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Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls

Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, very soft
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream

Method
 

  1. Warm the milk to 110°F (43°C). Stir in yeast and a pinch of sugar, let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix with a dough hook for 5 minutes until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead by hand 3 to 5 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Punch down dough, roll into a 12x18 inch rectangle. Spread with soft butter, sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 rolls.
  5. Arrange rolls in a greased 9x13 inch pan, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight, at least 8 hours.
  6. In the morning, remove pan from fridge while oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). Bake 25 to 28 minutes until golden. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth, spread over warm rolls.

Notes

The total time does not include the overnight rise, which is at least 8 hours. The rolls can go straight from the fridge into the oven. If the pan feels very cold, add 2 to 3 minutes to the bake time.