Ho-Ho-Ho-liday Cinnamon Rolls

When you think about the holidays, what comes to your mind? Could it be the festivities waiting for you in the living room? The music playing in the background? The bright sunny morning greeting you hello? Well, for me, it’s a warm plate of soft and buttery Ho-Ho-Ho-liday Cinnamon Rolls.

The cinnamon spice and hints of vanilla remind me of some of my best holiday memories. And it could do the same for you too! These aren’t just for the holiday season though — I make them year round as the perfect breakfast or dessert.

The trick to making these cinnamon rolls is to follow the process. The ingredients are as simple as can be. It’s how you prepare it, cook it, and serve it that makes all the difference.

If you want to make the best homemade Ho-Ho-Ho-liday Cinnamon Rolls, here are some helpful tips you need to know.

One: Always make sure that your butter is super soft when you spread it on your rolled dough. Doing this will prevent any tearing on your dough.

Two: Never overmix your dough. Many people make the mistake of mixing the dough so much that it becomes tough. In some cases, people mix it not enough, making it a gloppy mess. You’ll know if the dough is mixed perfectly if you can easily pull away at the sides without it sticking to your hands very much.

Three: Don’t be a scrooge on the filling. Cover your dough from edge to edge to get all the delicious sugar and cinnamon filling with every bite. Nobody likes to eat a cinnamon roll with just plain dough, so you need to be generous with the flavor. After all, the filling’s the best part.

Once you have everything in order, you can make your own Ho-Ho-Ho-liday Cinnamon Rolls. Whether you eat them at breakfast time, for dessert after lunch, or just as a snack during the day, these perfectly sweet and spiced treats are a great way to satisfy your cravings.

Ho-Ho-Ho-liday Cinnamon Rolls

Reminisce about your favorite childhood memory and ignite the holiday spirit with the Ho-Ho-Ho-liday Cinnamon Rolls. With their sweet aroma and soft, warm, creamy goodness, they’re just what you need to get out of bed every morning.

• Author: Addie Gundry
• Prep Time: 50 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 cinnamon rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Rolls
  • 1/2 cup warm water (120 degrees F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons quick-rise yeast
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for the work surface
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg
• Filling
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small chunks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder
• Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. For the rolls: Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar.
3. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the flour, salt, and remaining sugar briefly to combine.
4. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk and butter and microwave for 30 seconds. With the mixer on low, add the milk mixture and the egg. Add the yeast mixture. Switch to the dough hook and knead on low for 4 minutes, until smooth.
5. For the filling: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, sugar, cinnamon, and espresso powder and microwave for 20 seconds on high, then stir into a smooth paste.
6. Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to make a 9 x 15-inch rectangle. Spread evenly with the filling. Roll tightly from the narrow end into a log; cut into nine slices.
7. Fit the 9 rolls into the baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, turn off the oven, and set the rolls in the warm oven for 20 minutes to rise.
8. Remove the baking dish and remove the plastic wrap. Turn the oven on to 375ºF and immediately place the rolls in the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool.
9. For the glaze: While the rolls are cooling, stir the powdered sugar, milk, espresso powder, and vanilla in a small bowl until completely smooth. Drizzle over the rolls and serve.

Do you have a favorite way to enjoy cinnamon rolls?