Print

Fluffy Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls

fluffy christmas morning cinnamon rolls - featured image
Print Recipe

These fluffy cinnamon rolls are perfect for cozy holiday mornings, featuring a tender dough with cottage cheese and a rich cinnamon-sugar filling topped with creamy cream cheese icing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp or 7g) active dry yeast
  • ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk, warmed (not hot!)
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • ½ cup (120g) cottage cheese, small-curd and drained
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar, preferably light
  • 3 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tbsp milk or cream (to thin as needed)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, stir the warm milk (110°F / 43°C) with the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the melted butter, cottage cheese, eggs, and salt. Add the yeast mixture once ready and stir to combine.
  3. Add the flour: Gradually mix in the flour, about 1 cup (125g) at a time, until dough is soft and slightly sticky but pulls away from the bowl sides.
  4. Knead the dough: Knead for 7-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  6. Prepare the filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Soften butter and have vanilla extract ready.
  7. Roll out the dough: Punch down dough and roll into a 15×10 inch rectangle on a floured surface.
  8. Spread the filling: Brush softened butter over dough, sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture, and drizzle vanilla extract.
  9. Roll and slice: Roll dough into a tight log from the long side and slice into 12 equal rolls (about 1 ½ inch thick).
  10. Second rise: Place rolls cut-side up in greased baking pan, cover, and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  11. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  12. Make the icing: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk a tablespoon at a time to thin.
  13. Finish: Cool rolls 10 minutes, then drizzle or spread cream cheese icing. Serve warm.

Notes

Use warm milk (110°F) to activate yeast properly. Knead dough well for fluffy texture. Use dental floss to slice rolls cleanly. Tent rolls with foil if browning too fast. Icing is best applied slightly warm rolls for melting effect. Dough can be prepared the night before after first rise and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, Christmas morning, holiday breakfast, fluffy cinnamon rolls, cream cheese icing, easy cinnamon rolls, cozy brunch

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/fluffy-christmas-morning-cinnamon-rolls-easy-recipe-for-cozy-holidays/