There’s something enchanting about the smell of cinnamon wafting through the house, especially during the holiday season. When the first hints of winter chill set in, I find myself yearning for comforting treats that evoke warmth and nostalgia. That’s how I stumbled upon these soft and gooey Christmas cinnamon rolls, a sweet indulgence that transforms any morning into a festive feast.
Picture this: the dough rising in the warmth of your kitchen while you unwrap gifts or gather around the tree, anticipation building as the scent of brown sugar and cinnamon fills the air. These rolls aren’t just a breakfast option; they’re a family tradition waiting to happen. Topped with a luscious brown butter caramel frosting that melts into each warm roll, they’re almost too good to share—perfect for those cozy moments spent with loved ones. When you serve these on Christmas morning, get ready for smiles and requests for seconds, because once you try them, there’s no going back!
Why are Cinnamon Rolls the ultimate holiday treat?
Indulgence at Its Finest: These cinnamon rolls are not just desserts; they’re a celebration of comfort and joy during the holiday season.
Rich, Warm Scents: The aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar will have everyone gathered around in anticipation.
Frosting Dreams: Creamy brown butter caramel frosting elevates the flavor to an indulgent level that’s hard to resist.
Family Tradition: Baking them together can become a cherished holiday ritual, creating lasting memories with each roll.
Prep Ahead: Make the dough the night before for a stress-free, festive morning that lets you focus on what truly matters—time with loved ones.
Versatile Options: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to make them your own!
Cinnamon Rolls Ingredients
For the Dough
- Large Eggs – Provides structure and richness; use room temperature for even mixing.
- Warm Milk (110°F) – Activates the yeast for rising; ensure it’s warm but not hot to the touch.
- Salted Butter – Adds flavor and moisture to the dough; melted butter for the dough and softened for spreading.
- Active Dry Yeast – Main leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for best rising.
- All-Purpose Flour – Main structure component of the rolls; spoon and level when measuring for accuracy.
- Vanilla Bean Powder – Enhances flavor depth; alternatively, use vanilla extract.
- Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
For the Filling
- Brown Sugar – Primary sweetener in the filling; contributes a deep caramel flavor.
- Sugar – Sweetens the filling; can be adjusted based on preference.
- Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice; freshly ground is preferred for stronger flavor.
For the Frosting
- Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens and gives structure to the frosting; always sift to prevent lumps.
- Cream Cheese – Base of the frosting; providing creaminess and tang.
- Caramel Sauce – Sweet and rich flavor; can use store-bought or homemade.
- Flaky Sea Salt – Optional topping; enhances flavor contrast in frosting and makes these cinnamon rolls truly indulgent.
How to Make Cinnamon Rolls
Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and a pinch of brown sugar. Let it foam for 5-10 minutes, ensuring your yeast is bubbly and alive for that perfect rise.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir in melted butter, room-temperature large eggs, vanilla bean powder, and a pinch of kosher salt into your yeast mixture until well-combined. This creates a rich and flavorful base for your dough.
Add Flour: Gradually add all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 4-5 minutes, achieving a smooth and slightly tacky texture.
First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and freshly ground cinnamon. This sweet blend will bring your filling to life!
Roll Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across it.
Shape Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from the long side, sealing the seam as you go. Cut the rolled dough into 12-15 equal pieces, forming your beautiful cinnamon rolls.
Second Rise: Grease a baking dish with butter, and place the cut rolls inside, allowing them to rise for another 15-20 minutes, or until puffy and beautifully expanded.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and your kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma.
Prepare Frosting: While your rolls are baking, whip up the frosting by beating together cream cheese, brown butter, sifted confectioners’ sugar, caramel sauce, and flaky sea salt until smooth and creamy.
Frost Rolls: Allow the baked rolls to cool slightly before generously drizzling the warm brown butter caramel frosting over them. Serve these warm, gooey cinnamon rolls for the ultimate holiday treat!
Optional: Sprinkle with a dash of flaky sea salt for added texture and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Christmas Cinnamon Rolls are an excellent choice for busy home cooks looking to simplify their holiday morning! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; after kneading, place it in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out and shaping your rolls. Additionally, the filling can be mixed in advance, stored in an airtight container, and kept at room temperature. Just remember to allow the rolls to rise until puffy before baking for scrumptiously fresh results, making your holiday morning stress-free and delightful!
Expert Tips for Cinnamon Rolls
- Temperature Matters: Use warm milk (110°F) to activate the yeast, ensuring it’s warm but not hot—hot milk can kill the yeast and ruin your rise.
- Kneading Technique: Knead the dough for about 4-5 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky; under-kneading may lead to dense rolls.
- Rise Right: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment. Place it in an oven with just the light on for the best conditions.
- Thickness is Key: Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick to avoid overly thin rolls, which can be dry and lack texture.
- Timing is Everything: Bake just until golden brown; slightly underbaking will keep them gooey and delicious when you frost them.
How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Rolls
Room Temperature: Store baked cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their soft texture.
