Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
There’s something utterly magical about the holidays, and this Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe really captures that festive spirit in a way that feels cozy and special. Imagine waking up on a chilly winter morning to the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls shaped like a Christmas tree—it’s like unwrapping a little edible gift! I’ve made these for family gatherings, and every single time, they become the centerpiece everyone flocks to before anything else.
This recipe isn’t just about looking festive; it’s about making cinnamon rolls that are fluffy, soft, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness. What I love most is how approachable it is—you don’t have to be a pro baker to pull off these delightful treats. Trust me, follow along, and you’ll savor that warm, buttery, cinnamon-filled bite while spreading a little holiday cheer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays its part to create soft, flavorful rolls that hold the Christmas tree shape beautifully. Using simple pantry staples means you can usually whip these up without a special trip to the store, but choosing the freshest ingredients makes all the difference.
- All-purpose flour: This is your base—bread flour works great if you want a fluffier, chewier texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough without overpowering.
- Instant yeast: Quick and reliable for a nice rise, which is key to soft cinnamon rolls.
- Whole milk (warmed): Warmer milk helps activate the yeast; don’t overheat or you’ll kill those little guys.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Butter brings richness to the dough and keeps it from drying out.
- Large eggs: They bind the dough and add moisture for that soft crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch brightens the flavor beautifully.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Brown sugar (packed): For that signature cinnamon filling sweetness and a hint of molasses.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes these rolls irresistible.
- Powdered sugar (for icing): A simple, sweet glaze to drizzle on top.
- Milk (for icing): Helps get the right glaze consistency.
- Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional): Perfect for adding an extra festive touch once the rolls are iced.
Variations
One of my favorite things about the Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to keep it classic or get a little adventurous, these rolls invite all sorts of delightful personal twists.
- Add Nuts or Fruit: I sometimes toss chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for a bit of crunch. Diced apples or raisins can also lend a nice fruity surprise.
- Swap Cinnamon for Other Spices: Try cardamom or pumpkin spice for a warm holiday vibe that’s a little different.
- Use Cream Cheese Icing: Instead of the simple powdered sugar glaze, a cream cheese frosting makes these rolls extra indulgent.
- Make It Vegan: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk, and use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. Vegan butter works perfectly too!
How to Make Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough
Start by warming the milk until it’s just about body temperature—that’s key to activating the yeast without killing it. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Sprinkle in the yeast and salt, then gradually add the flour. I usually do this by hand or with a dough hook on my mixer until it forms a soft, slightly sticky dough. Knead for about 8 minutes; you want it smooth but not too stiff. If your dough’s sticking to your hands or the bowl, just sprinkle a bit more flour, but don’t get carried away or the rolls might turn out dense.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Cover your bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and tuck it into a warm spot. I like placing mine on top of the stove with the oven light on—perfect for a cozy rise! It usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to double in size. This step is super important because it sets up that tender, fluffy texture we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Roll Out and Add Filling
Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it into a large rectangle—about 12 by 18 inches works well. Mix your brown sugar and cinnamon, then spread it evenly over the dough. I like to really press it into the dough with the back of a spoon so every roll is packed with cinnamon goodness. Leave a small border along the edges to help seal the dough when you roll it up.
Step 4: Shape into the Christmas Tree
Roll up the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Then, here’s the fun part: slice the roll into even pieces—about 1 inch thick. Arrange these circles on a baking sheet forming a triangular tree shape, starting with a wide base and narrowing to a point at the top. Leave a little space between each roll so they can grow and touch while baking, creating that beautiful connected look. Feel free to get creative here—some people use parchment paper or a specially shaped baking pan for support.
Step 5: Second Rise and Bake
Cover your tree with a towel and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes. This second rise isn’t just tradition—it ensures your rolls get nicely puffed up and soft. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and baking smells fill your kitchen. I always keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-baking.
