Welcome to the most wonderful time of the year! There’s just something magical about the holidays, and for me, it wouldn’t be complete without my beloved Christmas cinnamon rolls. I can still remember the first time I made them with my grandma in her cozy kitchen. The smell of warm cinnamon and sugar filling the air as we rolled out the dough was pure bliss! Now, every holiday season, I whip up a batch to share with family and friends, and let me tell you, they disappear fast! These rolls are soft, sweet, and drizzled with a creamy glaze that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! So let’s dive into this festive treat that will surely bring joy to your holiday gatherings!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Christmas cinnamon rolls. Gather these simple ingredients, and let’s get rolling!
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base for our soft and fluffy rolls.
- 1 cup milk – Warm it up a bit to help activate our yeast.
- 1/2 cup sugar – Just the right amount to sweeten the dough.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted – This adds richness and flavor.
- 2 eggs – They help bind everything together and give structure.
- 1 packet active dry yeast – The magic ingredient that makes these rolls rise!
- 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon – The star of the show for that warm, cozy taste.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – For a deep, caramel-like sweetness in the filling.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – To create that luscious glaze.
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese – Adds creaminess to the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons water – To achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
How to Prepare Christmas Cinnamon Rolls
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get started on making these scrumptious Christmas cinnamon rolls! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to holiday bliss in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First things first, let’s warm up the milk! You want it to be just slightly warm to the touch—think cozy bath temperature—so it activates our yeast perfectly. Sprinkle the yeast into the warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy. This little step is crucial because it ensures our dough rises beautifully!
Step 2: Mix and Knead
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Give it a little stir to mix everything together. Then, add in the melted butter and eggs, followed by that lovely yeast mixture. Now, it’s time to get your hands in there! Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is super important because it develops the gluten, which gives our rolls that fluffy texture we all love!
Step 3: Let it Rise
Once your dough is kneaded, place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Now, let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. If your kitchen is a bit chilly, try placing it in a slightly warmed oven (just turned off) to help it along!
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. On a floured surface, roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Spread that divine mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon evenly all over the dough. Then, roll it up tightly from one end to the other, pinching the seams to seal. Finally, slice the roll into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Let them rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat your oven!
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake those beautiful rolls for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want them golden brown and puffy. A quick tip: if they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, let’s whip up that creamy glaze. In a bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, and water until it’s smooth and drippy—just the way you want it to cascade over the warm rolls. Adjust the water a little if you’d like a thicker or thinner glaze. Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle this heavenly glaze all over while they’re still warm. Yum!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t rush the rising time; it’s crucial for achieving that fluffy texture we all crave. If your dough isn’t rising, check that your yeast is fresh and the milk isn’t too hot or cold. Another tip: when rolling out the dough, be sure to flour your surface to prevent sticking, but not too much—just enough to keep it manageable. And remember, if you want extra flavor, feel free to add nuts or raisins in the filling! Trust me, it’s a delightful twist!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve devoured as many Christmas cinnamon rolls as you can, you might have a few left over (if you’re lucky!). To store them, simply place the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. When it’s time to enjoy them again, just pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to warm them up. This will bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste! You can also reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes for an even warmer treat. Enjoy every gooey, sweet bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time for your Christmas cinnamon rolls. Just prepare the dough as directed, let it rise, then punch it down and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, take it out, let it come to room temperature, and give it another rise before shaping and baking. This is a great way to save time on those busy holiday mornings!
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the glaze?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese or just don’t have it on hand, no worries! You can substitute it with softened butter for a more traditional glaze, or use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Just blend it with the powdered sugar and water until you get that perfect drizzle consistency. Both options will still give you a delicious glaze to top off your rolls!
How can I add nuts or raisins to the rolls?
Adding nuts or raisins is super easy and delicious! When you spread the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the rolled-out dough, just sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or raisins evenly across the surface. Then, roll it up as usual. This little addition brings extra flavor and texture to your Christmas cinnamon rolls, making them even more special!
Nutritional Information Section
Understanding the nutritional value of your Christmas cinnamon rolls can be quite helpful, especially during the festive season when indulgence is key! Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect per 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
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this as a general guide rather than a precise measure. Enjoy these rolls as a delightful treat, and remember, it’s all about balance during the holiday season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Christmas cinnamon rolls are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home! Here’s why:
- They’re incredibly soft and fluffy, melting in your mouth with every bite.
- The sweet, gooey glaze takes these rolls to the next level of indulgence.
- They’re easy to make, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen!
- You can prepare the dough ahead of time, saving you precious moments on busy mornings.
- These rolls fill your home with the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon and sugar, creating the perfect holiday atmosphere.
- They’re versatile—add in your favorite nuts or dried fruits for a personal touch!
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends, making them an ideal festive treat.
Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked and want to make them every year!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
Additionally, if you’re interested in the health benefits of cinnamon, you can read more about it here.
Print
Christmas Cinnamon Rolls: 5 Steps to Festive Bliss
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- 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.
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