There’s nothing quite like the aroma of cinnamon dancing through our kitchen during the holidays. We look forward to the warmth and comfort these doughy swirls bring but we want to make them even more festive.
Our Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls add a playful twist to a beloved classic. We shape our favorite cinnamon-sugar-filled dough into whimsical tree forms that are as fun to decorate as they are to eat. With a simple icing drizzle and colorful sprinkles we create a holiday centerpiece everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
Below is a breakdown of the exact ingredients we need to create our Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls. We gather our items in separate bowls so we can stay organized.
| Ingredient | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups | Provides structure for our dough |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | Adds mild sweetness to the dough |
| Instant yeast | 2¼ teaspoons | Helps the dough rise |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Balances sweetness and enhances flavor |
| Warm milk (110°F) | ¾ cup | Activates the yeast |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 2 tablespoons | Contributes softness to the dough |
| Egg (large) | 1 | Binds ingredients together |
| Softened butter | 4 tablespoons | Forms the base of our cinnamon-sugar filling |
| Brown sugar | ⅓ cup | Melts into the dough creating a caramel-like sweetness |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 tablespoons | Delivers warm and spicy notes for the filling |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup | Serves as the base for our icing drizzle |
| Milk | 2 tablespoons | Thins out our icing to a drizzle consistency |
| Vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon | Adds aroma to the icing |
| Green sprinkles | As desired | Decorates and completes our festive Christmas tree look |
Tools And Equipment
We rely on the following items to shape and bake our Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls. Each tool helps us handle the dough with ease and achieve consistent results:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Stand Mixer (optional) | Kneads dough thoroughly |
| Large Mixing Bowl | Holds all our combined ingredients |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | Ensures precise measurements |
| Rolling Pin | Flattens dough into a rectangular shape |
| Pastry Brush | Applies melted butter and icing |
| Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter | Cuts dough segments for tree branches |
| Baking Sheet | Provides a stable surface for shaping and baking |
| Parchment Paper | Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup |
| Wire Rack | Allows proper airflow for cooling |
| Plastic Wrap or Damp Towel | Covers dough while rising to prevent drying |
We arrange our tools within reach before we begin so we can move smoothly through each step of shaping and baking.
Directions
Here is how we transform our dough into Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls. We follow these steps to create a cheerful and tasty holiday treat.
Prep The Dough
- Warm the milk to about 110°F to activate the yeast.
- Place the dough ingredients in our stand mixer bowl. Start mixing on low speed.
- Knead for 5 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
- Let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.
| Dough Prep Steps | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Kneading | 5 minutes |
| First Rise | 1 hour |
Fill And Roll
- Combine the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
- Punch down the dough. Transfer to a lightly floured surface.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
- Brush the surface of the dough with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll the sheet of dough into a snug log. Keep the roll as even as possible.
Shape The Christmas Tree
- Place the rolled log seam side down.
- Cut into slices about 1 inch thick.
- Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a triangular shape.
- Leave a small gap between each slice for expansion.
- Let the rolls rest for 10 minutes before baking.
Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls for 18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack to cool slightly.
Decorate
- Prepare our favorite icing by whisking powdered sugar with a small amount of milk.
- Pipe or drizzle the icing over each roll.
- Top with holiday sprinkles or edible decorations for a festive effect.
Storage And Make-Ahead Tips
We keep leftover Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls tasting fresh by storing them properly. We place them in an airtight container to preserve their soft texture. We avoid stacking them without parchment paper or wax paper in between to maintain their shape and frosting details.
| Method | Storage Duration |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2 days |
| Refrigerator | 5 days |
| Freezer | 2 months |
We reheat rolls in a warm oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brief heat revives their softness and cinnamon-sugar aroma. We can also use the microwave for 15 seconds on medium power for a quick treat.
- We prepare and shape our dough a day ahead. We then keep it tightly covered in the fridge before baking.
- We freeze unbaked rolls for up to 1 month. We thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. We then arrange them on a baking sheet and bake as directed.
- We decorate them with icing and sprinkles right before serving for the most festive presentation.
Conclusion
We love the warm holiday spark these Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls bring to our table because they blend creativity and sweet flavor in a single treat. By sharing them with family and friends we embrace treasured moments that fill our hearts with festive excitement.
It’s pure magic and we can’t wait to make them a cherished tradition that brightens our celebrations year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls a perfect holiday treat?
They combine the comforting aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls with a festive twist. Shaped like Christmas trees, they bring a cheerful touch to holiday gatherings. Their sweet filling, special shape, and fun decorating make them a delightful centerpiece for any celebration.
Can I use a different filling besides cinnamon-sugar?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with options like chocolate spread, cream cheese filling, or even fruit preserves. The dough’s soft texture pairs well with various flavors, making it easy to customize. Just ensure the filling isn’t too runny to keep the rolls intact.
What ingredients do I need to make these festive rolls?
You’ll need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, warm milk, butter, salt, and eggs for the dough. The filling typically requires cinnamon, sugar, and butter. For the icing, gather powdered sugar, milk, and holiday sprinkles. These basics ensure delicious, fluffy rolls every time.
Which tools and equipment are essential for baking?
A stand mixer or large mixing bowl helps blend ingredients. Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy. A rolling pin, pastry brush, and sharp knife or pizza cutter assist with shaping. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper, plus a wire rack, make baking and cooling seamless.
How do I shape the rolls into a Christmas tree?
Arrange cut cinnamon roll slices on a baking sheet in a large triangle. Place one roll at the top, then form staggered rows beneath it, gradually widening toward the base. Leave some space between the rolls for rising. Once baked, they form a cheerful tree shape.
How long can I keep leftover rolls fresh?
Store them in an airtight container. They’ll last about two days at room temperature, five days in the refrigerator, or up to two months in the freezer. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to preserve their shape and frosting details.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make the dough the day before and keep it shaped in the fridge. Alternatively, freeze unbaked rolls for up to a month. Thaw them overnight, then bake and decorate right before serving for maximum freshness and holiday charm.
How should I reheat them?
Place them in a warm oven for a few minutes, or microwave each roll for about 15 seconds. This prevents overcooking while restoring softness. Add a little extra icing afterward if desired, since reheating may slightly melt the original frosting.