There's something truly magical about waking up to the aroma of warm, freshly baked cinnamon rolls on a chilly December morning. These Christmas cinnamon rolls are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a festive way to bring joy to your holiday breakfast or brunch table.
Whether you're baking for family or friends, these 9 festive cinnamon rolls are perfectly portioned to share the holiday spirit. Soft, fluffy dough infused with cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg, topped with a luscious glaze, makes every bite a cozy celebration of the season.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Soft, fluffy dough that's easy to work with and yields tender rolls
- Perfect balance of cinnamon and festive spices like nutmeg and cloves
- Sweet cream cheese glaze that adds richness without overpowering
- Yields 9 rolls—ideal for small family gatherings or gifting
- Great make-ahead option to prepare in advance and bake fresh
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your festive Christmas cinnamon rolls come to life.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted plus 2 tablespoons softened
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for glaze)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rising)
- Servings: 9 rolls
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
How to Make 9 Festive Christmas Cinnamon Rolls
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, egg, and salt. Stir in the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a small bowl for the filling.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12x16 inch rectangle. Spread 2 tablespoons softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
- Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 9 equal slices and place them cut-side up in a greased 9-inch round baking pan.
- Cover and let rolls rise for another 30 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake rolls for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before glazing.
- For the glaze, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle generously over warm rolls and serve.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use whole milk warmed to about 110°F to activate the yeast perfectly without killing it.
- Make sure your dough is soft but not sticky; add flour gradually when kneading.
- Letting the rolls rise twice ensures a light, fluffy texture.
- For extra festive flair, sprinkle chopped pecans or cranberries inside the filling before rolling.
- Glaze while rolls are warm to get a smooth, melty finish that seeps into every bite.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To keep longer, freeze the baked rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
Reheat refrigerated or frozen rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Add a little extra glaze after reheating to refresh their sweet, creamy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next morning for the best flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze?
You can substitute with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze or use Greek yogurt mixed with powdered sugar for a tangy alternative.
Can I use a different flour?
All-purpose flour works best for soft, tender rolls. Whole wheat flour can be used but will result in a denser texture; consider mixing half whole wheat with all-purpose.
How do I make the rolls more festive?
Add chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or orange zest to the filling for extra holiday flair and flavor. You can also use colored sprinkles on top of the glaze.
