Cinnamon Rolls with Sour Cream Glaze

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Absolutely! Let’s make this a full, indulgent Christmas morning treat recipe featuring that irresistible sour cream glaze. 🎄✨

🍩 Cinnamon Rolls with Sour Cream Glaze

Introduction

Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to warm, soft, buttery cinnamon rolls, their sweet aroma filling the house. Add a tangy, luscious sour cream glaze that drips over every roll, and you’ve got a festive breakfast that’s impossible to resist. This recipe creates rolls that are fluffy on the inside, golden-brown on the outside, and generously swirled with cinnamon sugar. The sour cream glaze adds a rich, creamy tang that makes these rolls extra special—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family mornings.

History

Cinnamon rolls trace their origins to Northern Europe, particularly Sweden, where “kanelbullar” have been a beloved pastry since the 18th century. Over time, variations spread across the globe, with Americans embracing oversized, gooey versions topped with icing or glaze. Adding a sour cream glaze is a modern twist that balances the sweetness of the rolls with a subtle tang, making it a popular choice for festive occasions like Christmas.

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs

For the filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

For the sour cream glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp sour cream
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Make the dough

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in melted butter and eggs.
  3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the filling

  1. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl.
  2. Spread softened butter over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly on top.

Step 3: Assemble the rolls

  1. Roll dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
  2. Spread butter and cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over dough.
  3. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
  4. Slice into 12 equal rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
  5. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 4: Bake the rolls

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Let cool 10–15 minutes before glazing.

Step 5: Make the sour cream glaze

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Drizzle generously over warm rolls.

Methods & Tips

  • Soft dough: Use room-temperature eggs and warm milk to help the yeast activate properly.
  • Even filling: Spread butter to the edges of the dough for a consistent swirl in every roll.
  • Glaze tip: Add more sour cream for a thinner glaze or less for a thicker drizzle.

Formation

  1. Bottom layer: tender, buttery cinnamon roll dough
  2. Middle layer: swirled brown sugar and cinnamon mixture
  3. Top layer: tangy, creamy sour cream glaze

This layering ensures a perfect combination of sweetness, spice, and creamy tang in every bite.

Conclusion

These cinnamon rolls with sour cream glaze are a Christmas morning classic. Soft, gooey, and rich, they fill the home with warmth and joy. The tangy glaze elevates the rolls, creating a decadent breakfast treat that will become a holiday tradition. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and slightly tangy flavors.

For the Lovers

  • Serve warm with coffee, hot chocolate, or a spiced latte.
  • Sprinkle crushed nuts, cinnamon, or holiday sprinkles on the glaze for extra festivity.
  • Perfect for gifting: wrap a single roll in parchment and tie with a ribbon.

If you want, I can also make a “Ultimate Christmas Morning Cinnamon Roll Tower” recipe with layers of sour cream glaze, chocolate drizzle, and crushed candy canes—a real showstopper for the holiday table.

Do you want me to do that? 🎄🍩✨

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