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Soft and Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

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Enjoy the cozy flavors of the holiday season with these Soft and Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls topped with a rich Caramel Cream Cheese Icing. Perfectly tender rolls filled with a sweet cinnamon brown sugar mixture and finished with a luscious caramel-infused icing, these cinnamon rolls make a festive treat for breakfast or dessert during Christmas gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
  • 3 large eggs
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground vanilla bean powder

Filling

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature

Icing

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup caramel sauce
  • 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Flaky sea salt, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly on top, indicating the yeast is activated and ready.
  2. Make Dough: Add the softened butter, eggs, 3 1/2 to 4 cups of the flour, ground vanilla bean powder, and kosher salt to the yeast mixture. Mix using the dough hook until all flour is incorporated and the dough begins to come together, about 4-5 minutes. If the dough feels sticky, gradually add up to 1/4 cup more flour until the dough is smooth to the touch.
  3. First Rise: Cover the dough bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to rise at room temperature for approximately 1 hour or until it has doubled in size, which develops the fluffy texture.
  4. Prepare Filling & Baking Dish: While the dough rises, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the filling in a separate bowl. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ready it for the rolls.
  5. Shape Rolls: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to form a large rectangle about 12 by 18 inches. Spread the 6 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over the dough’s surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling evenly on top. Starting from the long edge closest to you, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the edges to seal and cut into 12-15 equal-sized rolls.
  6. Second Rise: Place the cut rolls into the prepared baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise again for 15-20 minutes to puff slightly before baking.
  7. Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
  8. Make Caramel Cream Cheese Icing: While rolls bake, melt butter in a pot over medium heat until it browns lightly and gives a toasted aroma, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy, then add the browned butter and mix to combine. Beat in the powdered sugar, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and a pinch of flaky sea salt until the icing is creamy and smooth.
  9. Ice the Rolls: Once the rolls are warm from the oven, spread the caramel cream cheese icing generously over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the soft, sweet, and festive cinnamon rolls.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast; around 110°F (43°C) is ideal.
  • Adding flour gradually helps achieve the perfect dough consistency without making it too dense.
  • The second rise after shaping is important for soft, fluffy rolls.
  • Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to the icing, enhancing the caramel notes.
  • Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving.
  • For a stronger caramel flavor, use a high-quality caramel sauce or homemade caramel.

Keywords: Christmas cinnamon rolls, caramel icing rolls, soft cinnamon rolls, holiday breakfast recipes, festive cinnamon rolls

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/soft-and-fluffy-christmas-cinnamon-rolls-with-caramel-cream-cheese-icing-recipe/