There’s something truly magical about baking Christmas cinnamon rolls during the holidays! The sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the house instantly puts me in a festive mood. I remember the first time I made these rolls with my grandma; we’d spend hours in the kitchen, laughing and getting flour everywhere! The warm, gooey rolls topped with a creamy glaze became a cherished family tradition. Each bite is a delightful burst of flavor, making them the perfect treat for cozy mornings or holiday gatherings. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your holiday festivities!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons water
How to Prepare Christmas Cinnamon Rolls
Preparing the Dough
First, let’s get that dough ready! Start by warming the milk until it’s just lukewarm—this is crucial for activating the yeast, so don’t let it get too hot! Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s bubbly. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Then, add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Now, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is where the magic happens!
Shaping the Rolls
Once your dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out! Dust your countertop with some flour and gently roll the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Now, sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the surface—this is the good stuff! Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, creating a beautiful log. Using a sharp knife or a dental floss (yes, I swear by this trick!), cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place these rolls in a greased baking dish, spacing them out a bit, and let them rise again for 30 minutes. The anticipation is real!
Baking the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After the second rise, pop those rolls into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking! You’ll know they’re done when the entire kitchen is filled with that irresistible cinnamon smell, and they’re perfectly puffed up. Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly while you whip up the glaze. Trust me; you’re going to want to drizzle that glaze while they’re still warm for maximum gooeyness!
Making the Glaze
For the glaze, simply mix together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, and water in a bowl until it’s nice and smooth. You want it to drizzle, not be too runny, so adjust with a bit more water or sugar as needed. Once your rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle that creamy goodness all over them. Oh, the joy of that first bite!
Nutritional Information
Before diving into these delightful Christmas cinnamon rolls, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 4g
Enjoy these rolls in moderation, and savor every sweet, sticky bite! They’re perfect for sharing during the holiday season, or just keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!).
Tips for Success
To make the perfect Christmas cinnamon rolls, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature; this helps the dough rise better. If you don’t have milk, almond or oat milk works just fine! To avoid dense rolls, don’t over-knead the dough—just enough until it’s smooth is perfect. If your rolls don’t rise as expected, check that your yeast is fresh; it should bubble when activated. And remember, the glaze is totally customizable! Feel free to add vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor. Happy baking!
Variations
If you want to get creative with your Christmas cinnamon rolls, there are so many fun options! You can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. Dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, also bring a lovely sweetness and festive flair. For a twist on the classic flavor, try mixing in a bit of cardamom or nutmeg with the cinnamon. You could even swap the brown sugar for maple sugar for a unique taste. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas cinnamon rolls fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last for about a week. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm. If you prefer, you can also warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Enjoy that warm gooey goodness all over again!
FAQ Section
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the step of dissolving it in warm milk. Just mix it in with the dry ingredients and proceed as usual. It’s a great time-saver!
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Don’t panic! If your dough isn’t rising, it could be that the yeast is old or the environment is too cold. Try placing it in a warmer spot, like near a sunny window or in the oven with just the light on. You want it cozy!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just let it come to room temperature and rise again before shaping.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
Keep an eye on your rolls! They’re done when they’re golden brown on top and spring back when lightly pressed. You’ll also smell that amazing cinnamon aroma filling your kitchen!
Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
For sure! You can freeze the unbaked rolls before the second rise. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let them thaw and rise before baking as directed. It’s a lifesaver during the busy holiday season!