Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls
by
Carla Hall
It's Christmas Morning and what better way to wake up than a warm Cinnamon roll made with love!
Prep Time:
25 Mins (+1 hour rise)
Cook Time
25-30 Minutes
Serves:
12 Rolls
Level:
Intermediate
Dough
1 cup warm milk (110°F)
2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
Cinnamon Filling
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Snowfall Cream Cheese Glaze
4 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange
Ingredients
Step 1 : Make the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Stir to distribute evenly. Attach the dough hook.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, granulated sugar, eggs, and melted butter until fully combined.
Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
Mix on low speed until the dough begins to come together. Increase to medium speed and knead 5–7 minutes, until smooth, soft, and slightly elastic. The dough should be tacky but not sticky
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot about 1 hour, or until doubled.
Step 2 :Prepare the Filling
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt into a spreadable paste.
Step 3 Assemble the Rolls
Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the surface
Roll tightly from the long side.
Using unflavored dental floss, slide the floss under the roll, cross the ends, and pull tight to slice cleanly into 12 pieces.
Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Cover and let rise 20–25 minutes.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Bake rolls 25–30 minutes until lightly golden on top.
Step 5 : Make the Snowfall Glaze
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk until pourable.
Stir in orange zest.
Instructions
Pour glaze over warm rolls so it melts into every swirl.
Add a second drizzle for the full “snowfall” effect.
Serve warm for maximum Christmas-morning happiness.