Imagine pulling apart a soft, golden roll that's so delicate it practically melts in your mouth, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma of buttery warmth and sweet cream. These Sweet Cream Holiday Rolls aren't just a recipe—they're a culinary experience that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Whether you're looking to impress your family during festive gatherings or craving a luxurious weekend breakfast treat, these rolls promise to elevate your baking game and create instant smiles around the table.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk (around 110°F) with sugar and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Add melted butter to the yeast mixture and stir gently to combine all wet ingredients thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour and salt to ensure even distribution and remove any lumps.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or electric mixer with a dough hook until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when gently pressed.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape, approximately 12x16 inches.
- Brush the rolled-out dough with heavy cream, ensuring even coverage to create a rich, tender texture.
- Roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side, and slice into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss.
- Place the rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, leaving a small space between each roll to allow for rising.
- Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30-40 minutes in a warm location until they have increased in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during the final rising period.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with additional heavy cream for a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving warm.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk is precisely warm (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading Technique: Don't rush the kneading process—a full 6-8 minutes develops the gluten for that perfect, soft texture.
- Rising Environment: Choose a warm, draft-free spot like near a preheating oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on.
- Cream Magic: The heavy cream brushed on the rolls creates a luxurious golden crust and adds rich flavor.
- Cutting Hack: Use unflavored dental floss for clean, even roll slices that maintain their shape.
- Fresh is Best: Serve these rolls warm for the most incredible taste and texture experience.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dough the night before and do the second rise in the morning for fresh breakfast rolls.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
