When the chilly mornings of December arrive, nothing feels more inviting than the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. These Soft Christmas Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a treat; they’re a cozy hug on a plate. With a rich filling of brown sugar and cinnamon wrapped in pillowy, homemade dough, each bite is a moment of holiday bliss. I came across this delightful recipe while searching for an easy make-ahead breakfast option for Christmas morning, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome!
Topped with a luscious brown butter caramel cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these rolls are a perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love. They’ll not only become a family favorite but also create memories that linger long after the last bite. So, gather your loved ones, and let’s make these festive rolls the centerpiece of your holiday brunch!
Why are Cinnamon Rolls a Holiday Favorite?
Cozy Comfort: There’s nothing like the warm, gooey texture of these cinnamon rolls that instantly brightens your holiday mornings.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare them the night before to enjoy a stress-free Christmas brunch.
Irresistible Frosting: The brown butter caramel cream cheese topping is a unique twist that elevates the flavor profile into a delightful experience.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these rolls are sure to impress any guest at your holiday gathering.
Tradition at Its Finest: Make these rolls a yearly ritual and create sweet memories that will last a lifetime.
Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
For the Dough
• Active Dry Yeast – Helps the dough rise; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
• Warm Milk (110°F) – Activates the yeast; avoid using hot milk as it can kill the yeast.
• Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and depth; you can use more granulated sugar as an alternative.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; avoid bread flour to keep rolls soft.
• Salted Butter (melted) – Adds richness to the dough; use unsalted if preferred.
• Large Eggs (room temperature) – Adds moisture and helps bind; ensure they’re at room temp for better incorporation.
• Vanilla Bean Powder (or extract) – Enhances flavor; substitute with equal amounts of extract.
For the Filling
• Sugar – Adds sweetness; can replace with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
• Cinnamon (best if freshly ground) – Provides flavor; ground cinnamon can be used if necessary.
• Softened Butter – Ensures easy spreading over dough.
For the Frosting
• Powdered Sugar – For frosting sweetness and smoothness.
• Cream Cheese (room temperature) – Base for frosting; use mascarpone for a different flavor profile.
• Caramel Sauce – Adds sweetness and richness; Ghirardelli is a recommended brand.
• Flaky Sea Salt – Optional but recommended for contrast in flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls
Combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and brown sugar in a bowl; let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes. This activates the yeast to help your rolls rise perfectly.
Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla bean powder, and salt to the yeast mixture; mix well until combined and smooth. The warmth will help everything blend effortlessly.
Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour; knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-5 minutes. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour. Find a cozy, draft-free area!
Prepare the filling by mixing together brown sugar, sugar, and freshly ground cinnamon in a small bowl. The aroma will already have you dreaming of your rolls!
Roll out the risen dough on lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly and sprinkle the prepared filling over the dough, ensuring even coverage.
Tightly roll the dough from one long edge to the other. Cut into 12-15 equal pieces and place them in a buttered baking dish.
Let the rolls rise for another 15-20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F. This second rise is key to achieving that light texture!
Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. The rolls should look beautifully puffy!
Make the frosting by mixing cream cheese, cooled brown butter, powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and a pinch of flaky sea salt until fluffy. The result should be irresistible!
Frost warm rolls immediately after baking for maximum gooeyness. Watch the frosting melt into the rolls, creating a dreamy finish!
Optional: Top with a sprinkle of more flaky sea salt for an extra flavor burst.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Cinnamon Rolls Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and make these cinnamon rolls uniquely yours with a few simple tweaks!
Cardamom Twist: Substitute cinnamon with ground cardamom for a fragrant and spicy variation that gives a lovely holiday vibe.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delightful crunch that complements the soft dough beautifully. The nutty flavor enhances the overall experience!
Fruity Surprise: Toss in some dried cranberries or raisins with the filling for an unexpected burst of sweetness and texture in every bite. They add a nice chewiness!
Dairy-Free Delight: Use almond or coconut milk and dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version that doesn’t skimp on flavor or fluffiness. Everyone will love this inclusive treat!
Lighter Glaze: For a lighter option, frost with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk instead of cream cheese. It’s refreshing and less rich!
Chocolate Indulgence: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the filling for a decadent treat that chocolate lovers will adore. This adds a delightful twist that melts in your mouth!
Spicy Kick: Mix in a hint of cayenne pepper to the filling for a surprising spicy note that perfectly balances the sweetness. It’s a delightful surprise that will tantalize your taste buds!