Step 6: Glaze and Decorate
Mix powdered sugar with milk to get a smooth glaze and drizzle it generously over the warm rolls. Add sprinkles or edible decorations for that festive tree vibe—I love little red and green sugar pearls that look like ornaments. Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then grab a slice and enjoy!
How to Serve Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I’m all about keeping it simple but charming here: a smooth glaze and colorful sprinkles are my go-to. Sometimes, I sneak in some finely chopped toasted nuts for texture contrast too. Fresh cranberries or edible gold dust can be stunning if you want a bit of wow factor for holiday guests.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon rolls are a showstopper on their own but pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or creamy hot chocolate really takes it up a notch. If you’re serving a brunch, fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs balance the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
I’ve shaped these into mini Christmas trees on individual plates for parties—just cut the dough into smaller rounds and arrange them with a little icing star on top. Another favorite is baking the rolls inside a wreath-shaped pan, then decorating the whole thing with fresh herbs like rosemary to resemble pine. It’s such a fun centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fresh batch, keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I usually cover them with plastic wrap, and they stay soft and delicious. If your kitchen’s warm, pop them in the fridge to extend freshness.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! You can freeze them after the first rise but before baking—or after baking completely cooled. When freezing unbaked, just thaw and let rise a bit before baking. For baked rolls, wrap tightly in aluminum foil or place in a freezer bag. They keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds with a damp paper towel to keep moisture. I find oven reheating maintains the best texture—soft inside with a slightly crisp edge.
FAQs
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Can I make the Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the milk for your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and use vegan butter. The yeast and other ingredients remain the same, and you’ll still get soft, tasty rolls.
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How do I prevent my cinnamon rolls from being dry?
Don’t over-flour the dough or overbake your rolls! Also, make sure to properly knead so the gluten develops, and follow the rising times as they help keep the texture soft. Adding butter and eggs as the recipe suggests brings moisture too, so don’t skip those.
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Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! After kneading, place the dough in the refrigerator overnight (covered). The cold slows fermentation, so in the morning, just let the dough come to room temperature before rolling, filling, and shaping into your Christmas tree design.
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What’s the best way to get the rolls to stick together in the tree shape?
Arrange the rolls close enough so they lightly touch during the second rise and baking. The dough expands and effectively fuses at the edges, creating that beautiful connected look that makes the tree shape stand out.
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Can I use ready-made dough for this recipe?
You can, but fresh made dough yields the best texture and flavor. If you do use ready-made dough like refrigerated crescent roll dough, be prepared for a less fluffy cinnamon roll experience but still tasty and fun for quick holiday baking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe a go because it’s truly one of those recipes that bring warmth and joy to the holiday season. It feels like a hug on a plate—and honestly, who couldn’t use that? Whether you’re baking with family, surprising friends, or simply treating yourself, these rolls are easy to make, beautiful to present, and delicious to devour. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and let your kitchen smell like Christmas!
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Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls. Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls are shaped into a charming tree, filled with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, and topped with a smooth vanilla icing and optional sprinkles for a joyful treat that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 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
Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to activate the yeast and create a frothy mixture. Then add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and gradually mix in the flour to form a smooth dough. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Roll out the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 16 by 12 inches, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Add the filling and shape: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling over the dough. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the log into equal sections, then arrange and shape the rolls into a Christmas tree form on a greased baking sheet or parchment-lined pan.
- Second rise: Cover the arranged rolls with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the icing: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable.
- Ice and decorate: Once the rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle the icing over the top and add sprinkles or edible decorations as desired to enhance the festive look.
Notes
- For fluffier rolls, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- The cinnamon sugar filling can be adjusted to taste if you prefer it less sweet.
- You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate overnight for a slower rise—just bring it to room temperature before shaping.
- Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the dough log for cleaner rolls.
- Optional: Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture.
Keywords: Christmas cinnamon rolls, holiday breakfast, festive cinnamon rolls, cinnamon sugar rolls, holiday brunch, Christmas tree pastries
