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Cozy Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls from the Slow Cooker

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Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls made entirely in a slow cooker—perfect for a stress-free Christmas morning. This recipe yields pillowy rolls with a cream cheese glaze, no oven required.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze, plus more as needed)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (110°F) with 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well and add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky. Add flour a tablespoon at a time if too sticky.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled.
  5. Prepare filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a paste.
  6. Roll out dough: Punch down dough and roll into a 12×16-inch rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Spread filling evenly, leaving a ½-inch border on one long edge.
  7. Roll and cut: Roll tightly from the long edge opposite the border. Pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
  8. Line slow cooker: Line a 6-quart slow cooker with parchment paper, leaving overhang. Grease lightly.
  9. Arrange rolls: Place rolls cut side up in a single layer in the slow cooker. Cover.
  10. Second rise: Turn slow cooker to Warm for 15 minutes, then turn off. Let rolls rise for 20-30 minutes until puffy.
  11. Bake: Set slow cooker to High and cook for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Check at 1 hour.
  12. Make glaze: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth. Add more milk for desired consistency.
  13. Finish: Lift rolls out using parchment sling. Cool 5 minutes, then drizzle with glaze. Serve warm.

Notes

For dairy-free, use oat milk and vegan butter. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add an extra tablespoon of milk. Rolls can be assembled the night before and refrigerated; add 10-15 minutes to cooking time. If tops are pale, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, slow cooker, Christmas breakfast, homemade cinnamon rolls, cream cheese glaze

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/cozy-christmas-morning-cinnamon-rolls-from-the-slow-cooker/