Maple Syrup Magic: Replace caramel sauce with pure maple syrup for an earthy sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly. It’s a cozy twist to the usual recipe!
Storage Tips for Cinnamon Rolls
Airtight Container: Store your cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness and freshness.
Refrigeration: If you need to keep them longer, place the rolls in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the baked or unbaked rolls in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes for that fresh-baked taste!
What to Serve with Cinnamon Rolls?
These sweet, fluffy rolls are perfect for creating memorable moments around the breakfast table.
Freshly Brewed Coffee: A warm cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the rolls, making every bite more delightful. The bold flavor enhances the festive experience.
Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy and savory scrambled eggs bring a wonderful contrast to the sweetness. Their creamy texture balances the gooey rolls perfectly, creating a satisfying meal.
Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of crispy bacon is an irresistible complement to the soft, sweet rolls. This dynamic duo adds a lovely richness to your holiday breakfast.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds a burst of freshness, balancing out the rich flavors of cinnamon rolls. Seasonal fruits like oranges and pomegranates harmonize beautifully with the warm spices.
Hot Cocoa: Indulge your sweet tooth further with a warm, velvety cup of hot cocoa. This cozy drink transforms breakfast into a truly magical experience for the winter months.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness, serve with maple syrup. It emphasizes the delightful flavors of cinnamon and complements the caramel notes in the frosting.
Creamy Greek Yogurt: A side of creamy Greek yogurt adds a tangy touch that offsets the sweetness nicely. It’s a refreshing addition that balances the entire brunch spread.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider is perfect for the holidays. It offers comforting spices that echo the flavors in the rolls, creating a cohesive theme for your meal.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Christmas Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a homemade holiday breakfast with minimal fuss! You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This will help develop the flavors while keeping them fresh. In the morning, let the rolls sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to rise before baking. If you prefer, you can also freeze the shaped rolls for up to 3 months. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding an extra few minutes to the bake time for equally delicious results. Enjoy stress-free mornings and impress your family with these gooey cinnamon rolls!
Expert Tips for Cinnamon Rolls
Warm Ingredients: Make sure your milk is warm (110°F) when activating the yeast. Too hot will kill it, leading to dense rolls.
Knead Just Enough: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 4-5 minutes; over-kneading can result in tough cinnamon rolls.
Watch the Rise: Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area. If too cold, it won’t rise properly, affecting final texture.
Perfect Baking Time: Keep a close eye while baking; rolls should be golden and slightly underdone in the center for that gooey consistency.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best frosting consistency, ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
Soft Christmas Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs
What type of active dry yeast should I use?
You should use fresh active dry yeast for the best results, preferably from a reputable brand. Check the expiration date on the package if you’ve had it in your pantry for some time. Fresh yeast will give your cinnamon rolls that perfect rise and fluffy texture.
How should I store my leftover cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Store your cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze my cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can! To freeze cinnamon rolls, either freeze them baked or unbaked. For baked rolls, let them cool completely, then wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months! To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to a few factors. First, check the temperature of your milk; it should be around 110°F to activate the yeast without killing it. Ensure the yeast is fresh and has been properly activated before mixing with other ingredients. If your kitchen is too cold, place the dough in a draft-free area or a slightly warm oven to encourage rising.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls gluten-free?
Yes! For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Follow the measurements on the blend package for best results. Keep in mind that gluten-free dough can behave differently, so the texture may vary slightly.
Are these cinnamon rolls pet-friendly?
No, it’s best to keep cinnamon rolls away from pets. Ingredients like chocolate, including in certain frostings, can be harmful to dogs and other pets. Additionally, high sugar content isn’t healthy for them. Enjoy these delicious rolls for yourself and not share!
Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and brown sugar in a bowl; let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla bean powder, and salt to the yeast mixture; mix until combined and smooth.
- Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour; knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-5 minutes.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Prepare the filling by mixing together brown sugar, sugar, and freshly ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Roll out the risen dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly and sprinkle the filling over the dough.
- Tightly roll the dough from one long edge to the other. Cut into 12-15 equal pieces and place them in a buttered baking dish.
- Let the rolls rise for another 15-20 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the frosting by mixing cream cheese, cooled brown butter, powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and a pinch of flaky sea salt until fluffy.
- Frost warm rolls immediately after baking for maximum gooeyness.