Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting for Christmas Morning

There’s something magical about waking up on Christmas morning to the smell of homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting baking in the oven.

The warm aroma of cinnamon and sugar mixed with the soft, pillowy texture of freshly baked rolls is the perfect way to start the holiday.

And let’s not forget the indulgent cream cheese frosting that melts over the top, adding the perfect touch of sweetness.

In this post, I’ll walk you through an easy, delicious recipe for homemade cinnamon rolls, along with tips and tricks to make them perfect every time.

Whether you’re baking for your family or hosting a holiday brunch, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to be a hit.

A Perfect Treat for Christmas Morning

Why Cinnamon Rolls Are Perfect for Christmas Morning

There’s no better way to kick off Christmas morning than with a warm, comforting breakfast. Cinnamon rolls are the ideal choice because they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to relax and enjoy the holiday festivities without being stuck in the kitchen.

Plus, the combination of soft dough, gooey cinnamon filling, and tangy cream cheese frosting makes this dish irresistible to everyone, from kids to adults.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to create these perfect cinnamon rolls from scratch:

For the Dough:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk (warmed to about 110°F)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (to thin the frosting, if needed)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making your own cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning:

1. Prepare the Dough

• Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is active.
• Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to the flour mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
• Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
• Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

2. Make the Cinnamon Filling

While the dough is rising, you can prepare the cinnamon-sugar filling:

• Mix the ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until it forms a smooth, spreadable mixture.

3. Roll Out and Fill the Dough

• Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
• Spread the filling: Using a spatula or your hands, spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

4. Roll and Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

• Roll the dough: Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log shape.
• Cut the rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the dough into 12 even rolls. Place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll to allow for rising.

5. Let the Rolls Rise Again

• Second rise: Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they’re puffy and have doubled in size.

6. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake: Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and the centers are cooked through.

How to Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cinnamon rolls are baking, you can whip up the cream cheese frosting:

• Beat the ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk, and continue mixing until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
• Frost the rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top, allowing it to melt into the warm rolls.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls

• Make them ahead: To save time on Christmas morning, prepare the cinnamon rolls the night before. After cutting the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Use room temperature ingredients: For the best results, make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother dough and frosting.
• Dental floss for cutting: To get perfectly sliced cinnamon rolls without squishing the dough, use unflavored dental floss. Simply slide the floss under the rolled dough, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice.
• Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on your cinnamon rolls while they’re baking. You want them to be golden brown on top but still soft and fluffy inside. Overbaking can result in dry rolls.

How to Serve and Store Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to make them soft and gooey again.
• Freeze: If you want to save them for later, cinnamon rolls can be frozen. Let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven or microwave.

Homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate Christmas morning treat. The combination of soft, fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and tangy cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible.

Best of all, you can prepare these rolls ahead of time, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.

With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to make perfect cinnamon rolls that will become a beloved holiday tradition for years to come.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just your family, these rolls are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Do you have a favorite holiday breakfast tradition? Share it in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you celebrate Christmas morning!

Enjoy this Easy video tutorial about Cinnamon Rolls

Source: Fleischmann's Yeast

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