Transform your Christmas morning into an enchanting culinary experience with these delightful Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls. Far more than just a breakfast, these festive treats are a labor of love that fills your home with the inviting aroma of cinnamon and sugar, creating cherished memories for years to come. Each roll, shaped like a miniature Christmas tree, is generously crowned with a luscious, ooey-gooey cream cheese icing and adorned with vibrant holiday sprinkles, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious. They are not just a meal but a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a true symbol of holiday cheer.
Involving children in the kitchen is one of the joys of holiday baking, and these cinnamon rolls offer the perfect opportunity. Little hands will adore piping on the smooth, creamy frosting and scattering a medley of cheerful Christmas sprinkles. Whether you opt for classic red and green, or choose whimsical shapes like stars, snowflakes, or tiny jingle bells found at your local grocery or craft store, the creative possibilities are endless. This simple step turns baking into a fun, interactive family tradition.
Embrace the Magic: Easy Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls for a Festive Morning
There’s an undeniable magic to Christmas morning, and these adorable Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls elevate that feeling, making your home the coziest place to celebrate. The blend of warm, spicy aromas from the baking rolls, the sweet flavors, and the charming sight of these cute little pastries lined up on your favorite holiday platter will undoubtedly set a merry and bright mood for everyone. Imagine the delight on faces as they see these special breakfast treats, a perfect start to a day filled with joy and family.
One of the many benefits of choosing cinnamon rolls for your Christmas breakfast is their incredible convenience as a make-ahead recipe. Planning your holiday menu can be stressful, but these rolls simplify things by allowing you to prepare much of the work in advance. Below, you’ll discover comprehensive tips for preparing these delightful rolls ahead of time, alongside answers to other frequently asked questions. We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section; your feedback helps our community of home bakers!
Key Ingredients for Perfectly Festive Cinnamon Rolls
Creating truly exceptional Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays. Quality ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to the perfect texture and rise of your dough and the luxuriousness of your frosting.
- Water (or Milk): The liquid base for your dough is crucial for activating the yeast. Ensure it’s lukewarm (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C) – too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it. If substituting with milk, warm it gently to prevent scorching, ensuring it stays below 115°F to maintain yeast vitality. Milk adds a richer flavor and a softer crumb to the finished rolls.
- Active Dry Yeast: This recipe relies on active dry yeast, which requires “proofing” or activation to ensure it’s alive and ready to make your dough rise. You’ll typically find it in small envelopes, jars, or larger air-sealed packages. Properly activated yeast will create a bubbly, foamy mixture, a clear sign it’s working its magic.
- Eggs: Large eggs are ideal for this recipe. Bringing them to room temperature before use is highly recommended as it helps them integrate more smoothly into the dough, resulting in a lighter, more consistent texture. If you forget to take them out in advance, a quick warm water bath (while still in their shells) will do the trick. Eggs contribute significantly to the dough’s rise, and the rich fats in the yolks ensure a tender, soft, and moist crumb.
- Brown Sugar (for the Filling): For the irresistible filling, you can use either dark or light brown sugar. Dark brown sugar will impart a deeper, more pronounced molasses flavor, adding an extra layer of warmth to the cinnamon filling. Light brown sugar offers a milder, sweeter profile. Both work wonderfully, so choose according to your preference.
- Cream Cheese (for Icing): Softened cream cheese is non-negotiable for a silky-smooth, lump-free cream cheese icing. Cold cream cheese will result in a stiff, chunky frosting that’s difficult to spread or pipe. Allow it to sit at room temperature for at least an hour before you plan to make the icing.
- Milk (for Icing): Whether room temperature or cool, milk is used to adjust the consistency of your cream cheese icing. Start with the suggested amount and gradually add more, a teaspoon at a time, until you achieve a wonderfully spreadable or pipeable texture that holds its shape.
- Christmas Sprinkles: These are the festive jewels that complete your Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls! Go beyond simple red and green. Explore a variety of holiday-themed sprinkles such as stars, snowflakes, jingle bells, or even edible glitter. The more whimsical and colorful, the better for capturing that joyful holiday spirit.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Own Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
Creating these festive Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls is a rewarding experience that’s simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to bake a batch of holiday magic!
