Nothing says holiday warmth quite like the aroma of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls filling your kitchen. These 9 festive Christmas cinnamon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic treat, perfect for cozy mornings spent with loved ones. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how irresistibly soft and flavorful they turn out.
Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast or a sweet snack to share during the holidays, this recipe is one you'll make on repeat. The rich cinnamon filling, subtle holiday spices, and creamy glaze come together to create a festive treat that’s sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Yields 9 generous, soft rolls ideal for sharing with family or friends.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients with a special holiday spice blend for festive flavor.
- The dough is easy to work with, perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
- Finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze that adds tangy sweetness.
- Can be made ahead and reheated for fresh-from-the-oven taste anytime.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make the dough, filling, and glaze for your Christmas cinnamon rolls.
Dough
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
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Filling
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including rising)
- Servings: 9 rolls
- Calories: Approximately 320 per roll
How to Make 9 Festive Christmas Cinnamon Rolls – Recipe You'll Make on Repeat
- In a small bowl, whisk warm milk and yeast together, then let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt; add the yeast mixture and stir well.
- Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms; knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While dough rises, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and softened butter to create the filling.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a 15x10 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then tightly roll the dough from the long edge into a log; slice into 9 equal pieces.
- Arrange rolls cut side up in a greased 9-inch round baking pan, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake rolls for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- While baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually adding powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until pourable.
- Once rolls are slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls and serve.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Allow the dough to rise in a draft-free, warm environment for optimal fluffiness.
- Use softened butter for the filling so it spreads easily without tearing the dough.
- Slice the rolls evenly to ensure they bake uniformly and look attractive.
- For extra festive flair, sprinkle chopped pecans or dried cranberries over the filling before rolling.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep them fresh longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat refrigerated rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm frozen rolls in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Add fresh glaze if desired before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and filling.
What if I don’t have whole milk?
You can substitute with 2% or even skim milk, but whole milk adds extra richness and makes the rolls softer.
Can I use a different spice blend in the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cardamom, ginger, or allspice to customize your festive cinnamon rolls.
How do I make vegan cinnamon rolls?
Replace butter with plant-based margarine, use a flax or chia egg substitute, and swap cream cheese glaze for a simple powdered sugar glaze made with non-dairy milk.