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–+ servings

Decadent Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls

Decadent cinnamon rolls baked with a cream soak and frosted with cream cheese icing, the perfect Christmas morning treat.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 9
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 402

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed firmly
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half, warmed to 110-115°F
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon rapid-rise instant yeast
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9x9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon for the filling.
  1. For the dough, combine the warmed half-and-half, sugar, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Add the flour, eggs, 4 tablespoons of the melted butter, and salt. Knead on low speed for 5 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula as needed.
  1. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and roll into a 12x16-inch rectangle. Brush the remaining 3 tablespoons melted butter over the entire surface. Sprinkle the filling evenly over the dough, pressing it lightly. Starting from a long edge, roll the dough into a tight log, then slice crosswise into 1½-inch-thick rounds.
  1. Place the rolls cut-side up in the prepared pan, close together. Gently press each roll to widen it slightly. Pour the 1/2 cup heavy cream over the rolls, then bake for about 25 minutes, until light golden brown.
  1. Meanwhile, for the frosting, stir together the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, and vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth.
  1. Spread half of the frosting over the warm rolls. Let rest for 5 minutes, then spread the remaining frosting on top and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 402kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 6gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 102mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26g

Notes

If you don't have half-and-half, substitute equal parts whole milk and heavy cream.
To make ahead, assemble the rolls (without the cream topping) the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, pour the cream over and bake, adding a few minutes to the cook time.
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make sure the butter is melted and slightly cooled, not hot, or it will kill the yeast.
Let the rolls cool for at least 5 minutes after frosting so the icing sets slightly.
Serve warm for the best texture.

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