There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, isn’t there? The twinkling lights, the chill in the air, and the sweet aroma of baking treats wafting through the house create a sense of warmth and nostalgia. I vividly remember spending cozy afternoons with my grandmother in her kitchen, surrounded by flour-strewn countertops and the delightful sound of cinnamon and chocolate mingling in the oven. She had a knack for transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary, and one of my absolute favorites was her freshly baked cinnamon rolls.

This holiday season, I’m excited to share a recipe that combines the comforting goodness of cinnamon rolls with the festive charm of peppermint bark—Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls! Trust me, these rolls are a delightful twist that you won’t want to miss. They’re fluffy, drizzled with a rich frosting, and just the right amount of minty, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Let’s dive in together and whip up some magic in our own kitchens!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Treat: Perfect for the holiday season—these rolls brighten any brunch table!
Easy Prep: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a breeze!
Comforting Flavors: The cozy cinnamon and creamy peppermint blend beautifully.
Impressive Presentation: They look just as good as they taste, perfect for impressing guests.
Endless Variations: Substitute ingredients or adjust toppings based on your taste!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls:

For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (plus more for greasing)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candy or candy canes (feel free to adjust based on preference)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Optional: additional crushed peppermint for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get to baking our Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls! Follow these easy steps:

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla, and the frothy yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead Away: Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a tiny bit more flour, but be careful not to overdo it—soft dough makes for fluffy rolls!
Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. Oh, the delightful smell of yeasty goodness!
Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and crushed peppermint in a bowl. Set aside—this will be the glorious filling for our rolls!
Roll it Out: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Spread the melted butter, as if you are painting a canvas, over the dough, then sprinkle the filling evenly across the surface.
Roll It Up: Starting from the longest side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal. This is where the magic happens!
Slice the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or floss (yes, floss works great!), slice the log into rolls about 1-2 inches thick. Place them in a greased baking dish—just a little cozy snuggle between them will do.
Second Rise: Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up nicely. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you wait. The kitchen will start to smell divine!
Bake to Perfection: Bake the rolls in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them— ovens can be tricky little things!
Whip Up the Frosting: While the rolls are baking, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
Final Touch: Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, generously spread the dreamy frosting all over the top. Sprinkle with additional crushed peppermint for that extra holiday cheer!

Pro Tips & Variations

The beauty of baking is that it’s as flexible as you want it to be! Here are a few fun twists and tips for your Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls:

Chocolate Lovers Unite: For an even richer flavor, add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a melty surprise!
Different Extracts: Feel free to swap peppermint extract with almond extract for a delightful twist.
Gluten-Free Twist: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if you’re looking to cater to gluten-sensitive friends!
Extra Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a warm spiced flavor.
Toppings: Drizzle some chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an added gourmet touch.

Serving Suggestions

Your Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls deserve to be served with a little flair! Here are some cozy ideas:

With Coffee: There’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm roll with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate. Bliss!
Festive Breakfast Treat: Serve them up as the centerpiece of your holiday breakfast table, alongside fresh fruit and yogurt.
At a Gathering: Perfect for holiday brunches, parties, or simply as a delightful afternoon snack with tea!

Just imagine yourself enjoying these warm, gooey rolls while wrapped in your favorite blanket, snow gently falling outside your window—how picture-perfect is that?

Storage Tips

If you have any leftover rolls (though I don’t blame you if you devour them all!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

Refrigerator: Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll still be tasty but may lose some fluffiness.
Freezer: Place the baked rolls in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating: Pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in a low oven for about 10 minutes to enjoy freshly baked flavors!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before, place it in the fridge after the first rise, and then roll it out the next morning. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling.

How can I make these cinnamon rolls less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the sugar in the filling or the frosting. You might want to balance the sweetness with a touch more cocoa powder—it’s all about your flavor preference!

Can I skip the frosting?

Of course! These rolls are delicious on their own, especially if you prefer a denser, less sweet treat. Drizzling a bit of melted chocolate or serving them plain is also an option!

What kind of peppermint should I use?

Crushed candy canes work wonderfully, but you can also use peppermint extract for flavor mixed into the dough or frosting. Just be cautious—it’s quite potent!

Do I have to use cocoa powder in the filling?

Nope! The cocoa powder adds a lovely chocolatey flavor, but if you want to keep it more minty and cinnamon-focused, feel free to omit it!

Conclusion

There you have it, friends! Your own homemade Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls that will warm your heart and fill your home with the most delightful scents of the season. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Invite your loved ones to enjoy these with you—after all, good food is best shared. If you give this recipe a try, don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your experience. Happy baking and happy holidays!