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Warm cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese frosting, placed on a rustic table with holiday decor.

Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tradition: A Sweet Start to the Holidays


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 2 hours (including rising)
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, these homemade cinnamon rolls are the ultimate Christmas tradition. With gooey cinnamon-sugar filling and rich cream cheese frosting, they’re a festive treat the whole family will love baking and sharing together.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • Filling: 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp cinnamon
  • Frosting: 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tbsp butter (softened), 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2–3 tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Proof yeast by mixing it into warm milk with a pinch of sugar; let sit until foamy (about 10 minutes).
  2. Mix flour, sugar, salt, softened butter, eggs, and proofed yeast mixture to form dough.
  3. Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise 1 hour, until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare filling: mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  5. Roll dough into a rectangle, spread filling evenly, and roll into a log.
  6. Cut into slices using floss or a sharp knife.
  7. Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise 30 minutes.
  8. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
  9. Prepare frosting: whisk cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
  10. Spread frosting generously over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Notes

For fluffier rolls, don’t rush the rising process—allow the dough to rest fully. Try customizing with nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips. Shape into a wreath for a festive centerpiece!

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American, Swedish-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: cinnamon roll christmas tradition, holiday breakfast, cream cheese frosting, festive pastries