Al Roker’s Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls

Al Roker’s Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls

from eatingwell.com
Breakfast
50 min
9 servings
406 kcal / serving

These cinnamon rolls from Al Roker and Courtney Roker Laga’s cookbook are the perfect sweet bite and are ideal for Christmas morning.

Ingredients

  • ½ cupfirmly packed dark brown sugar
  • ¼ cupgranulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoonsground cinnamon
  • ½ cuphalf-and-half, warmed (110°f to 115°f)
  • 1 tablespoongranulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoonrapid-rise instant yeast
  • 2 cupsall-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 largeeggs, at room temperature
  • 7 tablespoonsunsalted butter, melted and cooled, divided
  • ¼ teaspoonkosher salt
  • ½ cupheavy cream, at room temperature
  • 4 ouncescream cheese, at room temperature
  • ½ cuppowdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoonsheavy cream, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoonvanilla extract

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.

  2. 2

    For the filling: Mix the sugars and cinnamon in a small bowl.

  3. 3

    For the rolls: Mix the half-and-half, granulated 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 the salt. Mix the dough on low speed for 5 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula occasionally.

  4. 4

    Transfer the dough to a lightly floured workspace. Roll it out into a 12x16-inch rectangle. With a pastry brush, brush the remaining 3 tablespoons melted butter all over the dough. Sprinkle the filling all over the dough, pressing it in. Roll up the dough tightly into a log and cut crosswise into 1½-inch-thick pieces.

  5. 5

    Place the rolls in the prepared pan, next to each other, cut sides up. Press down on each roll to make it slightly wider. Pour the cream on top of the rolls and bake for about 25 minutes, until the rolls are light golden brown.

  6. 6

    Meanwhile, for the frosting: Stir together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla in a small bowl.

  7. 7

    Spread the rolls with half of the frosting. Let sit for 5 minutes. Spread the remaining frosting on top and serve.