Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in delicious, homemade treats that bring comfort and joy to your celebrations. These Soft and Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Icing are the ultimate festive breakfast or dessert. With a buttery, fluffy dough, a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and a decadent caramel cream cheese icing drizzled on top, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to be the highlight of your holiday mornings. The combination of warm spices and creamy caramel makes them a treat that’s hard to resist.

Making homemade cinnamon rolls might seem like a challenge, but this recipe is easy to follow and gives you a light, airy texture that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for a cozy family breakfast or as a sweet gift to give during the holidays, these cinnamon rolls will fill your home with the most delightful aroma. Get ready to create memories while enjoying this mouthwatering festive treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Soft and Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect blend of rich, comforting flavors and fluffy textures. The dough is soft and light, and it rises beautifully, creating the ideal base for the decadent cinnamon filling. The addition of caramel sauce to both the filling and the icing takes the flavor profile to the next level, making each bite an indulgent experience. Topped with a creamy, tangy caramel cream cheese icing, these rolls are sure to wow your guests or make for a wonderful holiday breakfast or brunch.

The best part? They’re easy to make ahead and bake when you’re ready to serve, making them perfect for a stress-free holiday morning. This recipe offers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, and it’s an ideal treat to share with loved ones during the holiday season.

Ingredients

Warm milk
Active dry yeast
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter (melted and softened)
Salt
Eggs
All-purpose flour
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Chopped pecans (optional)
Caramel sauce

Variations

Vegan Option: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, use a plant-based butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute.
Nut-Free: Omit the chopped pecans if you prefer a nut-free version.
Cream Cheese Icing Twist: Add a splash of vanilla extract or maple syrup to the icing for an extra flavor boost.
Boozy Version: Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the caramel sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
Caramel-Only Icing: If you prefer just caramel, drizzle extra caramel sauce on top of the rolls in place of the cream cheese icing.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy and bubbly.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add granulated sugar, melted butter, salt, eggs, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and a dough forms.

Step 3: Knead and Let Rise

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Roll Out and Fill

Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped pecans (if using), and drizzle with caramel sauce.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 12 rolls and place them in a greased baking pan. Let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Ice and Serve

Drizzle the warm rolls with additional caramel sauce and serve immediately. Enjoy the soft, fluffy texture and the delicious combination of cinnamon and caramel flavors!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature butter for easier spreading when filling the dough.
Allow dough to rise fully to ensure the rolls are soft and fluffy. Be patient with the rising time.
Use fresh yeast to ensure a good rise. If the yeast doesn’t froth when mixed with milk, it may be expired.
Tightly roll the dough when assembling the cinnamon rolls to prevent them from being too loose and falling apart.
Add extra caramel sauce on top of the rolls if you want them to be extra indulgent.
Use a serrated knife to slice the rolls cleanly without squashing them.

How to Serve

These Soft and Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Icing are best served warm right out of the oven. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the perfect holiday breakfast or brunch. They also make for an excellent dessert after dinner with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds for a warm, soft texture.

Freezing

To freeze the rolls, bake them fully and let them cool completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm them in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F (180°C).

Reheating

To reheat cinnamon rolls, place them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes, until warm and soft. Add extra caramel sauce if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, active dry yeast works perfectly fine for this recipe. Just make sure to activate it in warm milk before using.

2. Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling it out and baking.

3. How can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Use dairy-free milk and plant-based butter to make this recipe dairy-free. You can also substitute the cream cheese icing with a non-dairy alternative.

4. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. Simply let them rise and bake them in the morning.

5. Can I add other spices to the filling?

Yes! Feel free to add nutmeg, ginger, or cloves to the cinnamon filling for extra warmth and spice.

6. Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used in place of pecans, depending on your preference.

7. Can I make a smaller batch of cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can easily halve the recipe to make fewer rolls if you don’t need a dozen.

8. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. After the first rise, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before proceeding with the recipe.

9. How do I prevent the rolls from becoming too dry?

Make sure not to overbake the rolls. Keep an eye on them as they bake and remove them from the oven as soon as they are golden brown.

10. What’s the best way to store the cream cheese icing?

Store the cream cheese icing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat slightly before drizzling on the rolls.

Conclusion

These Soft and Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Icing are the perfect holiday treat that brings warmth and joy to any celebration. With a soft, buttery dough, a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and a luscious caramel cream cheese icing, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, this recipe will become a holiday tradition in no time!