Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are not just a delightful treat for the holidays; they add a cheerful touch to any festive gathering. These rolls are soft, sweet, and fun to make, making them perfect for family baking activities. Shaped like a Christmas tree, they become a centerpiece that will surely impress your guests. Plus, who can resist the aromatic blend of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the house?
How to Make Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (bread flour can be used for a fluffier texture)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir to form a dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour.
- Meanwhile, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together to prepare the filling.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Arrange the rolls in a tree shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet—one roll at the top, then gradually more per row forming a triangle. Cover and let rise another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- While they bake, whisk together powdered sugar and milk for the icing. Adjust for desired consistency.
- When rolls have slightly cooled, drizzle with icing and decorate with festive sprinkles. Serve warm.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
These cinnamon rolls are best served warm. You can enjoy them plain, or drizzle them with icing and add some festive sprinkles for extra joy. They pair perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, making them an excellent treat for breakfast or dessert during the holiday season.
How to Store Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week. To enjoy them later, warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Tips to Make Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
- Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast effectively.
- Kneading the dough well helps make the rolls fluffy.
- Don’t skip the second rise; it makes a big difference in texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar based on your taste preferences.
Variation
You can add nuts or dried fruits to the filling for a different flavor. Also, consider using flavored extracts, like almond or maple, for a unique twist on the standard cinnamon roll.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
2. Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! You can freeze the rolls before baking. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight, and then let them rise if needed before baking.
3. How do I know when my rolls are done baking?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped. You can also use a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they are done.
Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
Delightful and festive cinnamon rolls shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir to form a dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour.
- Meanwhile, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together to prepare the filling.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Arrange the rolls in a tree shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet—one roll at the top, then gradually more per row forming a triangle. Cover and let rise another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- While they bake, whisk together powdered sugar and milk for the icing. Adjust for desired consistency.
- When rolls have slightly cooled, drizzle with icing and decorate with festive sprinkles. Serve warm.
Notes
These rolls are best served warm and pair perfectly with hot cocoa or coffee.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, Christmas treats, holiday baking