Ah, there’s just something magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The smell of warm cinnamon fills the air, wrapping you in a cozy embrace that instantly brings joy and cheer. My favorite holiday tradition is making these delightful Christmas Mini Cinnamon Rolls with my family. I remember gathering around the kitchen counter, flour dusting our noses, as we rolled out the dough and sprinkled it with brown sugar and cinnamon. We’d giggle and sneak bites of the sweet filling while eagerly anticipating the moment they’d come out of the oven, golden brown and irresistibly fluffy. There’s nothing quite like sharing warm rolls with loved ones, topped with a drizzle of icing, that makes the season feel complete. Trust me, these little bites of bliss will brighten your holiday festivities!
Ingredients for Christmas Mini Cinnamon Rolls
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delicious little rolls! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for icing
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for that extra touch of sweetness)
Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, you’ll want to have your ingredients on hand when that aroma starts filling your kitchen!
How to Prepare Christmas Mini Cinnamon Rolls
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful mini cinnamon rolls! Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with soft, sweet rolls that are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by mixing the warm milk and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy. This is how you know your yeast is alive and kicking!
- In a larger mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and egg. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into this bowl and mix well until everything is combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Don’t worry if it’s a little sticky; that’s just perfect!
- Now, it’s time to knead! Lightly flour your counter and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is essential for that soft texture.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. I like to put mine near a sunny window!
- Once risen, roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the packed brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon evenly over the surface.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, then slice it into 12 small pieces. Place these rolls in a greased baking dish, and let them rise again for another 30 minutes. This is where they get their fluffy goodness!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly!
- While they bake, mix the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to create a simple icing. Once your rolls are out of the oven, drizzle that sweet goodness on top while they’re still warm.
And there you have it! Serve them warm, and watch as everyone’s faces light up with delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time means you can whip these up in no time, perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings!
- Soft and sweet flavor that melts in your mouth, bringing smiles to everyone who takes a bite.
- Festive appeal makes them a beautiful addition to your holiday table, showcasing your baking skills.
- Ideal for family gatherings, these mini rolls are easy to share or package as sweet gifts for friends.
- They fill your home with that irresistible cinnamon aroma, creating the ultimate cozy holiday atmosphere.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas Mini Cinnamon Rolls turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, make sure your yeast is fresh; it should foam up nicely when mixed with warm milk. This shows it’s active and ready to work its magic! When it comes to rising, look for the dough to double in size—that’s usually about an hour. If your kitchen’s a bit chilly, try placing the dough near a warm oven or sunny spot to help it along.
For even baking, remember to keep an eye on your rolls as they bake; every oven is different! A golden-brown top is your cue that they’re ready to come out. And don’t forget to drizzle that icing while they’re still warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Nutritional Information
These Christmas Mini Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful treat, and here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each roll:
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. Enjoy these sweet bites while keeping an eye on those numbers!
FAQ Section
Got questions about your Christmas Mini Cinnamon Rolls? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries that pop up:
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling and baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed warm, so feel free to pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving!
Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping them. Just place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as usual!
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
You can substitute with instant yeast using the same amount, and there’s no need to activate it first. Just mix it in with the dry ingredients!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions; I’m here to help you make these rolls a success!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas Mini Cinnamon Rolls fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw the rolls overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will help restore that soft, fluffy texture!
Print
Christmas Mini Cinnamon Rolls to Brighten Your Holidays
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and sweet mini cinnamon rolls perfect for Christmas.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add melted butter, sugar, and egg to the yeast mixture.
- In another bowl, combine flour, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Knead until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough and spread brown sugar and cinnamon on top.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into small pieces.
- Place pieces in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Mix powdered sugar and vanilla for icing and drizzle over rolls.
Notes
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Can be made ahead and frozen.
- Adjust sugar levels to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas, Mini, Cinnamon Rolls