Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls – Soft, Sweet, and Festive

The Ultimate Holiday Breakfast Tradition

There’s something magical about waking up on Christmas morning to the smell of warm, freshly baked Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, gooey, and generously slathered with creamy frosting, these rolls bring comfort, joy, and delicious decadence to the most festive day of the year.

This recipe for Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls is designed to be make-ahead friendly, packed with holiday spice, and topped with rich cream cheese icing. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just indulging in a cozy holiday treat, this is the recipe you’ll return to every year.

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🌟 Why These Cinnamon Rolls Are Perfect for Christmas

• Make ahead option: Prep the night before and bake in the morning
• Soft, fluffy texture: Thanks to the enriched dough and proper rising
• Cinnamon sugar filling: Warm, sweet, and perfectly spiced
• Rich frosting: Cream cheese or vanilla glaze—your choice
• Kid- and crowd-friendly: Always a hit at the breakfast table

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 1 cup whole milk, warm
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 4½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2½ tbsp cinnamon
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or cloves

For the Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

• In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
• Add eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until combined.
• Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
• Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth.
• Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.

2. Prepare the Filling

• Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
• Roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
• Spread softened butter over dough and sprinkle evenly with cinnamon sugar.

3. Roll and Slice

• Roll dough tightly from the long edge into a log.
• Cut into 12 even pieces.
• Arrange in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Second Rise

• Cover and let rolls rise for 45–60 minutes until puffy.
• Make-ahead tip: Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temp in the morning for 30–45 minutes before baking.

5. Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.

6. Frost and Serve

• Beat frosting ingredients until smooth and creamy.
• Spread over warm rolls. Serve fresh and gooey!

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🎄 Holiday Variations

• Eggnog glaze: Add eggnog instead of milk to your icing
• Orange zest twist: Add zest to the filling or icing
• Pecan crunch: Add chopped pecans to the filling
• Maple icing: Use maple syrup in place of some sugar
• Spiced dough: Add cinnamon and nutmeg directly to the dough

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📦 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temp: Store unfrosted rolls for 2 days in airtight container
• Refrigerator: Store frosted rolls up to 5 days
• Freeze: Freeze unbaked rolls or fully baked ones tightly wrapped for 2 months
• Reheat: Warm individual rolls in the microwave or oven

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📊 Nutritional Info (Per Roll, Approx.)

• Calories: 390
• Carbs: 49g
• Fat: 17g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 6g

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🧠 Pro Tips

• Use room temperature eggs and butter for best dough consistency
• Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for best results
• Grease your pan well to prevent sticking
• Use dental floss to slice rolls cleanly
• Frost while warm so icing melts slightly for gooeyness

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❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough without a mixer?
Yes—mix by hand and knead until elastic, about 10 minutes.

Q: What’s the best pan for baking?
Use a metal or glass 9×13-inch pan. Avoid dark pans that may brown too quickly.

Q: Can I use instant yeast?
Yes—just mix directly into the flour without proofing.

Q: How do I make them gooier?
Don’t overbake, and frost while still warm.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use two pans or a large sheet pan.

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✅ Conclusion: The Holiday Breakfast Worth Waking Up For

Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls are a beautiful blend of tradition, indulgence, and warmth. Whether you’re sipping cocoa, unwrapping gifts, or hosting a brunch, these rolls add a sweet, fragrant centerpiece to your holiday morning. They’re simple to make, rich in flavor, and loaded with holiday cheer. Start this tradition—and make every Christmas morning unforgettable.

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