Fridge: You can refrigerate them for up to 5 days; just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked or baked rolls. Wrap them tightly in plastic and then foil, keeping them fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave a roll for 20-30 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.
What to Serve with Soft Christmas Cinnamon Rolls?
Imagine the warmth of a cozy morning, filled with the delightful fragrance of cinnamon rolls enticing everyone to gather at the table.
- Hot Coffee: Rich and robust coffee brings out the deep flavors of the cinnamon rolls, creating the perfect morning indulgence.
- Fresh Orange Juice: The citrusy brightness of freshly squeezed juice cuts through the sweetness, refreshing every bite. Its acidity balances the richness beautifully.
- Bacon or Sausage Links: The savory, salty elements of crispy bacon or hearty sausage provide a delightful contrast to the sweet, gooey rolls, making it a complete breakfast.
- Seasonal Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of fruits like berries and melons adds a refreshing, light note, helping to cleanse the palate and balance the indulgence of the rolls.
- Warm Milk or Hot Chocolate: These comforting beverages amplify the cozy vibes of the morning, making each bite of cinnamon roll even more delightful.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: A touch of real maple syrup adds an earthy sweetness that complements the brown sugar filling. Drizzle it over your rolls for a sweet surprise!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For a dessert twist, serve warm cinnamon rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — the melting ice cream enhances the gooeyness, creating an unforgettable treat.
Cinnamon Rolls Variations
Feel free to customize these delightful rolls with fun variations that tantalize your taste buds!
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for an inclusive treat.
Nutty Surprise: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a crunchy contrast to the gooey center. This not only introduces texture but also enriches the flavor profile!
Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate chocolate chips into the filling for a rich twist on the traditional roll. They’ll add a touch of sweet excitement in each bite.
Spiced Up: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for a unique flavor depth. The warmth of these spices enhances the holiday spirit beautifully.
Maple Delight: Swap out the caramel sauce for pure maple syrup in the frosting to create a sweet, homey flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Dried Fruit Fusion: Try adding raisins or dried cranberries to the filling, offering a chewy texture to complement the soft rolls. This addition brings a fruity brightness that harmonizes with the cinnamon.
Creamy Vegan: Use coconut yogurt in place of cream cheese for a dairy-free frosting option, and almond milk for the milk base. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy these soft rolls without compromising on taste!
Savory Twist: For a different approach, add a hint of grated parmesan cheese to the filling for a subtle cheese flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet dough. You’ll surprise everyone with this innovative take!
Soft and Gooey Christmas Cinnamon Rolls Recipe FAQs
What type of milk should I use for these cinnamon rolls?
Using warm milk (around 110°F) is ideal as it helps activate the yeast, ensuring your rolls rise perfectly. Avoid hot milk, as it may kill the yeast and compromise the dough’s fluffiness.
How should I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store baked cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 5 days, tightly wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze cinnamon rolls? How do I do it?
Absolutely! You can freeze both unbaked and baked cinnamon rolls. To freeze, simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let unbaked rolls rise overnight in the fridge before baking; for baked ones, heat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
What do I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, check the yeast freshness—it should be active and bubbly when mixed with warm milk. Also, ensure you’re allowing the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area, like an oven with just the light on. If your home is too cold, place the dough in a cozy nook, like wrapped in a towel or inside a turned-off microwave.
Are there any dietary considerations for these rolls?
Yes! If you’re accommodating allergies, be cautious with the cream cheese frosting and ensure all ingredients are suitable. For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free substitute. Always check your fillings and frostings for allergens as well.
What’s the best way to achieve that gooey texture in the rolls?
To ensure that perfectly gooey and soft texture, avoid rolling the dough too thin—aim for about 1/4 inch thick. Slightly underbake your rolls, ensuring they remain warm and soft inside. Frost them while they’re still warm to let the frosting melt and absorb into the warm rolls for that irresistible ooey-gooey finish!
Soft Cinnamon Rolls with Creamy Frosting for Cozy Mornings
Equipment
- - Mixing bowl
- - Baking dish
- Whisk
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 large Eggs room temperature
- 1 cup Warm Milk 110°F
- 1/2 cup Salted Butter melted for dough and softened for spreading
- 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast fresh
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour spoon and leveled
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Powder or vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar light
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Cinnamon freshly ground preferred
Frosting
- 2 cups Confectioners' Sugar sifted
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened
- 1/2 cup Caramel Sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt optional topping
Instructions
Cinnamon Rolls Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and a pinch of brown sugar. Let it foam for 5-10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir in melted butter, room-temperature large eggs, vanilla bean powder, and kosher salt into your yeast mixture.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.
- Place the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour.
- In a medium bowl, mix together light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and freshly ground cinnamon.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side, sealing the seam as you go, and cut into 12-15 equal pieces.
- Grease a baking dish with butter, and place the cut rolls inside, allowing them to rise for another 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, whip up the frosting by beating together cream cheese, brown butter, sifted confectioners' sugar, caramel sauce, and flaky sea salt.
- Allow the baked rolls to cool slightly before generously drizzling the frosting over them.