Waking up on Christmas morning is pure magic, isn’t it? The quiet hush before the storm of presents and carols, the soft glow of the tree lights, and that incredible, welcoming aroma filling the house. For me, that scent is almost always the sweet, warm embrace of baking cinnamon rolls. And when you’re talking about a truly memorable holiday breakfast, nothing beats my recipe for Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze. They’re fluffy, gooey, and topped with a tangy glaze that just screams ‘holiday treat!’ I remember one year, my little one woke up at the crack of dawn, and the first thing she asked wasn’t about Santa, but if those cinnamon rolls were ready yet. That’s the kind of magic they bring!
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze
Seriously, why wouldn’t you want these on your holiday table? Here’s the lowdown:
- SO Easy to Make: Even with all the holiday chaos, these come together without a fuss.
- Unbeatable Flavor: That perfect combo of warm cinnamon, sweet brown sugar, and a tangy cream cheese glaze? Pure bliss!
- Festive & Fun: They just look like Christmas morning, don’t they? Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Perfect Texture: Fluffy, soft, and wonderfully gooey – exactly how a cinnamon roll should be.
Gather Your Ingredients for Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls
Alright, let’s get down to business! To make these glorious Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze, you’ll need a few pantry staples. Don’t worry, nothing too fancy here. It’s all about bringing simple things together to make something spectacular.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (make sure it’s between 105-115°F – you don’t want to kill that yeast!)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (the little granules that make magic happen!)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus a little extra for dusting
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (so it spreads like a dream)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (packed, so it’s nice and dense!)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (our cozy spice hero!)
For the Glaze:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (let it sit out for a bit!)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (yes, more butter, happy baking!)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (we’ll add this slowly to get it just right)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls
Alright, let’s get those beautiful Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze baking! Don’t be intimidated; it’s a really straightforward process, and I’ll walk you through every step. Get ready for your kitchen to smell like pure holiday heaven! We’ll move through this like we’re whipping up a batch of gooey pecan pie bars, nice and steady.
Here’s how we’ll do it:
Preparing the Dough
First things first, we need to wake up our yeast! Grab a big bowl, pour in that warm milk, and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it hang out for about 5-10 minutes until it gets all foamy – that’s how you know it’s alive and ready to work its magic. Now, stir in the sugar, salt, eggs, and that melted butter. Gradually add in your flour, mixing as you go until a soft dough starts to come together. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and get kneading for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth as a baby’s bottom and nice and elastic. Pop that dough into a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it chill in a warm spot for about an hour to an hour and a half, or until it’s doubled in size. It’s like giving the dough a little snooze!
Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls
Once your dough has had its nice long rise, punch it down gently. Now, we’re going to roll it out on that lightly floured surface into a big rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches. Think of it like making a giant cinnamon-y carpet! Spread that softened butter all over the dough, right to the edges. Then, mix your light brown sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl and sprinkle it evenly over the butter. This is the heart of the gooey goodness! Starting from one of the long edges, roll up the dough as tightly as you can. Pinch that seam really well to seal it all up. Now, grab a sharp knife – a serrated one works best – and cut that log into 12 equal slices. Arrange them cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover them again and let them have another little rise for about 30-45 minutes. They’ll puff up nicely!
Baking the Rolls and Making the Glaze
While those rolls are having their second little nap, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the oven is ready and the rolls look plump, pop them in to bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want them a beautiful golden brown color. While they’re baking, let’s whip up that dreamy cream cheese glaze. In a bowl, beat your softened cream cheese and butter together until they’re super smooth. You can totally use your electric mixer here if you have one! Gradually add in the powdered sugar and that lovely vanilla extract. Then, start adding the milk, just one tablespoon at a time, mixing until you get a luscious, pourable consistency. You want it thick enough to coat the rolls but not so thick that it’s hard to spread. Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm (but not piping hot!), slather that gorgeous glaze all over them. Remember, this glaze is just as important as the cream cheese in a pound cake – it’s key to that perfect finish!
Tips for Perfectly Fluffy Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but want to make sure these Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze are absolutely, undeniably perfect? Trust me, a few little tricks can make all the difference between just good cinnamon rolls and absolute holiday magic!
