Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making Christmas cinnamon rolls! There’s just something magical about the smell of warm cinnamon and sugar wafting through the house during the holidays. It brings back such sweet memories of baking with my grandma, who always taught me that the secret to the best rolls is love and a sprinkle of festive cheer. These rolls are soft, fluffy, and drizzled with a creamy glaze that makes them utterly irresistible. Trust me, when you pull them out of the oven, your family will come running, and every bite feels like a warm hug on a cold winter day. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just a little holiday treat while you’re decorating the tree. You’ll absolutely love making—and eating—these delightful rolls!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (warm, about 110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons water
How to Prepare Christmas Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Alright, let’s kick things off! First, warm your milk until it’s about 110°F—just slightly warm to the touch, not hot! Add in the yeast and let it dissolve for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to foam a bit. While that’s happening, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your flour, sugar, and salt. Once your yeast is bubbling away, pour it into the flour mixture along with the melted butter and eggs. Now, this is the fun part! Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic—about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be soft but not too sticky. If it’s sticking to your hands too much, sprinkle in a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it!
Step 2: Letting the Dough Rise
Now, it’s time to let our dough do its thing! Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. You’re looking for it to double in size, so if it’s a bit chilly in your kitchen, you can turn on the oven to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the bowl inside. Just keep an eye on it! When it’s ready, it should be puffy and feel airy when you poke it.
Step 3: Rolling and Filling
Once your dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle—about 1/4 inch thick. Now, spread that lovely brown sugar and cinnamon mixture all over the dough, leaving a little bit of space at the edges. Get creative here! You can add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips if you want to spice things up. Then, starting from one of the longer sides, roll the dough tightly into a log. It’s okay if it’s not perfect—just do your best!
Step 4: Cutting and Second Rise
Next, slice your rolled dough into 12 even pieces. I like to use a sharp knife or dental floss for a clean cut—just slide it under and pull it up! Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, giving them a little space to breathe since they’ll expand again. Cover them with that same towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. You want them to puff up nicely, so be patient!
Step 5: Baking the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once your rolls have risen, pop them into the oven for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like a cinnamon wonderland! They should be firm to the touch but still soft and fluffy when you pull them out.
Step 6: Making the Glaze
While your rolls are baking, let’s whip up that gorgeous glaze! In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and a splash of water. You’re aiming for a smooth, pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, just add a little more water—don’t be shy! It should be thick enough to stick to the rolls but runny enough to drizzle beautifully.
Step 7: Drizzling the Glaze
Once your rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle that delicious glaze all over the top. Let it soak in a bit for that gooey goodness. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor! Trust me, this step is what takes your Christmas cinnamon rolls from good to absolutely heavenly.
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about these delightful Christmas cinnamon rolls, so let’s tackle a few common ones!
How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for about a week. Just make sure they’re well sealed to avoid drying out!
Can I freeze the rolls?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked rolls after cutting them. Just cover them well and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then allow them to rise before baking.
What can I use instead of cream cheese in the glaze?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can replace it with a tablespoon of unsalted butter or even a bit of yogurt for a slightly tangy taste!
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind that it may change the texture a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
If you have other questions, don’t hesitate to ask! I’m here to help you create the best Christmas cinnamon rolls ever!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re quick and easy to make, perfect for busy holiday mornings!
- Each roll is soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor.
- The sticky glaze adds a sweet touch that makes them irresistible.
- They fill your home with a delightful, festive aroma that’ll make everyone feel cozy.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends at gatherings or as a thoughtful holiday gift.
- They’re customizable! Add in your favorite nuts, chocolate, or dried fruits for a personal twist.
- These rolls are a wonderful way to create lasting holiday memories with loved ones.
- They can easily be made ahead of time—just freeze and bake when you’re ready!
Tips for Success
To make your Christmas cinnamon rolls truly unforgettable, here are some of my top tips that I’ve learned over the years. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will take your rolls from good to absolutely amazing!
- Perfect Dough Texture: Your dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. If it sticks to your hands, just sprinkle in a bit more flour—remember, a little goes a long way!
- Warm Rising Environment: For the best rise, make sure your dough is in a warm, draft-free spot. If your kitchen is chilly, try placing the bowl in the oven (turned off) with the light on. The warmth helps the dough rise beautifully!
- Don’t Rush the Rising: Patience is key! Letting your dough rise until it doubles in size is crucial for achieving those fluffy rolls. If you’re unsure, poke the dough; it should bounce back slowly.
- Even Filling Distribution: When spreading your cinnamon and sugar filling, be sure to cover the entire surface evenly. This way, every single roll will have that luscious flavor in each bite!
- Sharp Knife or Dental Floss: For cutting your rolls, a sharp knife or even unflavored dental floss works wonders! It gives you a clean cut without squishing the dough, keeping your rolls nice and fluffy.
- Glaze Consistency: When mixing your glaze, aim for a smooth, pourable texture. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of water at a time until you reach that perfect drizzling consistency!
- Drizzle While Warm: Don’t wait too long to glaze your rolls! Drizzling the glaze over warm rolls allows it to melt into the crevices, enhancing the sweetness and ensuring every bite is heavenly.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delightful Christmas cinnamon rolls that will have everyone begging for seconds! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for my delicious Christmas cinnamon rolls. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Each roll is a delightful treat, and I love knowing what I’m indulging in!
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 4g
These rolls are a delightful treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of your festive celebrations! Happy baking and indulging!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve enjoyed your delicious Christmas cinnamon rolls, you might be wondering how to store the leftovers so they stay fresh and tasty. No worries, I’ve got you covered!
First off, let the rolls cool completely before storing them. Once they’re cool, place them in an airtight container. This is super important because it keeps them from drying out and ensures they stay soft and fluffy. If you have a lot of rolls, you can stack them carefully, but I like to layer some parchment paper between them to avoid sticking. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Now, if you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the refrigerator for about a week. Just make sure they’re sealed tightly! If you plan to keep them for even longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
When it’s time to reheat, you can pop a roll in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until it’s warm. If you prefer, you can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. This way, they’ll regain that lovely softness and warmth that makes them so irresistible. Enjoy your cinnamon rolls, and don’t forget to drizzle a little extra glaze if you want that added sweetness!
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Christmas Cinnamon Rolls That Will Melt Your Heart
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas cinnamon rolls with a sweet, sticky glaze.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Warm the milk and dissolve the yeast in it.
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth.
- Let the dough rise for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough and spread brown sugar and cinnamon on top.
- Roll the dough and cut into 12 pieces.
- Place in a greased baking dish and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, and water for glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over warm rolls.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds before serving.
- Experiment with adding nuts or raisins.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Christmas cinnamon rolls