These classic Christmas morning cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy, buttery, and filled with warm cinnamon sugar. They’re topped with a creamy homemade cream cheese frosting that melts beautifully over the warm rolls.
Made with a tender homemade yeast dough, these cinnamon rolls are perfect for Christmas morning breakfast, holiday brunches, family gatherings, and cozy winter mornings.
The best part is that you can prepare the rolls the night before, refrigerate them overnight, and bake them fresh on Christmas morning.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cinnamon Rolls
- Soft and fluffy
- Buttery cinnamon filling
- Creamy cream cheese frosting
- Perfect Christmas breakfast
- Great for holiday brunch
- Can be prepared the night before
- Makes the kitchen smell amazing
- Family-friendly
- Freezer-friendly
- Perfect with coffee or hot chocolate
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm whole milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
How to Make Classic Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls
1. Activate the Yeast
Add warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast to a large mixing bowl.
Let the mixture sit for approximately 5–10 minutes.
The yeast should become foamy.
Make sure the liquid is warm rather than hot because excessive heat can damage the yeast.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter and egg.
Whisk gently until combined.
3. Add the Flour
Gradually add the flour and salt.
Stir until a soft dough begins to form.
4. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
Knead for approximately 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but shouldn’t stick heavily to your hands.
5. First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1–1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Keep the softened butter separate.
7. Roll Out the Dough
Once doubled, gently punch down the dough.
Transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
Roll it into a rectangle approximately 14 × 18 inches.
Try to keep the thickness relatively even.
8. Add the Butter
Spread softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
Leave a small border around the edges.
9. Add the Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the butter.
Press gently so the filling stays in place.
10. Roll the Dough
Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
Keep the roll even as you work.
11. Cut the Rolls
Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into approximately 12 equal pieces.
12. Arrange in the Baking Dish
Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
Arrange the rolls with a little space between them.
They will expand during the second rise.
13. Second Rise
Cover the dish.
Allow the rolls to rise for approximately 30–45 minutes.
They should look noticeably puffy.
14. Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Bake the cinnamon rolls for approximately 22–28 minutes, or until lightly golden on top and cooked through.
Avoid overbaking because this can make the rolls dry.
15. Make the Frosting
While the rolls bake, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
Mix until creamy.
Add milk gradually until the frosting reaches your preferred consistency.
16. Frost the Warm Rolls
Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool for approximately 5–10 minutes.
Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
The frosting should soften and melt slightly into the cinnamon swirls.
17. Serve
Serve warm with coffee, hot chocolate, or your favorite Christmas morning beverage.
Can I Make Cinnamon Rolls the Night Before?
Absolutely.
This is one of the best ways to make Christmas morning easier.
Prepare the rolls through the cutting and arranging stage.
Cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate overnight.
The next morning, let the rolls sit at room temperature until slightly puffy, then bake according to the recipe.
How Do I Make Overnight Cinnamon Rolls?
Prepare the dough, filling, and rolls as directed.
Arrange the unbaked rolls in the baking dish.
Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, remove them from the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature for approximately 45–90 minutes, depending on how cold your kitchen is.
Bake until golden and cooked through.
Why Didn’t My Cinnamon Rolls Rise?
Several factors can affect yeast dough.
The yeast may be inactive, the liquid may have been too hot or too cold, or the dough may have been placed somewhere too cold.
Give the dough enough time to rise in a comfortably warm environment.
How Do I Keep Cinnamon Rolls Soft?
Avoid adding too much flour.
The dough should remain soft and slightly tacky.
Also avoid overbaking.
Once the rolls are lightly golden and cooked through, remove them from the oven.
Can I Use Instant Yeast?
Yes.
Instant yeast can generally be mixed directly with the dry ingredients, although you can still activate it in warm liquid if preferred.
Can I Use Active Dry Yeast?
Yes.
That’s what this recipe uses.
Allowing the yeast to foam before continuing helps confirm that it is active.
Can I Use Bread Flour?
Yes.
Bread flour can create slightly chewier rolls.
All-purpose flour creates a softer, more tender texture.
Can I Make These Without Cream Cheese Frosting?
Yes.
Try a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Can I Add Nuts?
Absolutely.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon filling before rolling.
Can I Add Raisins?
Yes.
Raisins are a classic addition to cinnamon rolls.
Sprinkle them evenly over the filling before rolling.
Can I Add Orange?
Orange zest works beautifully in Christmas cinnamon rolls.
Add a little orange zest to the dough, filling, or cream cheese frosting.
Can I Add Cranberries?
Yes.
Dried cranberries add a festive sweet-tart flavor.
Can I Add Christmas Sprinkles?
Absolutely.
Add a small amount of red and green sprinkles over the frosting immediately before serving.
Can I Freeze Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes.
You can freeze baked cinnamon rolls or freeze the unbaked rolls before their final rise.
For best results, wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
How Do I Reheat Cinnamon Rolls?
Place individual rolls in the microwave for approximately 15–25 seconds.
For a larger batch, cover them with foil and warm them gently in a low oven.
How Long Do Cinnamon Rolls Last?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1–2 days, or refrigerate them for approximately 4–5 days.
Because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is recommended for longer storage.
Easy Christmas Cinnamon Roll Variations
Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Add fresh orange zest to the dough and frosting.
Pecan Cinnamon Rolls
Add toasted chopped pecans to the cinnamon filling.
Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls
Add dried cranberries and orange zest.
Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls
Add mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling.
Maple Cinnamon Rolls
Add maple syrup to the frosting.
Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
Add ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to the cinnamon filling.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Add finely diced cooked apples to the filling.
Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls
Replace some of the milk in the frosting with eggnog and add a pinch of nutmeg.
What Should I Serve With Christmas Cinnamon Rolls?
These rolls pair perfectly with:
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Hot tea
- Fresh fruit
- Scrambled eggs
- Breakfast casserole
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Fresh berries
Can I Make These for Christmas Brunch?
Absolutely.
They pair especially well with savory breakfast dishes and fresh fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these on Christmas Eve?
Yes. Overnight preparation is one of the easiest options.
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes. Adjust the method according to the yeast package instructions.
Why are my cinnamon rolls dry?
Too much flour or overbaking are common causes.
Why are my cinnamon rolls dense?
The dough may not have risen enough, or the yeast may not have been active.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes. Reduce the added salt slightly if desired.
Can I make mini cinnamon rolls?
Yes. Cut the log into smaller pieces and reduce the baking time.
Can I make giant cinnamon rolls?
Yes. Cut fewer, larger pieces and allow additional baking time as needed.
Can I add cream cheese frosting while they’re hot?
Let the rolls cool for about 5–10 minutes first so the frosting melts slightly without completely disappearing.
Can I make the frosting ahead?
Yes. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring it closer to room temperature before spreading.
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes. An egg-free dough can be made with an appropriate egg substitute, although the texture will differ slightly.
Recipe Card
Classic Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Rise Time: 2–2 1/4 hours
Cook Time: 22–28 minutes
Total Time: About 3 hours
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast / Brunch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
Filling
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Combine warm milk, water, sugar, and yeast.
- Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add melted butter and egg.
- Gradually add flour and salt.
- Knead for 6–8 minutes.
- Cover and let rise until doubled.
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Roll dough into a 14 × 18-inch rectangle.
- Spread softened butter over the dough.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll tightly into a log.
- Cut into 12 rolls.
- Arrange in a greased 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 22–28 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.
- Cool rolls for 5–10 minutes.
- Spread frosting over warm rolls.
- Serve warm.