introduction
These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are fun and festive. They look like a tree and taste like warm cinnamon rolls. You can make them for a holiday breakfast or a party. The recipe is simple and uses common ingredients.
why make this recipe
This recipe is easy to follow. It turns regular cinnamon rolls into a holiday shape. Kids and guests will enjoy the look. The rolls bake in one pan and are easy to share.
how to make Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
Follow the steps below. Make the dough, add the cinnamon filling, roll, cut, and arrange the rolls in a tree shape. Let them rise twice and bake until golden. Finish with a simple icing and sprinkles.
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)
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
Serve warm on a large platter. Add extra sprinkles or a few edible stars. Let guests pull rolls from the tree. They taste best fresh from the oven.
how to store Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
Cool completely before storing. Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked rolls in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
tips to make Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
- Warm the milk to about 105–110°F for best yeast activity.
- Knead until the dough is smooth and slightly springy.
- Roll the dough thin for even layers.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut neat rolls.
- Let rolls rise in a warm, draft-free place.
- Make the icing a bit thin so it drips over the rolls nicely.
variation (if any)
- Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling.
- Use cream cheese in the icing for a richer finish.
- Make mini trees by cutting more, smaller rolls.
- Add a little orange zest to the filling for a citrus note.
FAQs
Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
A: Yes. If you use active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm milk for 5–10 minutes until foamy before adding to the flour.
Q: Can I make the dough the night before?
A: Yes. Make the dough and let it rise once. Punch it down, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Roll, fill, and bake the next day. Allow extra time for the second rise.
Q: How do I get soft rolls?
A: Do not overbake. Bake until golden and still soft inside. Brushing with a little melted butter after baking keeps them soft.
Q: Can I use low-fat milk?
A: You can, but whole milk gives the best texture and flavor.
Q: How do I stop the filling from leaking?
A: Press gently when rolling and seal the seam well. Chill the roll briefly before cutting if the filling is very soft.
Conclusion
For a similar visual guide and more ideas, see this easy tutorial: Easy Cinnamon Roll Christmas Trees • The Pinning Mama
Print
Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fun and festive cinnamon rolls shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for holiday breakfasts and parties.
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.
- 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
Best served warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 1–2 days or freeze for lasting freshness.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Christmas, Cinnamon Rolls, Holiday Breakfast, Festive, Baking