Christmas Morning Sweet Rolls

Total Time

Prep: 45 min. + chilling Bake: 20 min.

Makes

1 dozen

Updated: Nov. 09, 2022
These make-ahead rolls have been a holiday tradition for years. The eggnog in the frosting makes them extra special on Christmas morning. —Kimberly Williams, Brownsburg, Indiana
Christmas Morning Sweet Rolls Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • FILLING:
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3 tablespoons butter, softened
  • FROSTING:
  • 2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 5 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons eggnog

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine sugar, salt, 1 cup flour, oil, egg and the yeast mixture; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
  2. Do not knead. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  3. For filling, in a small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Punch down dough; turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 18x8-in. rectangle. Spread with butter to within 1/2 in. of edges; sprinkle with sugar mixture. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 slices.
  4. Place in a greased 13x9-in. baking pan, cut side down. Cover with a kitchen towel; let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Place on a wire rack to cool slightly. Beat confectioners’ sugar, butter, cinnamon, vanilla and enough eggnog to reach desired consistency; spread over warm rolls.

Test Kitchen tip
  • Give the frosting a little holiday cheer by adding 1/2 tsp. rum extract.
  • The dough can be held in the refrigerator 8 to 24 hours before assembling.
  • You can even prepare the rolls and store them in the refrigerator overnight before baking. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
  • Nutrition Facts

    1 roll: 424 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.