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
Scale
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