Soft and Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls with a rich cinnamon filling, topped with a decadent caramel cream cheese icing, perfect for Christmas morning or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rising)
- Yield: 12-15 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert/Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground vanilla bean powder or vanilla extract
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- For the Icing:
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4–1/3 cup caramel sauce
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Activate yeast: Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Let sit 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- Make dough: Add 6 tbsp butter, eggs, flour, salt, and vanilla to yeast mixture. Mix with dough hook 4-5 minutes until smooth.
- First rise: Cover and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
- Prepare filling: Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
- Shape rolls: Roll dough into 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread 6 tbsp butter, sprinkle filling. Roll tightly, cut into 12-15 rolls.
- Second rise: Place in buttered 9×13 dish, cover, rise 15-20 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Make icing: Brown 4 tbsp butter. Beat cream cheese, add brown butter, caramel, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Frost: Spread icing over warm rolls. Garnish with flaky salt.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Dough can be refrigerated overnight after shaping for morning baking.
- Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For softer rolls, cover with foil while baking if browning too quickly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
