Sure, I love the idea of sharing a Christmas recipe with a bit of a fun twist! It sounds like you’re making something irresistible that disappears before you know it! Here’s a full-on recipe for a beloved holiday treat: Gooey Cinnamon Rolls. I’ll include all the details you’re asking for.
Gooey Cinnamon Rolls: The Ultimate Christmas Treat
Introduction
When the holidays roll around, there’s nothing better than waking up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. These soft, fluffy, gooey buns are drizzled with a sweet icing and packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness. It’s no wonder that many people find themselves baking these in the dead of the night, sneaking bites, and hiding them from the family—because self-control just doesn’t stand a chance when it comes to cinnamon rolls!
This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a Christmas morning tradition in many households. The magic lies in the dough, which is soft and tender, and the filling, which melts perfectly into the rolls, creating that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Ingredients
For the dough
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the icing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (or more to reach desired consistency)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast
In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture is foamy and bubbling. This means your yeast is active and ready to rise. - Make the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix everything together until a dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or knead by hand for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. - First rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. - Prepare the filling
While the dough rises, make the filling. In a bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until well combined. - Shape the rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. - Roll and slice
Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Slice the roll into 12 even pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss (for clean cuts). - Second rise
Place the rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, making sure the rolls are close together but not overlapping. Cover the dish and let them rise for another 30 minutes. - Bake the rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. They should be soft and fluffy when you pull them apart. - Make the icing
While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese icing by whisking together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed. - Drizzle and serve
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, then generously drizzle the cream cheese icing over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Methods for Perfect Cinnamon Rolls
- Dough Kneading: For the softest, fluffiest rolls, make sure to knead the dough well. The more you knead, the more air you incorporate, which helps the dough rise beautifully.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use butter, eggs, and cream cheese that are softened to room temperature for a smoother texture and better mixing.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Patience is key when making cinnamon rolls. Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size. It’s tempting to skip this, but don’t—this is what gives the rolls their airy texture.
- Roll it Tight: Be sure to roll the dough tightly to ensure the rolls stay together as they bake, preventing them from unwinding during the cooking process.
History of Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls, as we know them today, have a long and rich history. They have origins in Scandinavian countries, where they were originally called “kanelbullar” in Sweden and “kanelknuter” in Norway. The tradition of baking with cinnamon was popularized in the early 20th century, and the sweet, sticky buns became a common breakfast or coffee-time treat.
When immigrants from Europe brought their recipes to the United States, cinnamon rolls became even more iconic, especially around the holidays. The first American cinnamon rolls were often filled with sugar, butter, and cinnamon, and topped with a glaze or icing to make them extra indulgent.
Conclusion
Whether you bake these cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning, at a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something delicious, they’re sure to become a hit! With their soft, gooey centers and sweet, creamy icing, these rolls are a true comfort food. And if you’re like me, you might just have to make an extra batch to hide away for yourself—self-control is a real struggle when it comes to these beauties!
Lovers of Cinnamon Rolls
These cinnamon rolls are not just a holiday treat—they’ve earned a place in the hearts (and bellies) of everyone who loves cozy, comforting, sweet treats. They’re perfect for lovers of warm, buttery, cinnamon-spiced pastries and anyone who enjoys starting their day with a sweet indulgence.
Let me know how your baking adventure goes! Or if you want a variation of the recipe (like adding nuts or fruit), I’m all for making this recipe your own!