As the holidays sparkle with lights and cheer, we’re diving into our Christmas Tree Cinnamon Roll recipe—a fun twist on a beloved classic that brings festive flair to your table. Imagine warm, cinnamon-scented rolls shaped like a twinkling tree, perfect for spreading holiday joy.
We crafted this easy treat to wow your family and friends without the fuss. It’s our go-to for cozy mornings or festive brunches, blending simple ingredients into a showstopper that’ll make your celebrations unforgettable.
Ingredients
As we prepare our festive Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls, let’s gather the essential ingredients that bring warmth and holiday cheer to this delightful recipe. We’ll list them in the order they’re typically used, with prep notes for accuracy and ease.
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Sifted for a smooth texture.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet): Proofed in warm liquid to activate.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and to feed the yeast.
- 1 cup warm milk: Heated to 110°F for optimal yeast activation.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Melted and cooled slightly.
- 2 large eggs: Beaten to incorporate air.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To balance flavors.
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Softened at room temperature for easy spreading.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Packed for rich caramel notes.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: Freshly ground for a bold, aromatic spice.
Icing and Decoration Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sifted to avoid lumps.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Added gradually for a drizzle consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure extract for enhanced flavor.
- Green food coloring: A few drops to create a vibrant tree effect.
- Festive sprinkles: Optional, for adding holiday sparkle to the finished rolls.
Required Tools and Equipment
Now that we have gathered our ingredients for the Christmas Tree Cinnamon Roll, let’s ensure we have the right tools on hand to make the preparation smooth and enjoyable. Having the proper equipment not only streamlines the process but also helps achieve that perfect festive shape and texture.
We recommend the following essential tools and equipment, organized by their role in the recipe. Bold highlights key items, while italics emphasize important tips for optimal use.
- Mixing Bowls: Large and medium-sized bowls for combining dough ingredients. We find that stainless steel or glass bowls work best for even mixing and proofing the dough.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of dry and liquid measuring cups along with spoons for accurate measurements of flour, milk, and spices. Always use level measurements to avoid inconsistencies in your Christmas Tree Cinnamon Roll.
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For kneading the dough efficiently. If using a hand mixer, opt for one with dough hooks to save time and effort.
- Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the dough into a triangular shape that mimics a Christmas tree. A non-stick rolling pin ensures the dough doesn’t stick and maintains its festive form.
- Baking Sheet: A large rimmed sheet lined with parchment paper to bake the assembled rolls. We prefer non-stick sheets for easy cleanup and even browning.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent the rolls from sticking, preserving their tree-like appearance.
- Knife or Pizza Cutter: For cutting the dough into strips or shaping the tree branches. A sharp pizza cutter provides clean edges for a professional look.
- Pastry Brush: Ideal for applying butter or egg wash to the dough, enhancing the golden finish of your Christmas Tree Cinnamon Roll.
- Oven: Preheated to the correct temperature for baking—ensure it’s accurate for that warm, cinnamon-scented result.
- Cooling Rack: To let the baked rolls cool evenly, preventing sogginess and maintaining their holiday appeal.
With these tools, we’re set to transform simple ingredients into a stunning, aromatic Christmas Tree Cinnamon Roll that will impress at any gathering.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and tools, let’s bring our Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls to life with these straightforward steps. We ensure each stage is simple and precise for a festive, aromatic treat that delights the senses.
Prepare the Dough
First, we activate the yeast by combining 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast with 1 cup of warm milk (around 110°F) in a large mixing bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it foams, signaling the yeast is ready.
Next, we add 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the yeast mixture, blending everything with a stand mixer on low speed until smooth. Gradually incorporate 4 cups of all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, switching to a dough hook for kneading once the mixture forms a shaggy ball. Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is elastic and no longer sticky, creating a soft base that promises a tender, fluffy texture in our finished rolls.
Fill and Roll
Once the dough has risen for about 1 hour in a warm spot until doubled in size, we punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle a mixture of 1 cup packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon across the surface, ensuring every inch is coated for that irresistible, spicy-sweet aroma.
Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log, sealing the seam with a bit of water. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 16 even pieces, each about 1 inch thick, to prepare for shaping and reveal the warm, cinnamon-laced layers that will make our Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls so enticing.
Shape into Christmas Tree
To form the tree, we arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a triangular pattern: start with one roll at the top, then two below it, three below that, and so on, until we have four rows, finishing with a trunk made from two rolls side by side at the base. Gently press the rolls together to connect them, creating a festive Christmas tree shape that evokes holiday cheer.
