Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe Easy and Delicious

Originally posted on September 11, 2021 @ 3:56 am

The holiday season is the perfect time to bring a little extra magic into your kitchen, and what better way to do that than with a festive cinnamon roll Christmas tree? This delightful treat combines the warm, comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with a creative presentation that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, bringing a dish to a party, or simply want to add a whimsical touch to your dessert table, this recipe is both fun and approachable. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season with a sweet centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks.

With soft, fluffy dough layered with cinnamon sugar and a drizzly glaze, this cinnamon roll tree offers a playful twist on a beloved classic. Plus, it’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

In this post, I’ll walk you through every step to create this charming centerpiece, share some handy tips and variations, and even suggest ways to serve your creation. Get ready to spread some holiday cheer, one cinnamon roll at a time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cinnamon roll Christmas tree is the ultimate festive treat for several reasons. First, it’s visually stunning — transforming traditional cinnamon rolls into a towering, tree-shaped delight that captures everyone’s attention.

It’s a fantastic way to add a homemade touch to your holiday celebrations without spending hours decorating individual pastries.

Second, the recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at cinnamon rolls for the first time. The dough is soft and tender, filled with a rich cinnamon-sugar blend, and topped with a luscious glaze that perfectly complements the warm spices.

Lastly, it’s versatile. You can customize it with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or frosting variations to suit your taste or dietary needs.

This creative recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a joyful addition to your holiday baking repertoire.

Ingredients

• For the dough:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ½ cup whole milk, warm (110°F/43°C)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• For the filling:
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• For the glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional toppings:
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Mini chocolate chips
• Sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Rolling pin
• 9-inch round baking pan or pizza pan
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife or dental floss (for cutting rolls)
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional, but helpful)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates your yeast is active and ready.
2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until smooth and elastic.
3. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside the softened butter for spreading.
5. Roll out the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, roughly 16×12 inches.
6. Spread the filling: Using a pastry brush or spatula, evenly spread the softened butter over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top, pressing lightly to adhere.
7. Form the rolls: Starting from a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
8. Arrange in tree shape: Grease your round pan. Place the largest cinnamon rolls in a circle to form the base layer of the tree, then continue layering smaller circles inside, gradually building up to a single roll at the top. Leave a small hole in the center for a star-shaped pastry or decoration if desired.
9. Second rise: Cover the assembled tree with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
10. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon roll tree for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
11. Prepare the glaze: While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
12. Glaze and decorate: Remove the tree from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze generously over the top and sprinkle with your choice of nuts, chocolate chips, or festive sprinkles.
13. Serve: Enjoy your beautiful cinnamon roll Christmas tree warm or at room temperature!

Tips & Variations

“For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to your cinnamon sugar filling.”

If you want to make your cinnamon roll Christmas tree even more special, here are some ideas:

• Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling or sprinkle on top before baking.
• Chocolate lovers: Mix mini chocolate chips into the filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the glaze.
• Vegan option: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, use a vegan butter substitute, and replace eggs with flax eggs.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and adjust moisture as needed.
• Decorative star: Cut a small star-shaped piece of dough and bake it separately to place at the top of your tree, adding a charming finishing touch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This cinnamon roll Christmas tree is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it warm with a cup of hot coffee, spiced chai, or hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat.

You can also complement it with fresh fruit like sliced oranges or berries to balance the sweetness.

For a festive brunch, add a side of scrambled eggs or a light salad. If you’re serving it as a dessert, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to take it to the next level.

The cinnamon roll tree is a festive centerpiece that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat!

Conclusion

The cinnamon roll Christmas tree is a perfect blend of creativity, flavor, and holiday spirit. It’s a recipe that brings joy to the kitchen and smiles to the table, making your festive gatherings all the more memorable.

With its soft, cinnamon-scented rolls shaped into a charming tree, this dish is a wonderful way to celebrate the season’s warmth and togetherness.

Whether you’re baking it for a family breakfast, a holiday party, or as a special gift, this cinnamon roll tree is sure to delight all ages. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite additions and share your festive creation with loved ones.

Happy baking and happy holidays!

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