Introduction
There’s something about the holidays that seems to ignite a special kind of magic, especially when it comes to food. One of the most beloved holiday treats is the warm, fragrant Christmas cinnamon roll. Soft, fluffy, and abundant with the aromatic smell of cinnamon and sugar, these delightful rolls are perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive gatherings. This article will provide you with a detailed guide on making scrumptious Christmas cinnamon rolls from scratch, from the dough preparation to the final icing that takes these rolls to the next level.
Detailed Ingredients
Dough:
– 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling:
– 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Icing:
– 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup salted butter, browned
– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dough
To start your cinnamon rolls, gather your ingredients and have a stand mixer ready. In the bowl of the stand mixer, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. This mixture will activate the yeast, so let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly on top. This step is crucial as it ensures your dough will rise well.
Next, add the melted butter, eggs, 3 1/2 cups of flour, vanilla extract, and salt to the bubbly yeast mixture. Use the dough hook attachment to mix everything until the flour is fully incorporated. This process should take about 4-5 minutes. If you notice that the dough is still sticky, continue adding flour incrementally, 1/4 cup at a time, until you achieve a smooth and elastic texture.
Let the Dough Rise
Once the dough is well-mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm area. Let it sit for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This rising period is essential for developing the dough’s flavor and texture, leading to beautifully fluffy cinnamon rolls.
Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing them well to create a delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Once your dough is ready, roll it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a large rectangle, about 12 x 18 inches in size. With the dough rolled out, the next step is to spread the softened butter evenly across its surface. This will act as a glue for the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure each bite is warmly spiced.
After spreading the butter, generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the buttered dough. Ensure an even distribution for the best flavor.
Shape the Rolls
Now it’s time to shape your rolls. Start at the long edge of the rectangle that is closest to you and carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Make sure to keep it as tight as possible to achieve beautiful swirls in your rolls. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it.
Using a sharp knife or a piece of dental floss, slice the log into 12-15 equal-sized rolls. The precise size of the rolls can depend on your preference, though typically, larger rolls will yield more satisfying results.
Transfer the rolls into a buttered 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover them with plastic wrap once more and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes. This secondary rise helps to create lighter and fluffier rolls upon baking.
Bake the Rolls
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have finished their second rise and are fluffy, it’s time to bake them. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
The aroma of baking cinnamon rolls will fill your kitchen, creating an enticing atmosphere that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Make the Icing
While the rolls are baking, you can prepare the icing for drizzling on top. In a small pot set over medium heat, brown the butter by letting it melt and cook until it smells toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn it; you want a lovely golden-brown color.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s fluffy and smooth. To this, add the browned butter along with the powdered sugar, salted caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture until it becomes creamy and well combined.
Frost the Rolls
Once your cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately spread the warm icing generously over the top. The warmth of the rolls will help the icing melt slightly, creating a delicious glaze that seeps into the swirls.
Serve the rolls warm and watch as everyone enjoys the heavenly combination of soft dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and rich icing. A perfect centerpiece on any holiday table, these cinnamon rolls will surely become a family favorite.
Notes
1. If you prefer a less sweet roll, consider reducing the amount of brown sugar in the filling. You can also experiment with the icing ingredients to customize the sweetness to your preference.
2. For added decoration, you could sprinkle crushed nuts or festive sprinkles on top of the icing before it sets.
3. For a more decadent treat, consider adding chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolate-cinnamon fusion.
4. These rolls can be prepared the night before. Just place the unbaked rolls in the refrigerator after the second rise, and bake them in the morning; they will need a slightly longer baking time.
Cook techniques
– Mixing: Using a stand mixer with a dough hook is the easiest way to mix and knead the dough. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix the ingredients by hand in a bowl and knead on a lightly floured surface.
– Browning Butter: Pay close attention when browning butter. The process is quick and it can go from perfectly brown to burnt in a matter of seconds, so keep stirring and watch it closely.
– Rolling: When rolling the dough, keep it as tight as possible. A tight roll ensures that your cinnamon rolls will stay nicely swirled as they bake.
FAQ
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and roll them out the night before. Simply let the shaped rolls rise in the refrigerator overnight, then bake them fresh in the morning.
How can I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
You can store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Freeze the uniced rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat cinnamon rolls?
Reheat cinnamon rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they are warmed through. You could also microwave them for 15-20 seconds, but baking will help maintain their texture.
Can I use different fillings in my cinnamon rolls?
Yes! You can get creative with fillings. Consider adding fruits like apples or raisins, nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even experimenting with various spices such as nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Christmas cinnamon rolls are more than just a bakery item; they’re a beloved holiday tradition that warms both hearts and houses. The process might seem daunting, but following the steps carefully will yield delicious results. The joy of sharing these delightful, gooey rolls with loved ones makes all the effort worthwhile.
So next Christmas, surprise your family and friends with a fresh batch of homemade cinnamon rolls, and indulge in the cherished flavors of the season together.
More recipes suggestions and combinations
– Gingerbread Cookies: Spice up your holiday gathering with some classic gingerbread cookies decorated with icing.
– Hot Chocolate Bar: Create a festive hot chocolate bar with various toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint sticks.
– Eggnog Muffins: Try these delightful muffins that embody the flavors of eggnog for a holiday twist on a classic breakfast option.
– Panettone French Toast: Transform leftover panettone into a delicious French toast breakfast for a delightful holiday brunch.
– Peppermint Bark: For a quick and easy treat, melt chocolate and swirl in crushed peppermint candies for festive peppermint bark.
Enjoy your festive cooking and baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and plenty of sweet treats!