Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home, filling the air with warmth and holiday cheer. These Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls are not just a treat; they are a delightful tradition that will have your family eagerly gathering around the table, ready to indulge in soft, gooey goodness. With just 55 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a batch of these delectable rolls that are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Get ready to impress your loved ones with this simple yet scrumptious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for icing)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk over low heat until it is warm but not boiling, about 110°F (43°C). Remove from heat and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the melted butter and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until well combined.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about 12x18 inches in size.
- Spread the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Once rolled, cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for a clean cut. Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each roll.
- Cover the baking dish with a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again for about 15-20 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Add a little milk if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
- Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls with family and friends!
Tips
- Perfect Yeast Activation: Ensure your milk is warm but not boiling (around 110°F or 43°C) to activate the yeast properly. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect rise in your rolls.
- Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. If the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little more flour to prevent it from becoming too dry.
- Rising Time: For the best results, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, consider preheating your oven for a minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside to rise.
- Cutting Rolls: Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the rolled dough into equal pieces. This ensures clean cuts and helps maintain the spiral shape of your rolls.
- Icing Consistency: Adjust the thickness of your icing by adding milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency. A thicker icing will create a beautiful drizzle, while a thinner icing can be poured over the rolls.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your cinnamon rolls warm for the best experience. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a festive holiday beverage for a cozy morning treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
