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Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls – Soft, Sweet, and Festive


  • Author: Mary

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • 23 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)


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!