Roll the dough into uniform 1-inch balls to ensure even baking. If the dough is sticky, lightly flour your hands or work surface.

Coating Dough Balls:

Make sure each dough ball is well-coated with melted butter and cinnamon sugar. This helps to create a caramelized, flavorful exterior.

Pie Dish Preparation:

Grease the pie plate well to prevent sticking. Swirling melted butter in the dish before adding the dough balls helps create a flavorful, slightly crispy bottom layer.

Baking Time:

Keep an eye on the Mini Cinni Bites towards the end of the baking time. They should be golden brown and the butter and sugar mix should be bubbling. Baking times may vary depending on your oven and the size of the dough balls.

Preventing Overflow:

Using a sheet pan covered with aluminum foil under the pie plate catches any overflow from the butter and sugar mixture, preventing a mess in the oven.

Glaze Consistency:

For the glaze, add milk gradually until you reach the desired consistency. It should be thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to spread evenly over the bites.

Serving and Storage:

Serve Mini Cinni Bites warm for the best flavor and texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to restore their softness.

Variation Ideas:

You can add a dash of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor. For a different twist, try incorporating chopped nuts or raisins into the dough or the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1 piece

Amount Per Serving:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can use margarine in place of butter.

However, using butter typically gives a richer flavor and better texture.

If you use margarine, make sure it’s cold when cutting into the flour.

What can I use if I don’t have a pastry cutter?

If you don’t have a pastry cutter, you can use a fork or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour.

Alternatively, you can use a food processor for a quicker method.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before rolling into balls.

Allow the dough to come to room temperature before baking.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or other types of granulated sweeteners.

Brown sugar can also be replaced with a different type of packed sugar, but this may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I know when the Mini Cinni Bites are done baking?

The Mini Cinni Bites are done when they are golden brown on top and the butter and sugar mixture in the bottom of the pie dish is bubbling.

You can also check the center of a dough ball with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the Mini Cinni Bites gluten-free.

Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I freeze the Mini Cinni Bites?

Yes, you can freeze them. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to warm through.

Can I use a different type of pie dish?

If you don’t have a pie dish, you can use a similar-sized baking dish or even a cake pan.

Just make sure to adjust the baking time if the pan is deeper or shallower.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover Mini Cinni Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

If they start to dry out, you can warm them briefly in the microwave or oven.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the dough?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts, raisins, or other mix-ins to the dough.

Just fold them in gently before rolling the dough into balls.

Adjust the amount of cinnamon sugar mixture if adding extra ingredients.