9 Festive Christmas Cinnamon Rolls Recipe You’ll Make on Repeat

Nothing says holiday warmth quite like a batch of freshly baked Christmas cinnamon rolls. This recipe for 9 festive Christmas cinnamon rolls is one you’ll make on repeat, guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and spice. Whether it’s for a cozy family breakfast or a festive brunch, these rolls bring a touch of magic to any holiday table.

this Recipe

With soft, fluffy dough, a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, and a creamy glaze, these Christmas cinnamon rolls are as delicious as they are charming. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making and sharing this recipe all season long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, fluffy dough that melts in your mouth
• Festive sugar crystals add a colorful holiday touch
• Easy to prepare with common ingredients and straightforward steps
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or gifting to loved ones
• Makes exactly 9 rolls, ideal for small gatherings without leftovers

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your perfect Christmas cinnamon rolls, with a soft dough, flavorful filling, and sweet glaze.

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed (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
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons festive red and green sugar crystals (optional garnish)

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including rising)
• Servings: 9 cinnamon rolls
• Calories: Approximately 310 per serving

How to Make 9 Festive Christmas Cinnamon Rolls – Recipe You’ll Make on Repeat

1. In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F, sprinkle the yeast over it, stir gently, and let it proof for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, salt, and egg, then pour in the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms; knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Meanwhile, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined to make the filling.
6. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
7. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log, then cut into 9 equal slices and place them cut side up in a greased 9-inch round baking pan.
8. Cover the pan again and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes until puffy. Preheat the oven to 350°F while the rolls rise.
9. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes until golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly before drizzling with the glaze made by mixing powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract. Sprinkle festive sugar crystals on top for a holiday touch.

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter for better dough consistency.
• Don’t rush the rising times; proper proofing ensures fluffy rolls.
• Roll the dough tightly to get nice, even spirals in each cinnamon roll.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon filling.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat refrigerated or thawed rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until soft and warm. Add extra glaze if desired before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh the next morning for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze?

You can omit the cream cheese and simply make a powdered sugar glaze with milk and vanilla for a lighter topping that still complements the rolls nicely.

Are these rolls suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! Freeze unbaked rolls after shaping but before the second rise. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, let rise, then bake as usual for fresh results.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the filling?

Yes, adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries can add extra texture and festive flavor to your Christmas cinnamon rolls. Just sprinkle them over the filling before rolling up the dough.