Few things capture the warmth, joy, and irresistible aroma of Christmas mornings like a tray of soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven. These Christmas Cinnamon Rolls are extra special: pillowy dough, spiced cinnamon filling, and a luscious caramel cream cheese icing that melts into every swirl. If you’re looking for unforgettable holiday baking recipes, this one should be at the top of your list.
Perfect for Christmas morning, festive brunches, or cozy winter evenings, these cinnamon rolls combine classic comfort with a decadent seasonal twist. Let’s get baking!
Christmas mornings deserve something magical—something warm, sweet, comforting, and unforgettable. These Soft and Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Icing are everything the holidays taste like. Made with fluffy dough, cinnamon warmth, and silky caramel frosting, this recipe will instantly become one of your favorite holiday baking recipes.
Ingredients
Below is the full breakdown of ingredients for the dough, filling, and the caramel cream cheese icing.
For the Dough
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1 cup warm milk (around 110°F / 43°C)
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2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
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⅓ cup granulated sugar
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⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra if needed)
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1 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Filling
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
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½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for a Christmas flavor boost)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps prevent sugar from leaking out)
the Caramel Cream Cheese Icing
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4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar
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4 tablespoons caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Required Kitchen Tools
To make these cinnamon rolls easily and professionally, you’ll need:
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Stand mixer with dough hook (recommended but optional)
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Large mixing bowl
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Medium bowl for icing
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Rolling pin
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Sharp knife or pastry cutter
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Baking dish (9×13 inches)
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Parchment paper (optional)
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
This recipe is easy to follow and designed to guarantee soft, fluffy rolls—even if it’s your first time making cinnamon rolls from scratch.
1: Activate the Yeast
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Warm the milk until it reaches about 110°F (warm but not hot).
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Pour it into a mixing bowl, add the sugar and yeast, then lightly whisk.
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Let the mixture rest for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
If the mixture does not foam, your yeast may be expired—start again with fresh yeast.
2: Prepare the Dough
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Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the yeast mixture.
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Mix until fully combined.
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Add the flour and salt and stir until a soft dough forms.
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Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes (or using a mixer for 4 minutes) until smooth, stretchy, and slightly tacky.
The dough should NOT be sticky.
If needed, add 1–3 tablespoons of flour until you reach the perfect consistency.
3: Let the Dough Rise (First Rise)
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Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
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Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
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Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
A warm oven that has been turned off works beautifully.
4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
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In a bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until creamy.
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Set aside at room temperature.
5: Roll Out the Dough
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Lightly flour your work surface.
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Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
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Spread the cinnamon filling evenly across the dough, all the way to the edges.
6: Roll and Slice
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Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
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Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut into 12 large rolls (or 15 smaller rolls).
Floss prevents the rolls from getting squished and keeps the swirls perfect.
7: Arrange and Second Rise
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Place the rolls inside your greased baking dish.
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Cover again and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
8: Bake
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake the rolls for 22–27 minutes, until golden brown.
For super soft rolls, avoid overbaking—they should be lightly golden, not dark brown.
9: Make the Caramel Cream Cheese Icing
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Beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy.
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Add powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
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Add caramel sauce, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
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Mix until silky.
You can adjust icing thickness by adding more caramel (for a thinner drizzle) or more powdered sugar (for a thicker frosting).
10: Frost the Cinnamon Rolls
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Spread the icing over the warm rolls so it melts beautifully into the swirls.
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Serve warm and enjoy the Christmas magic!
Helpful Tips
These tips will help your recipe turn out bakery-perfect every time.
1. Use Warm (Not Hot) Milk
Hot liquid kills yeast, preventing the dough from rising properly.
Always aim for around 110°F / 43°C.
2. Do Not Add Excess Flour
For soft and fluffy rolls, the dough must remain slightly tacky.
Too much flour = dry, tough rolls.
3. Use Brown Sugar for a Rich Filling
Brown sugar adds a deeper caramel flavor that beautifully complements the icing.
4. Let the Dough Rise in a Warm, Draft-Free Space
A cold kitchen will slow the rise significantly.
Placing the bowl inside a turned-off oven works perfectly.
5. Don’t Overbake
Overbaking is the #1 reason cinnamon rolls become dry.
Check the rolls at 22 minutes—they should be golden on top but soft in the center.
6. Frost While Warm
Warm rolls allow the icing to melt beautifully into the layers.
7. Make Ahead Options
Overnight method:
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After slicing the rolls and placing them in the dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
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Bring to room temperature for 45 minutes in the morning, then bake.
Perfect for Christmas morning!
8. Freeze for Later
You can freeze:
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Unbaked rolls (after slicing)
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Baked rolls without icing
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Fully baked and frosted rolls
Perfect for holiday meal prep.
9. Add Christmas Flavors
To make them extra festive:
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Add orange zest to the dough
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Add ginger or cardamom to the filling
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Add cranberries or chopped pecans inside the roll
10. Use Caramel Sauce with Salt
A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per serving (1 cinnamon roll with icing):
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Calories: 340–380
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Carbohydrates: 55 g
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Protein: 5–6 g
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Fat: 13–15 g
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Sugar: 28–30 g
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Fiber: 1–2 g
Values vary depending on portion size and icing amount.
Why These Rolls Are Perfect for Holiday Baking
These Christmas Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect festive treat because they combine:
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Classic cinnamon roll comfort
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Extra-fluffy, buttery dough
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A unique caramel cream cheese icing
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Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg
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A cozy aroma that fills the entire house
This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s a full holiday experience.
If you’re looking for holiday baking recipes that impress guests, delight family, and create Christmas memories, these cinnamon rolls deserve a place at the very top of your list.
Conclusion:
There’s truly nothing like the smell of homemade cinnamon rolls drifting through the house on a chilly December morning. These Soft and Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls with Caramel Cream Cheese Icing bring together everything we love about holiday baking recipes: warm spices, rich sweetness, comforting textures, and unforgettable flavors.
Fluffy Christmas Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
Notes