First off, that yeast? Make SURE it’s alive and kicking! If it doesn’t get foamy, your rolls won’t rise, and nobody wants flat cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning. Don’t second-guess it – a little frothy confirmation goes a long way. Also, when you’re kneading, don’t be shy! Really work that dough until it’s smooth and stretchy. That’s what gives you those wonderfully fluffy layers you crave. And for the glaze, start with the smaller amount of milk. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Sometimes recipes call for specific things, and I get it! If you’re out of something or have a preference, let’s chat substitutions. For the milk, whole milk is best for richness, but 2% works fine. You can even use lactose-free milk if needed! If you don’t have light brown sugar, dark brown sugar will work, it’ll just give a slightly deeper molasses flavor – which I honestly love! And if you’re not a fan of a super-sweet glaze, you can always add a touch more cream cheese or a little less powdered sugar. It’s your kitchen, your rules!
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Here’s the best part: you can totally get ahead of the game with these Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls! To make life easier, you can prepare the dough the night before. Just follow the steps up to the first rise, then pop the covered bowl in the fridge. In the morning, let it sit at room temp for about an hour before you roll and fill. Leftover rolls? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, and they’ll still be pretty darn yummy. Need to reheat? A few seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a low oven brings them back to gooey perfection!
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls
Got questions about making these dreamy rolls? I’ve got you covered! These are a few things people often ask when they’re diving into the world of homemade cinnamon rolls.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes, you totally can! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the whole “proofing” step where you let it foam up in the milk. Just mix it right in with your dry ingredients, then add the wet stuff. It’s a little shortcut that still gives you wonderfully fluffy results. Super convenient when you’re in a holiday rush!
How do I prevent my rolls from being dry?
Ah, the dreaded dry cinnamon roll! It’s usually because they’re overbaked or your dough might have been a little too dry to begin with. Make sure you don’t bake them longer than the recipe says – a few moist crumbs on a toothpick is perfect. Also, be sure to measure your flour correctly; spooning it into the cup and leveling it off is better than scooping directly from the bag, which can pack too much in. A super moist dough is key!
What’s the best way to cut cinnamon rolls evenly?
This is a great question! A sharp serrated knife is your best friend here. Gently saw through the roll rather than just pressing down. My secret? I sometimes use a piece of unflavored dental floss! Just slide it under the rolled dough log (before slicing!), cross the ends over the top, and pull to cut. It gives you the cleanest slice without squishing the layers. You’ll look like a pro!
Can I make these ahead of time?
You bet! You can totally make the dough the night before. Follow the first rise, then cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let it sit out for about an hour to come to room temperature before you roll, fill, and assemble. It makes Christmas morning so much more relaxed! You can also bake them the day before and then gently reheat them.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, okay? They can totally wiggle around depending on the exact brands you use and how generous you are with that glaze (no judgment here!). But for one glorious roll, you’re looking at roughly:
- Calories: Around 450
- Fat: About 22g (and yes, that includes a good chunk of saturated fat – worth it!)
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 55g
- Sugar: Hang onto your hats, about 40g!
- Protein: Around 7g
- Sodium: Around 300mg
Remember, these are just guidelines to give you an idea. Enjoy every single bite!
Share Your Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls Experience!
I just love hearing about your baking adventures! Did you make these festive rolls? Were they a hit on Christmas morning? I’d be thrilled if you’d leave a comment below sharing your experience or rate the recipe. And if you snapped any photos, tagging me on social media would just make my day! Or, if you have any extra tips or questions, feel free to reach out via my contact page!
Print
Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze
- Total Time: 55 min
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls topped with a sweet and tangy cream cheese glaze, perfect for a festive holiday breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- For the Glaze:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in granulated sugar, salt, eggs, and melted butter.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long edge. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut the roll into 12 equal slices.
- Place slices in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, cut-side up.
- Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While rolls are baking, prepare the glaze: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Spread glaze over warm cinnamon rolls.
Notes
- For extra fluffy rolls, ensure your yeast is active.
- You can make the dough the night before and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the filling and baking.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
