What could be more delightful during the festive season than a fresh batch of Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls? This whimsical treat adds a touch of creativity and cheer to any holiday brunch or gathering. Imagine pulling apart soft, sweet rolls shaped like a Christmas tree, delighting family and guests with their delightful aroma and festive appearance. I remember the first time I made these; the kitchen was filled with warmth, laughter, and the enticing smell of cinnamon, bringing everyone together in anticipation of the delight to come.
Why you’ll love this dish
These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are not just visually appealing; they’re also incredibly delicious and comforting. The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet dough, and simple icing brings back nostalgic memories of holiday mornings. Plus, they’re easy to make, allowing you to create a special treat without spending all day in the kitchen. These rolls are perfect for holiday breakfasts, parties, or simply to surprise your loved ones on Christmas morning. They’re kid-approved too, making them a fun baking project for families.
“The joy of pulling apart freshly baked cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning is just unmatched. You can’t help but smile!”
How this recipe comes together
Making Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls is a delightful experience. You’ll start by mixing your dry ingredients, then combine them with the wet, leading to a soft, pliable dough. After allowing the dough to rise (don’t worry, it’s easy), you’ll roll it out and fill it with a heavenly blend of cinnamon and sugar. Slice, shape, and bake—before you know it, you’ll have a stunning centerpiece ready to be enjoyed.
What you’ll need
Gather these items to make your delicious holiday treat:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- Green food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Feel free to swap some ingredients based on what you have at home; for example, you can use almond milk instead of regular milk or coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
Directions to follow
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, blend together the milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough on a floured board for about five minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, approximately one hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape.
- Spread melted butter over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar evenly on top.
- Tightly roll the dough from one end to the other, forming a log, and slice it into equal portions.
- Arrange the slices on a baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
- To make the icing, mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk until you reach the desired consistency. Drizzle over the warm rolls.
- If desired, add green food coloring to the icing and toss on some sprinkles for a festive touch!
Best ways to enjoy it
To serve these eye-catching Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls, consider dusting them with some extra powdered sugar or adding a few fresh berries for a pop of color. Serve them warm, straight out of the oven, and pair them with a cup of hot chocolate or spiced apple cider for the ultimate holiday treat. A festive platter adorned with holly or edible glitter can elevate the presentation even more!
Keeping leftovers fresh
These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (and that’s a big if), storing them properly will help maintain their deliciousness. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. For longer storage, you can freeze them: just wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge again, let them thaw at room temperature and reheat gently in the oven.
Helpful cooking tips
- Proofing the Yeast: Ensure your milk is warm (not hot) when mixing with yeast; otherwise, it may kill the yeast and prevent rising.
- Kneading: Don’t rush the kneading process; this develops gluten, which gives the rolls a great texture.
- Rising Time: For a quicker rise, consider placing the covered dough in a slightly warmed oven (turn the oven on low for a minute and then turn it off).
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative with your cinnamon rolls! Try adding zest from an orange or lemon for an added twist. You could also substitute the brown sugar with maple sugar for a unique flavor. For a different filling, add chopped nuts or dried fruits like cranberries to the cinnamon-sugar mix.
Your questions answered
How long do these cinnamon rolls take to make?
Prep and baking time is about 2 hours, but most of this is waiting for the dough to rise.
Can I prepare the dough a day in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
You can use instant yeast, just skip the step of proofing in warm water; mix it directly into the dry ingredients.
Is it safe to freeze leftovers?
Yes, and it’s a great way to preserve them! Just make sure they’re cooled completely before wrapping and freezing.
These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a sweet treat; they’re an experience that brings joy and warmth to the holiday season. Happy baking!
Print
Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 140 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and whimsical cinnamon rolls shaped like a Christmas tree, perfect for festive gatherings and holiday breakfasts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- Green food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, blend together the milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough on a floured board for about five minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, approximately one hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape.
- Spread melted butter over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar evenly on top.
- Tightly roll the dough from one end to the other, forming a log, and slice it into equal portions.
- Arrange the slices on a baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
- To make the icing, mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk until you reach the desired consistency. Drizzle over the warm rolls.
- If desired, add green food coloring to the icing and toss on some sprinkles for a festive touch!
Notes
These cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American