Al Roker’s Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls: A Festive Family Tradition
Introduction: Al Roker’s Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls to make Christmas morning feel extra special. For Al Roker, this tradition is more than just a recipe—it’s a heartfelt connection to family and holiday memories. His Christmas morning cinnamon rolls are a perfect blend of gooey sweetness and warm spices, ready to bake in just 50 minutes. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or looking for a show-stopping breakfast to impress your loved ones, these rolls are guaranteed to bring joy to your holiday table. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover why Christmas morning cinnamon rolls are the ultimate way to celebrate the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Thanks to rapid-rise yeast, these rolls are ready in just 50 minutes.
- Irresistible Flavor: A perfect balance of cinnamon, sugar, and creamy frosting.
- Family Tradition: A heartwarming recipe that’s perfect for creating holiday memories.
Recipe Details
| Active Time | Total Time | Servings | Nutrition Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 minutes | 50 minutes | 9 | Sesame-Free, Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Vegetarian |
Ingredients
For the Filling
- ½ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Rolls
- ½ cup half-and-half, warmed (110°F to 115°F)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon rapid-rise instant yeast
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled, divided
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup heavy cream, at room temperature
For the Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the warmed half-and-half, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add the flour, eggs, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, and salt. Mix on low speed for 5 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally with a silicone spatula.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 12x16-inch rectangle.
- Brush the remaining 3 tablespoons of melted butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar filling over the dough, pressing it gently to adhere.
- Tightly roll the dough into a log and cut it crosswise into 1½-inch-thick pieces.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Place the rolls in the prepared pan, cut sides up, and press them slightly to widen.
- Pour the heavy cream over the rolls and bake for 25 minutes, or until they’re light golden brown.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting. In a small bowl, stir together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 7: Frost & Serve
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, spread half of the frosting over them. Let them sit for 5 minutes.
- Add the remaining frosting and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Carbohydrates | Dietary Fiber | Total Sugars | Protein | Cholesterol | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 406 | 22g (28% DV) | 13g (66% DV) | 47g (17% DV) | 1g (4% DV) | 24g | 6g (12% DV) | 101mg (34% DV) | 108mg (5% DV) |
Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, cream, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother dough and frosting.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls to prevent overbaking—they should be light golden brown and soft in the center.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a stress-free Christmas breakfast.