These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate holiday treat! With their sweet cinnamon filling and festive shape, they bring both charm and flavor to your Christmas morning or holiday brunch. The delightful drizzle of icing and colorful sprinkles makes them as visually appealing as they are delicious. They are super easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike!
Perfect for a cozy breakfast or as part of a larger holiday spread, these cinnamon rolls add a touch of warmth to any celebration. You can even customize the look by adding extra sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls will surely make your holiday season a little bit sweeter.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 package of cinnamon roll dough (8-count)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Red and green sprinkles (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Roll out the cinnamon rolls and arrange them on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start by placing one roll in the center and arrange others around it to create a triangular tree shape.
- Brush melted butter on top of the dough and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Bake according to package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes) until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar and milk until smooth. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring to make it festive.
- Once the cinnamon rolls are done baking, remove from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with the icing and sprinkle with red and green sprinkles for a fun holiday touch.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes | Kcal: 210 kcal per roll | Servings: 8 rolls
Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls: A Festive Holiday Treat
The holiday season calls for cozy breakfasts and delicious treats, and what better way to celebrate than with Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls? These adorable, tree-shaped cinnamon rolls are not only a fun and festive addition to your table, but they’re also quick and easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Whether you’re preparing a special breakfast for Christmas morning or hosting a holiday brunch, these cinnamon rolls are sure to impress both in flavor and presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Fun and Festive: The Christmas tree shape makes this treat perfect for the holiday season. Kids will love helping to decorate the rolls, and they make a wonderful centerpiece for your holiday spread.
- Easy to Make: Using store-bought cinnamon rolls, this recipe simplifies the baking process while still delivering homemade flavors. It’s a time-saving way to add a touch of festive charm to your holiday table.
- Deliciously Sweet: The cinnamon sugar filling is perfectly balanced with the sweet, smooth icing drizzled over the top, making each bite irresistible.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your personal touch. You can decorate the rolls with different colored sprinkles, add edible glitter, or even use mini chocolate chips as “ornaments” for your Christmas tree. Get creative with the design to suit your holiday theme!
How to Make Perfect Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Shaping the Rolls: Arrange the cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet to form a tree shape. Start with a single roll in the center of the sheet and build outward, making sure each row is a little wider than the one above it to resemble the shape of a Christmas tree. This not only looks adorable, but it also makes it easier for everyone to grab a piece of the tree.
- Baking Tips: Make sure to follow the package instructions for baking the cinnamon rolls, but keep an eye on them while they bake. You want them golden brown but not overcooked. If you prefer softer rolls, you can lightly cover them with foil for the first part of baking to trap in the moisture.
- Icing and Decoration: Once baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the sweet icing over the rolls to mimic snow on the branches of a Christmas tree. You can use red and green sprinkles to add a touch of festive color, or even try edible glitter to give the rolls a shimmering, magical look.
- Serving Suggestions: These cinnamon rolls are best served warm and fresh out of the oven. They’re perfect for a holiday breakfast or dessert, but can also be paired with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Success:
- Use Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: If you want to make your cinnamon rolls from scratch, you can substitute your homemade dough for store-bought. Just be sure to roll out the dough and sprinkle it with cinnamon sugar to create that signature flavor.
- Add Holiday Spices: For an extra seasonal twist, add ground nutmeg or cloves to your cinnamon sugar mixture for a deeper, spicier flavor that will fill your kitchen with a holiday aroma.
- Decorative Touches: Use small candy cane pieces, mini chocolate chips, or even sliced almonds as “decorations” on your tree. This is a fun way to let kids help decorate and make the rolls uniquely theirs.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the rolls the night before. Simply arrange the cinnamon rolls in the tree shape, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop them in the oven and bake them fresh!
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
How to Serve:
These cinnamon rolls can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion. Serve them as a festive breakfast with fresh fruit and a hot beverage, or as a sweet treat during your holiday parties. They’re also a great option for Christmas brunch, adding a touch of whimsy to your spread.
How to Store:
If you have leftovers (although this is rare!), you can store your cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Why They’re Perfect for the Holidays
The Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls combine the warmth and sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the joy and magic of the holiday season. They are a delightful way to start your Christmas morning, offering comfort and a touch of fun for the entire family. The cute tree shape adds charm to your holiday table and makes these rolls the perfect addition to any festive gathering. Plus, they’re easy to make in a pinch, so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to create a treat that looks and tastes amazing.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are a simple, sweet, and visually appealing way to spread some holiday cheer.
Additional Tips and Variations
Make It Your Own:
- Add Fun Toppings: You can turn these cinnamon rolls into a mini holiday tree buffet by offering a variety of toppings. Consider using crushed nuts, mini marshmallows, or even bits of caramelized pecans to create a more textured, festive look.
- Customize the Icing: If you want to mix things up, you can use different colors for the icing. For example, try red or white icing for a snow-covered effect or make a rainbow tree with multiple colored icings. You can also experiment with flavored icings such as chocolate, maple, or vanilla.
- Vegan or Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for a vegan or gluten-free version of this recipe, simply swap out the regular cinnamon rolls for dairy-free and gluten-free varieties. There are several great brands available that offer these options, so you don’t have to miss out on the fun.
Bake Ahead: Preparing the cinnamon rolls the night before? Simply shape them into the tree and cover them with plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge overnight and bake them in the morning for a fresh and hassle-free breakfast.
Pair It With Hot Beverages: Serve your cinnamon tree rolls with a hot cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or mulled cider for the ultimate holiday experience. You could even top your hot chocolate with whipped cream and candy cane pieces for an extra festive touch.
Conclusion
These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are a fun and festive treat perfect for holiday mornings. Easy to make with store-bought dough, they offer a delicious blend of soft cinnamon filling and creamy icing, all shaped into a charming Christmas tree. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet holiday snack, these rolls are sure to delight.
Customizable with different decorations, they’re a great way to get creative and add a personal touch to your holiday spread. Gather your loved ones, bake, and enjoy this sweet tradition that’s bound to become a seasonal favorite.
Happy baking and happy holidays!