There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your home, especially during the festive holiday season. These isn't just any cinnamon roll recipe; this is the ultimate guide to creating the most impossibly fluffy, tender, and utterly delicious Fluffy Holiday Cinnamon Rolls that will become a cherished tradition in your household.
Imagine biting into a warm roll, where each layer of soft, sweet dough unwinds to reveal a gooey, spiced cinnamon filling, all topped with a luxurious, tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s pure bliss, and surprisingly achievable with our detailed, easy-to-follow steps.
Why These Holiday Cinnamon Rolls Are a Must-Try
Our recipe for Fluffy Holiday Cinnamon Rolls stands out for a few reasons:
- Unbelievably Fluffy Texture: Thanks to a carefully balanced dough and proper rising techniques, these rolls are light as air.
- Rich & Gooey Filling: A generous amount of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a deeply flavorful and wonderfully gooey center.
- Perfectly Sweet Cream Cheese Frosting: The classic pairing of tangy cream cheese and sweet powdered sugar elevates every bite.
- Holiday Perfection: While delightful any time of year, these rolls truly shine during holiday breakfasts or brunches.
Key Ingredients for Success
Creating these magical rolls starts with quality ingredients. Let's look at what you'll need for each component.
For the Dough: The Foundation of Fluffiness
The dough is where the magic begins. Good quality yeast and the right temperature for your liquids are crucial. Understanding your yeast is key to a good rise. For more on how yeast works, you can check out resources like King Arthur Baking's guide to yeast.
- Warm milk (about 110°F)
- Active dry yeast
- Granulated sugar
- Melted butter
- Large eggs
- Salt
- All-purpose flour
For the Filling: Sweet & Spicy Goodness
This simple yet potent combination provides that signature cinnamon swirl.
- Softened unsalted butter
- Packed light brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting: The Icing on the Cake
No cinnamon roll is complete without a decadent cream cheese frosting.
- Softened cream cheese
- Softened unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk (or heavy cream)
Tips for the Perfect Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls
- Don't Rush the Rise: Patience is a virtue when working with yeast. Allow the dough ample time to rise in a warm, draft-free place.
- Gentle Handling: Overworking the dough after its first rise can lead to tough rolls. Be gentle when rolling it out and shaping.
- Warm Ingredients: Ensure your milk is warm (not hot!) to activate the yeast, and your butter and cream cheese are softened for smooth mixing.
- Even Slices: Use a sharp knife or even dental floss to get clean, even slices, which helps them bake uniformly.
Ready to create a holiday memory that tastes as good as it smells? Let's get baking!
FAQs
Can I make these fluffy holiday cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the cinnamon rolls up to the second rise, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before baking as directed. You can also bake them completely, then freeze for up to 1 month and reheat.
What makes these cinnamon rolls so fluffy?
The secret to fluffy cinnamon rolls lies in a few key factors: using warm milk to activate the yeast properly, ensuring a generous amount of butter and eggs in the dough for richness, and allowing sufficient time for two separate proofing (rising) periods. Gentle handling of the dough also helps maintain its tender texture.
How should I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store any leftover frosted cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, warm them slightly in the microwave or oven before serving to restore their gooey, fresh-baked texture.
Can I adapt the filling or frosting for these rolls?
Certainly! While the classic cinnamon-sugar filling is divine, you can experiment with additions like finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), orange zest for a citrusy kick, or a touch of cardamom. For the frosting, try adding a hint of maple extract, almond extract, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a salted caramel effect.
Fluffy Holiday Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 large rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the most incredibly fluffy, warm, and gooey homemade cinnamon rolls, perfect for making your holiday mornings extra special.
Ingredients
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 tsp active dry yeast
1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
2 large eggs
1 tsp salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
1 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
4 oz cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for frosting)
Instructions
Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Step 2: Add the remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed with the dough hook until a shaggy dough forms. Increase speed to medium-low and knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should be slightly sticky but pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 4: Lightly grease a large bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well mixed and spreadable.
Step 6: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 12x18 inches.
Step 7: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) on one of the long edges clean.
Step 8: Starting from the long edge opposite the clean border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam gently to seal.
Step 9: Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 even slices, about 1.5 inches thick. Arrange the slices in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 10: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for another 45-60 minutes, or until they look puffy and have nearly doubled in size.
Step 11: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. If they start browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil.
Step 12: While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add more milk, if needed, to reach your desired consistency.
Step 13: Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for 5-10 minutes before spreading generously with the cream cheese frosting. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra rich dough, use whole milk. Ensure all cold ingredients like eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing, as this helps with emulsification and a smoother dough. Don't skip the two rise times—they are essential for the ultimate fluffy texture!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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