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Cinnamon Rolls Christmas: A Festive Treat for the Holidays

The aroma of warm cinnamon, sweet icing, and freshly baked dough – nothing says Christmas quite like homemade cinnamon rolls! This recipe for Cinnamon Rolls Christmas is designed to be a showstopper, perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or even as a delightful dessert. We’ll guide you through creating these soft, gooey, and utterly irresistible treats, from mixing the dough to applying the final touch of creamy frosting. This article covers everything from ingredient selection and step-by-step instructions to frequently asked questions and nutritional information. You’ll learn how to create the perfect dough, a flavorful filling, and a luscious icing that will make these cinnamon rolls the highlight of your Christmas celebration. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s bake some holiday magic!

The Magic of Christmas Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a classic comfort food, but they become extra special when baked for Christmas. They evoke feelings of warmth, family, and tradition. This recipe aims to elevate the traditional cinnamon roll by focusing on rich flavors, a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a presentation that is worthy of the holiday season. The addition of holiday spices like nutmeg and cloves to the filling, alongside the cinnamon, gives it that extra Christmas flavour. The creamy cheese frosting can be tailored to your liking with additions of vanilla or lemon extract for an extra zing.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons milk, as needed

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Making the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy, which indicates the yeast is active.
2. Add the melted butter, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling:

1. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix well until a paste forms.

Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release the air.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
3. Spread the cinnamon sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
4. Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
5. Pinch the seam to seal it.
6. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
7. Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Baking the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly before frosting.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

Frosting and Serving:

1. Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled slightly, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the tops.
2. Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Card:

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 25-30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Category: Dessert/Breakfast | Method: Baking | Cuisine: American

Nutrition Card:

Calories: Approximately 350 per roll | Sugar: 30g | Fat: 15g | Carbohydrates: 50g | Fiber: 2g | Protein: 5g | Yields: 12 servings

FAQs

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cinnamon rolls up to the point of baking. Assemble them in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.

Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! You can freeze baked cinnamon rolls, unfrosted. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost before serving. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked, assembled rolls before the second rise. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, let rise for an hour or two, and then bake.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or even a very thick Greek yogurt. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. You can also use a basic butter cream frosting if you want to avoid dairy altogether.

How do I keep my cinnamon rolls from drying out?

To prevent your cinnamon rolls from drying out, avoid overbaking them. They should be golden brown but still slightly soft to the touch. You can also cover the baking dish loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. Another tip is to add a small pan of water to the bottom rack of the oven while baking; the steam helps keep the rolls moist.

What is the best way to reheat cinnamon rolls?

The best way to reheat cinnamon rolls is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the rolls in foil, and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave in short bursts, but be careful not to overheat them, as they can become tough.

I’m so glad you’re here. If you enjoyed this recipe or found it helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and family great food is meant to be shared! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, kitchen tips, and daily cooking inspiration, Your support means the world to me, and I look forward to bringing you even more tasty ideas straight from my kitchen.

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