Step 1 – Prepare the Irresistible Dough
- Begin by proofing your yeast. In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir to mix thoroughly. Let this mixture rest for 5-10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is active and ready when the mixture becomes delightfully bubbly and foamy on top. This crucial step ensures your dough will rise beautifully.
- Next, add the melted butter, room temperature eggs, salt, and 3 cups of all-purpose flour to the activated yeast and sugar mixture. Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and mix on a low speed for approximately 2 minutes. Continue mixing until all these initial ingredients are well-combined and form a shaggy, soft dough.
- Gradually incorporate an additional 2.5 cups of flour, mixing on low speed until it’s just combined. Now, slowly add up to 1 more cup of flour, adding it in small increments (about ¼ cup at a time). Continue mixing until the dough begins to pull cleanly away from the sides of the bowl. Once all the necessary flour has been added and the dough is no longer sticky, continue to knead on low speed for an additional 3 minutes. This final kneading develops the gluten, resulting in a wonderfully chewy and tender cinnamon roll.
Step 2 – Allow the Dough to Rise Perfectly
- After kneading, turn off your mixer. Cover the bowl loosely with a clean kitchen towel. Find a warm, draft-free spot in your kitchen (a slightly warmed oven that’s turned off, or near a sunny window works well). Let the dough rest and rise for approximately 30 minutes, or until it has visibly doubled in size. This primary rise is essential for a light and airy texture.
Step 3 – Shape and Prep Your Festive Trees
- Once your dough has majestically doubled in size, gently turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Using your hands, form it into a rough rectangular shape. With a rolling pin, carefully roll the dough into a consistent ½-inch thick rectangle, aiming for dimensions of approximately 24 inches by 18 inches. If your workspace is smaller, you can divide the dough into two portions and roll each one to about 12 inches by 18 inches, maintaining the ½-inch thickness.
- Prepare the luscious filling. Using an offset spatula or the back of a knife, carefully spread the melted butter evenly across the entire surface of the rolled dough, right up to the edges. Then, generously sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the butter. Gently pat the sugar and cinnamon down with your hands to help it adhere to the butter, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Now for the rolling! Starting from one of the 24-inch sides, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a snug log. A tight roll is key to creating those beautiful cinnamon swirls. Once rolled, use a very sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. For perfectly uniform slices, consider using a ruler to pre-mark your cuts before slicing.
- To form the festive Christmas trees, carefully unroll each individual cinnamon roll slice. Starting with approximately a 3-inch section of dough, begin to curve it upwards and inwards, gradually tapering it to resemble the classic shape of a Christmas tree, as wonderfully demonstrated in the accompanying photos.
- Arrange your shaped cinnamon roll Christmas trees about ½ to 1 inch apart in a 9×13-inch baking pan that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Cover the pan loosely with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the cinnamon rolls to undergo their second rise for another 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size and are gently touching each other in the pan. This secondary rise gives them their final fluffy texture.
Step 4 – Whip Up the Decadent Cream Cheese Icing
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter and room temperature cream cheese together until the mixture is beautifully light, smooth, and fluffy. Reduce the mixer speed to very low and gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and the vanilla extract. Mix on low until all ingredients are just combined and smooth. If you desire vibrant green frosting to truly make your Christmas trees pop, now is the time to add a few drops of green food coloring. Once the color is added, turn the mixer speed back to high and beat until the icing is again light and fluffy.
- Assess the consistency of your icing. If it’s too thick, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired spreadable or pipeable texture. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s perfect. The ideal consistency will be smooth enough to pipe but firm enough to hold its shape beautifully on your warm cinnamon rolls.
Step 5 – Bake and Adorn Your Holiday Masterpieces
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while your shaped cinnamon rolls are undergoing their second rise. Once risen, place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. The rolls are perfectly done when their tops and bottoms are golden brown and they feel set to the touch.
- Carefully remove the pan from the oven and let the Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls cool for about 5-10 minutes. While still warm, transfer your cream cheese icing to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or simply use a spoon to spread if you prefer). Pipe a delightful line of icing, tracing the shape of each Christmas tree. Immediately scatter your chosen red and green sprinkles over the iced rolls. The warmth of the rolls will help the icing slightly melt and settle around the sprinkles. Serve them slightly warm for the ultimate indulgent experience. Enjoy the fruit of your festive labor!
