How to Make the Perfect Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls
American · Medium · 115 min · 12 servings
These pillowy, indulgent cinnamon rolls are the ultimate Christmas morning treat that the whole family will wake up excited to enjoy. Drizzled with a rich cream cheese glaze, they are warm, fragrant, and impossibly soft.
Why this recipe works
This Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 115 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 calories with 6g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm whole milk
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 0.75 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make and Proof the Dough
Dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it foam for 5 minutes. Combine with flour and a pinch of salt, knead for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
Step 2: Fill and Roll
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon mixture all over the buttered surface.
Step 3: Slice and Second Rise
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls. Arrange in a greased baking dish, cover, and allow to rise again for 30 minutes until puffy and touching each other.
Step 4: Bake and Glaze
Bake at 375 degrees F for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of milk to make a glaze and drizzle generously over the warm rolls before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- whole milk → oat milk for a dairy-free alternative
- active dry yeast → instant yeast using the same quantity
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using milk that is too hot which kills the yeast and prevents the dough from rising
- Cutting rolls with a regular knife which compresses the dough and ruins the spiral shape
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 6g protein, 52g carbs, 12g fat, 1g fiber.
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