- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, warm water, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough for you.
- Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir well to mix evenly. Set aside.
- Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 16 inches long and 12 inches wide.
- Brush the dough with the melted butter and then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the entire surface.
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the longer edge. Pinch the seams to seal the roll.
- Slice the dough into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them close together for a soft, pull-apart texture. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffed and nearly doubled in size.
- Bake the Cinnamon Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
- Glaze the Rolls: Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve immediately.
Serving and Storage
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these cinnamon rolls warm, straight out of the oven, for the best experience.
- For an extra festive touch, garnish with some sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a holiday twist!
- Pair with a hot drink, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, for the perfect winter breakfast or snack.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the baked rolls (without glaze) for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warm.
- If you have extra glaze, store it in the fridge for up to a week and use it to top future batches or other baked goods.
Tips
- If you want to make the dough ahead of time, prepare it the night before, let it rise, punch it down, and refrigerate overnight. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before proceeding with the rest of the steps.
- If you prefer a richer glaze, you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the glaze mixture for a creamy, tangy finish.
- For a fun variation, try adding chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) or chocolate chips to the cinnamon-sugar mixture before rolling the dough.
Conclusion
These **Christmas Holiday Cinnamon Rolls** are the perfect holiday treat—soft, gooey, and bursting with flavor. With a light, fluffy dough, a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, and a rich glaze, they’re sure to be a hit at your next holiday breakfast or brunch. So gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy a slice of holiday magic!
FAQ
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk for the buttermilk. Buttermilk helps make the dough tender, but regular milk will still work well for this recipe.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and assemble the rolls the night before, then refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls without a glaze?
Yes, the rolls are delicious even without the glaze. If you prefer, you can also substitute with a simple butter or cream cheese icing.