Cover the arrangement loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes, allowing the dough to puff up and develop a soft, pillowy feel that enhances the visual appeal and ensures even baking.
Bake
Preheat our oven to 375°F and place the shaped dough on the middle rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through, until the rolls turn golden brown and fill the kitchen with the intoxicating scent of warm cinnamon and fresh bread.
We check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean—resulting in rolls that are perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside, ready to become the star of any holiday spread.
Cool and Decorate
Remove the baked rolls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, allowing the heat to mellow so the flavors intensify without becoming overly soft. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a few drops of green food coloring to create a smooth icing.
Drizzle the icing over the cooled tree shape for a glossy finish, then add festive sprinkles for extra holiday flair, transforming our Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls into a vibrant, eye-catching dessert that combines sweet taste with colorful texture.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls even more convenient for busy holiday mornings, we can prepare them ahead without sacrificing that fresh-baked aroma and festive appeal. This approach allows us to enjoy warm, cinnamon-scented treats straight from the oven while minimizing last-minute effort.
Preparing the Dough in Advance
We recommend starting with the dough preparation, as it’s the foundation of our recipe. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Activate and knead the dough as directed: Once the dough has risen and is ready to shape, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 24 hours: This slow chill enhances the flavors, giving the Christmas Tree Cinnamon Roll dough a richer, more developed taste. Simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before proceeding to the filling and shaping steps.
Assembling and Storing the Rolls
For full assembly ahead of time, we can shape the rolls and store them for later baking:
- Fill and shape the dough into the Christmas tree form: After rolling out the dough, spread the cinnamon-sugar filling, cut, and arrange it on the baking sheet as per the main instructions.
- Cover and refrigerate: Loosely cover the shaped rolls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. This keeps the structure intact while allowing a second rise in the fridge.
- Freeze for longer storage: If preparing further in advance, place the shaped, uncooked rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 24 hours | Let dough rise slightly before baking for the best texture. |
| Freezing | Up to 1 month | Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking to maintain shape. |
Baking from Make-Ahead Prep
When it’s time to bake, we ensure our Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls emerge golden and irresistible:
- From the fridge: Remove the rolls, let them rise at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, then bake as instructed until golden brown.
- From the freezer: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, allow an extra 15-20 minutes of rising time, and bake at the preheated temperature. Watch closely to avoid over-baking and preserve that soft, fluffy interior.
- Finishing touches: After baking, cool slightly and apply the icing with green food coloring and sprinkles for that vibrant, holiday centerpiece effect.
By planning ahead, we make our Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls a stress-free holiday tradition that delights with every bite.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored our Christmas Tree Cinnamon Roll recipe and discovered how it adds holiday magic to your table. It’s more than a treat—it’s a simple way to create lasting memories with loved ones.
Trust us, once you’ve baked these rolls, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your home. Give it a try and let the warm scents and festive vibes make your celebrations even brighter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls?
Gather ingredients for the dough: all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, warm milk, unsalted butter, eggs, and salt. For the filling: softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Icing and decoration include powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, green food coloring, and optional sprinkles. This simple list makes it easy to whip up a festive treat.
How do I make Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls?
Start by activating the yeast and preparing the dough, then mix and knead until smooth. Roll out the dough, spread with a butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon filling, and shape into a Christmas tree on a baking sheet. Let it rise, bake until golden, cool, and top with icing and sprinkles for a vibrant holiday centerpiece. The process takes about 1-2 hours total.
What tools are required for this recipe?
You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a stand or hand mixer, a rolling pin, a baking sheet with parchment paper, a knife or pizza cutter, and a pastry brush. Preheat your oven to the correct temperature for even baking. These essentials ensure smooth preparation and a perfectly shaped, aromatic treat.
Can I make Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it for richer flavors. You can also shape the rolls and chill them for up to 12 hours or freeze for longer storage. When ready, bake from cold, adding a few extra minutes if needed. This makes it a convenient holiday option without the rush.
How should I store the baked Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls?
Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep them fresh. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 1 month—just thaw and reheat in the oven. This helps maintain their soft texture and cinnamon flavor for enjoying later.
Are there any tips for getting the best results?
Use fresh yeast and warm ingredients for optimal dough rise. Roll the dough evenly to ensure a uniform tree shape, and don’t skip the rising time for fluffy rolls. Add green food coloring to the icing for a festive look, and experiment with sprinkles. For make-ahead, let refrigerated dough come to room temperature before baking to avoid uneven cooking.