Cozy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Fluffy christmas cinnamon rolls dance with decadent promise, beckoning sweet-toothed adventurers.

Warm spices swirl through tender dough, creating magical moments of pure comfort.

Holiday kitchens come alive with fragrant aromas that whisper nostalgic memories.

Layers of rich caramel and silky cream cheese icing promise indulgence beyond compare.

Soft, pillowy pastries emerge from the oven, golden and inviting.

Baking these rolls connects you to cherished traditions and cozy celebrations.

Every bite promises to melt away winter’s chill with delightful warmth.

Ingredients For Soft And Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls

• Active Dry Yeast: A key ingredient that helps the dough rise and creates a soft, fluffy texture.
• Warm Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast for proper dough development.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps feed the yeast during the rising process.
• Melted Butter: Contributes to the rich flavor and tender texture of the rolls.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cinnamon rolls.
• Flour: The main structural component that forms the base of the cinnamon rolls.

• Softened Butter: Creates a smooth base for spreading other filling ingredients.
• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Provide the classic sweet and spicy flavor profile of cinnamon rolls.
• Pecans: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the filling.
• Caramel Sauce: Introduces a rich, sweet element to the roll's interior.

• Caramel Sauce: Provides an extra drizzle of sweet, decadent flavor on top of the baked rolls.
• Cream Cheese (for icing, implied from title): Offers a tangy, creamy complement to the sweet rolls.

How To Make Soft And Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk and sprinkle yeast into the liquid. Let the mixture sit and become bubbly for about 5 minutes, allowing the yeast to wake up and become active.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

• Sugar
• Melted butter
• Salt
• Eggs
• Flour

Pour these ingredients into the yeast mixture. Stir and mix until everything combines into a smooth, cohesive dough.

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough thoroughly for 5 minutes, working it with your hands until soft and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for one hour.

Step 4: Spread the Flavor

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Chopped pecans
• Caramel sauce

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to create a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 7: Final Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy the holiday magic!

Tips For Soft And Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls

• Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to activate yeast without killing it effectively.
• Let dough rise in a draft-free, warm area for optimal soft and fluffy texture.
• Dust surface with flour sparingly to prevent dense, tough rolls during kneading.
• Apply softened butter evenly across dough for consistent flavor and moistness.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smoother, lump-free icing.

Fun Twists On Soft And Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls

• Holiday Spice Sensation: Replace pecans with candied ginger and add a pinch of nutmeg for a festive winter warmth.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Swap cinnamon with cocoa powder and mix chocolate chips into the filling for a rich, decadent version.
• Nutty Maple Crunch: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup, add toasted walnuts, and use maple glaze instead of caramel cream cheese icing.
• Tropical Paradise Roll: Incorporate shredded coconut, diced dried pineapple, and a light rum extract for an island-inspired breakfast treat.

Perfect Pairings For Soft And Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls

• Pair Perfectly with Warm Beverages: Hot chai latte or classic mulled wine complement the rich cinnamon flavors and create a cozy holiday atmosphere.
• Enhance Dessert Experience: Vanilla bean ice cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, gooey cinnamon rolls and balances their sweetness.
• Match with Complementary Flavors: Toasted pecan coffee or hazelnut espresso echoes the nutty undertones in the rolls and elevates the overall taste profile.
• Create Holiday Mood: Spiced apple cider brings additional warmth and seasonal spirit, harmonizing beautifully with the caramel and cinnamon notes.

How To Store Soft And Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls

• Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place rolls in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Wrap rolls in aluminum foil to prevent burning and heat for 10-12 minutes. This method helps restore their original soft texture and warmth.
• Warm individual rolls for 15-20 seconds. Add a small cup of water in the microwave to prevent rolls from becoming tough and maintain their fluffy consistency.

Soft And Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls FAQs

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After kneading, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before rolling and filling.

• What type of yeast works best for this recipe?

Active dry yeast or instant yeast are perfect. Just ensure the yeast is fresh and not expired to get soft, fluffy rolls.

• How do I know the dough has risen correctly?

The dough should double in size and feel puffy when gently pressed. It typically takes about 1 hour in a warm, draft-free area.

• Is it necessary to use pecans in the filling?

No, pecans are optional. You can skip them or replace with other nuts like walnuts or simply omit nuts entirely if you prefer.

Why You’ll Love Soft And Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls

• Craft Holiday Magic: Create a showstopping dessert that captures the essence of Christmas with warm, spicy cinnamon and sweet caramel flavors.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family gatherings, these rolls bring everyone together with their irresistible aroma and decadent taste.
• Stress-Free Baking: Straightforward recipe with simple steps makes this a welcoming treat for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home chefs.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows personal touches like adding extra nuts, adjusting spice levels, or experimenting with different caramel variations to suit individual preferences.

Christmas Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 5-10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas Cinnamon Rolls dance with holiday spirit, blending warm spices and sweet caramel cream cheese icing. Comfort meets celebration in this irresistible seasonal treat you’ll savor with each delightful, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup warm milk (240 milliliters)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (80 milliliters)

Yeast and Sweeteners:

• 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Activate dry yeast by whisking it into lukewarm milk, allowing the mixture to bloom and become frothy for 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and flour into the yeast mixture, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
3. Transfer dough onto a lightly dusted surface and knead rhythmically for approximately 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place kneaded dough in a greased container, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm environment for 60 minutes until doubled in volume.
5. Gently roll the expanded dough into a rectangular shape, spreading softened butter evenly across the surface.
6. Generously sprinkle brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped pecans, and drizzle caramel sauce over the buttered dough.
7. Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder, ensuring minimal air pockets between layers.
8. Slice the rolled dough into 12 even portions using a sharp knife or dental floss.
9. Arrange rolls in a prepared baking dish, leaving slight spacing between each roll, and let them prove for an additional 30 minutes.
10. Heat oven to 350F (180C) and bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until they transform into a rich golden-brown color.
11. Remove from oven and embellish with an extra cascade of caramel sauce before serving warm.

Notes

• Activate rapid rising by placing dough in a warm, draft-free spot like a preheated oven with the light on.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent dough texture, preventing potential lumps or uneven rising.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to filling for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Make gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend and adding xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 235 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 145 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg