Christmas Cinnamon Rolls – Easy Festive Recipe

Christmas Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect festive treat to brighten up your holiday morning. With their soft, fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and rich caramel cream cheese icing, these rolls are sure to become a holiday tradition in your home. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast or as a sweet snack, they will bring warmth and joy to your festive celebrations.

Why Christmas Cinnamon Rolls Are Perfect for the Holidays

These Christmas Cinnamon Rolls are an ideal holiday treat for several reasons. First, they’re incredibly easy to make and don’t require any special equipment, just a stand mixer and a bit of time for the dough to rise. The result? Light, fluffy rolls with the perfect balance of sweet and savory cinnamon goodness. The addition of a creamy caramel frosting makes them a true indulgence, elevating them to a festive dessert that everyone will love. Plus, their warm, comforting aroma will fill your home with holiday cheer.

Ingredients for Christmas Cinnamon Rolls

These cinnamon rolls are made with simple ingredients that come together to create a melt-in-your-mouth treat. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

• Warm milk: Helps activate the yeast, creating a soft and tender dough.
• Active dry yeast: The key ingredient for fluffy rolls.
• Brown sugar: Adds a slight caramel flavor and helps the dough rise.
• Salted butter (melted): Brings richness and flavor to the dough.
• Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the dough.
• All-purpose flour: The main base for the dough, providing structure.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic sweetness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.

For the Filling:

• Salted butter (softened): Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the dough, contributing to a rich flavor.
• Brown sugar: A key element in creating a caramel-like filling.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and that classic cinnamon roll flavor.

For the Icing:

• Cream cheese (softened): Provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor to balance the sweetness of the icing.
• Salted butter (browned): The browned butter gives a nutty, toasted flavor.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the icing to perfection.
• Salted caramel sauce: Elevates the flavor with a rich, sweet undertone.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the icing with its warm, sweet aroma.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting and enhances the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas Cinnamon Rolls

Making these rolls is a simple, step-by-step process that results in a warm, decadent treat. Here’s how to make them:

1. Prepare the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly on top. Next, add the melted butter, eggs, 3 1/2 cups of flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything on low speed for about 4-5 minutes until the dough comes together and is smooth. If the dough feels sticky, add more flour, a little at a time, until the dough is soft to the touch but not sticky.

2. Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

3. Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Once the dough has risen, roll it out onto a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches in size. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.

4. Shape the Rolls

Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 12-15 rolls. Place the rolls in a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise for an additional 15-20 minutes.

5. Bake the Rolls

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have risen beautifully. The rolls should be soft and fluffy to the touch.

6. Make the Icing

While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a saucepan set over medium heat, brown the butter for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant and toasted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the browned butter, powdered sugar, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the icing is creamy and smooth.

7. Frost the Rolls

Once the rolls are baked, spread the warm caramel cream cheese icing generously over the rolls. The warm rolls will absorb some of the icing, making them even more delicious. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Christmas Cinnamon Rolls

• Don’t rush the dough rising: Allow the dough enough time to rise properly; it’s key to achieving soft and fluffy rolls.
• Use fresh yeast: Always check the expiration date on your yeast to ensure it is active and will help your rolls rise.
• Brown the butter for extra flavor: Browned butter adds a nutty, rich flavor to both the rolls and the icing. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference.
• Store leftovers properly: If you have leftover cinnamon rolls, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a warm, soft treat.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Christmas Cinnamon Rolls are delicious on their own, but you can enhance your festive spread with a few additions:

• Serve with a hot beverage: Pair these rolls with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a warm spiced apple cider for a cozy treat.
• Add nuts to the filling: For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Make a spiced version: You can swap out cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or ginger for a different flavor twist.

These cinnamon rolls also freeze well, so if you want to make them ahead of time, bake and freeze them before frosting. When ready to serve, simply reheat and top with fresh icing.

A Festive Holiday Tradition

Christmas Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a breakfast dish—they are a festive tradition that brings family and friends together. Whether you’re baking them for a special Christmas breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a cozy evening treat, these cinnamon rolls will fill your home with the magic of the season.

Conclusion

Christmas Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect holiday treat that combines warm, fluffy dough with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced filling and indulgent caramel cream cheese icing. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast or a festive snack, these rolls are sure to delight everyone at the table. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you can create a memorable dish that fills your home with the sweet aromas of Christmas morning. This recipe is not only delicious but also a beautiful way to bring the family together to celebrate the season. Don’t forget to share these warm, cinnamon-filled rolls with your loved ones—they’ll quickly become a new holiday tradition!

FAQs About Christmas Cinnamon Rolls

More Relevant Recipes

• Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Sourdough Bread: This cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread offers a similar festive flavor to the Christmas Cinnamon Rolls, blending the sweetness of cinnamon with the warm richness of pumpkin. It’s perfect for those who love both sourdough and pumpkin-spiced treats.
• Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: For another twist on a cinnamon-spiced dessert, these soft and chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies bring a combination of cinnamon, sugar, and pumpkin. They’re the ideal handheld treat for those craving a pumpkin-flavored snack that pairs well with the holiday spirit.
• Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze: This moist and flavorful pumpkin bread topped with a sweet maple glaze is a perfect alternative for anyone looking for a less fussy, yet indulgent dessert or breakfast option. The combination of pumpkin and maple is a great match for the same comforting vibes as Christmas Cinnamon Rolls.

Print