Expert Tips for Flawless Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
Achieving the perfect batch of homemade Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls is incredibly satisfying. Here are some pro tips to ensure your holiday baking is a resounding success:
- Dough Temperature is Key: Ensure your water is the correct temperature for yeast activation (105-115°F). Also, room temperature eggs and butter for the dough will help everything combine more smoothly, leading to a more consistent and tender crumb.
- Don’t Over-Flour: While the recipe provides a range for flour, always add the last cup slowly. The goal is a dough that pulls away from the bowl but is still slightly tacky to the touch. Too much flour will result in dry, dense cinnamon rolls.
- Tight Roll for Swirls: When rolling the dough into a log after adding the filling, make sure it’s as tight as possible. This prevents gaps in the finished rolls and ensures beautiful, defined cinnamon swirls.
- Dental Floss for Clean Cuts: Using unflavored dental floss is a secret weapon for cutting cinnamon rolls. Slide a piece of floss under the log, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice. This creates clean cuts without squishing the delicate layers, which can happen with a knife.
- Proofing Environment: A warm, draft-free place is crucial for rising dough. If your kitchen is cold, you can create a warm environment by placing the bowl in a turned-off oven with just the light on, or by placing it in a warm water bath (ensure water doesn’t touch the dough).
- Achieving Icing Perfection: For the smoothest cream cheese icing, ensure both butter and cream cheese are at true room temperature. Beat them thoroughly before adding powdered sugar to avoid lumps. Adjust consistency with milk or powdered sugar gradually.
- Don’t Overbake: Cinnamon rolls can quickly go from perfectly soft to dry. Keep an eye on them, and remove them once the tops are golden brown and the centers are set, usually around the 18-22 minute mark.
- Decorate While Warm: Icing the cinnamon rolls while they are still slightly warm allows the frosting to melt just enough to create a delightful glaze and adhere the sprinkles perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
Absolutely! If you’re pressed for time during the busy holiday season, utilizing canned cinnamon roll dough is a fantastic shortcut. With premade dough, your main tasks will be shaping the Christmas trees, baking them according to the package instructions, preparing our delicious homemade cream cheese frosting, and then decorating. It’s an excellent way to achieve festive results with minimal effort.
Yes, preparing these cinnamon rolls overnight is an ideal strategy for a stress-free Christmas morning! You can complete the steps of cutting and shaping the cinnamon rolls, then arrange them in your baking pan. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and immediately refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, simply pull the pan out of the fridge, preheat your oven, and bake as directed. This allows for a leisurely holiday morning without sacrificing freshly baked goodness.
To ensure your cinnamon rolls are perfectly baked, pay close attention to the ones located in the center of your baking pan or baking sheet, as these often take slightly longer to cook through. Use an offset spatula or a small paring knife to gently lift a roll from the center. If the underside appears golden brown and the dough in the middle seems cooked and not raw or gummy, they are likely done. If they still seem undercooked, return them to the oven for a few more minutes, checking frequently.
Storing and Reheating Your Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
Planning ahead and managing leftovers are crucial, especially during the holidays. Here’s how to properly store and reheat your delicious Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls to enjoy them for days to come:
- Refrigerator Storage: To keep your baked and iced Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They will maintain their deliciousness in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Storage: For longer-term storage, individually wrap leftover cinnamon rolls in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, transfer them to the refrigerator overnight to thaw gradually.
- Reheating Instructions:
- For a single portion: The quickest way to reheat a single cinnamon roll is in the microwave until it’s warm and soft. Be mindful if your rolls have delicate candy pieces; it’s best to remove these before microwaving to prevent melting.
- For multiple portions or an entire pan: To reheat a larger batch, place the entire pan of rolls back into a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through to the center. Covering them loosely with foil can help prevent the tops from browning too much.
Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
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Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Dough
- ▢ 2 cups water, lukewarm
- ▢ 1/4 cup sugar
- ▢ 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- ▢ 1/4 cup butter, melted
- ▢ 2 large eggs
- ▢ 1 tablespoon salt
- ▢ 5½-6 cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Roll Filling
- ▢ 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- ▢ 1 cup light brown sugar
- ▢ 2 tablespoons cinnamon
Cinnamon Roll Icing
- ▢ 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
- ▢ 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ▢ 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ▢ 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ▢ 5 drops green food coloring, optional
Christmas Tree Decorations
- ▢ 3 tablespoons Red and Green Sprinkles
Instructions
Cinnamon Roll Dough
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the warm water, sugar and yeast and stir well. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets bubbly and activates the yeast.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, salt and 3 cups of flour into the yeast mixture, then mix on low using the bread hook for 2 minutes, or until everything is well-mixed.
- Add an additional 2.5 cups of flour, then stir on low to combine. Add up to 1 cup more flour slowly, only until the dough pulls away from the edges of the bowl. Once all of the flour has been added, continue to knead on low for 3 minutes more.
- Turn off the mixer and cover the bowl with a kitchen towel. Let the dough rest in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Rolling and Cutting Cinnamon Rolls
- Once the dough has doubled, turn it out onto a floured surface. Form the dough into a small rectangle with your hands. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the dough into a rectangle that is 1/2″ thick and approximately 24″ x 18.” (Note: depending on the size of your work surface, you may need to divide the dough into 2 portions. If so, you can roll each to about 12″ x 18″ and still 1/2″ thick.)
- Using an offset spatula, or knife, carefully spread the soft or melted butter evenly onto the rolled dough. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the top, then pat down gently.
- Starting at either 24″ side, roll the dough up evenly making sure to get a nice tight tube, then cut into 1″ slices using a very sharp knife or floss. (Note: we recommend using a ruler and pre-marking before you actually make any cuts.)
- Carefully unroll and shape into Christmas trees by starting with a 3″ line of dough, then curving it up to make a tapered Christmas tree shape (as seen in the photo).
- Lay the cinnamon roll Christmas trees about 1/2″-1″ apart in a greased 9 x 13″ baking pan and cover loosely with a kitchen towel. Let the cinnamon rolls rise for another 30 minutes, or until doubled and touching in the pan.
Baking Cinnamon Rolls
- While your dough is rising, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Once risen, bake in a preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the bottom and the top are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for about 5-10 minutes. Put the cream cheese icing into a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe a line tracing the shape of the Christmas trees. Add the red and green sprinkles over the top, then serve slightly warm. Enjoy!
Cinnamon Roll Icing
- In an electric mixer using the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter and room temperature cream cheese until light and fluffy. Turn the mixer down very low and add 3 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk and the vanilla. Mix on low until all the ingredients are combined. If you plan to use green food coloring, you can add it now, then turn the mixer on high again and beat until fluffy.
- Add more powdered sugar and/or milk until you reach your desired consistency, then spread a thick layer of frosting over the warm cinnamon rolls.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
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More Delicious Christmas Breakfast & Holiday Baking Ideas
If you’re looking to expand your holiday breakfast repertoire or simply love the comfort of sweet morning treats, explore these other delightful recipes:
- Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: The classic recipe for those who adore traditional cinnamon rolls.
- Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread: A fun, pull-apart bread that’s perfect for sharing with a crowd.
- Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread: A hearty and flavorful bread, perfect for toast or sandwiches.
- Classic French Toast: A timeless breakfast favorite that’s always a hit.
- French Toast Bake: Ideal for feeding a large family, this make-ahead bake simplifies breakfast.
- Savory Ham and Cheese Quiche: For those who prefer a savory option, this easy quiche is a winner.
- Pumpkin Stuffed French Toast: A seasonal delight, perfect for autumn and winter mornings.
- Coconut French Toast Bake: A tropical twist on a breakfast classic, great for special occasions.
- Discover more delightful Breakfast Recipes to start your day right.
- Explore our extensive collection of Christmas Recipes for all your holiday meal planning.
- Find even more incredible Cinnamon Roll Recipes to satisfy every craving.
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These adorable and utterly delicious Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a centerpiece of holiday joy. They fill your home with an irresistible aroma, look incredible on any festive table, and taste absolutely divine. They are the quintessential make-ahead Christmas breakfast, designed to bring smiles and warmth to everyone, making your holiday mornings truly unforgettable.