Welcome to the ultimate holiday treat! This delightful cinnamon roll Christmas tree recipe brings festive joy to your kitchen. Imagine warm, gooey cinnamon rolls shaped into a beautiful tree, ready for everyone to pull apart. It is a delicious and impressive centerpiece, perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunch, or any cozy gathering this season.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe
You will adore this special holiday treat for many reasons:
- Easy & Fun: It is a surprisingly simple yet incredibly fun project for all skill levels.
- Impressive Presentation: The pull-apart Christmas tree shape will wow your guests.
- Classic Comfort: Enjoy the timeless taste of warm cinnamon rolls with a festive twist.
- New Tradition: Perfect for starting a heartwarming Christmas morning tradition.
- Customizable: Easily personalize with your favorite toppings and decorations.
Ingredients
Gather your kitchen essentials to create this stunning cinnamon roll Christmas tree recipe.
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup (185ml) whole milk
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 (0.25oz) package (7g) or 2 ¼ teaspoons Red Star Active Dry Yeast
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (105g) light or dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 2 ounces (56g) cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 2 cups (227g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or eggnog
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Notes & Substitutions
Ensuring the proper temperature for liquids is crucial for yeast activity. The ideal temperature range for activating active dry yeast is between 100°–110°F.
Ensure milk and butter reach 120-130°F to activate yeast without killing it. Using a kitchen scale to measure flour by weight provides greater accuracy and consistency in baking. Use all-purpose flour for best texture; measure by weight for accuracy. Dark brown sugar adds deeper molasses notes. For an extra kick, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon filling. Use full-fat cream cheese and softened butter for the smoothest frosting. Eggnog enhances the holiday flavor in your cream cheese frosting.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes this cinnamon roll Christmas tree recipe a breeze to prepare.
- Stand mixer with dough hook (or large bowl for hand mixing)
- Small saucepan for warming milk and butter
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or unscented dental floss
- Large rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer for frosting
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious and festive cinnamon roll Christmas tree recipe.
- Prepare the Dough: Warm butter and milk in a saucepan until butter melts and mixture reaches 120-130°F. In your stand mixer bowl (or a large bowl), combine 1 ½ cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the warm butter mixture and egg; mix until a wet dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour, ¼ cup at a time, until the dough clears the bowl but remains slightly sticky. Knead for a few minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Gently punch down the dough to release the air, then knead it into a ball. Let it rest for a few minutes while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling: Melt the butter for the filling. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing them well.
- Assemble the Christmas Tree: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the rested dough into a large rectangle, roughly 12×17 inches. Spread the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the rolled dough. Generously sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the butter. Starting from one long end, gently roll the dough into a tight log. Trim the ends to create clean edges, then cut the log into 11 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss. Arrange the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet to form a Christmas tree shape: place 1 roll at the top, followed by 2 rolls in the next row, then 3 rolls, 4 rolls, and finally 1 roll at the bottom for the trunk. Ensure there is about 1 ½ to 2 inches of space between each roll.
- Second Rise and Bake: Cover your assembled cinnamon roll Christmas tree with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for another 20-30 minutes, or until doubled in size. While it rises, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and let the rolls cool slightly.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the room temperature butter, cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons of milk or eggnog until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add more milk or eggnog, 1 teaspoon at a time, if you need a thinner, more spreadable consistency.
- Decorate and Serve: Spread the finished cream cheese frosting generously over the warm cinnamon rolls. If desired, sprinkle with holiday sprinkles for an extra festive touch. Serve your beautiful cinnamon roll Christmas tree warm and let everyone pull apart their delicious individual rolls.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Christmas Trees
Achieve bakery-quality results for your cinnamon roll Christmas tree recipe with these helpful tips:
- Proof Your Yeast: Always check your active dry yeast by letting it bloom in warm milk. It should foam; if it doesn’t, your yeast might be expired.
- Don’t Over-Knead: Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic. Over-kneading can lead to tough rolls.
- Floss for Clean Cuts: Use unscented dental floss to slice the dough log for perfectly shaped, un-squished rolls.
- Proper Spacing: Give the rolls enough room on the baking sheet so they can expand without crowding.
- Bake Until Golden: Pull the rolls from the oven when they are lightly golden brown for maximum softness and gooey centers.
- Frost While Warm: Apply the frosting while the rolls are still warm. It will melt slightly, creating an irresistible glaze.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Make the most of your cinnamon roll Christmas tree recipe with these ideas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your warm pull-apart cinnamon rolls with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, best Christmas hot chocolate, or a festive glass of eggnog. Pair them with a side of fresh seasonal fruit or crispy bacon for a complete holiday breakfast. This beautiful tree also makes a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. They tend to dry out quickly if not covered properly. Reheat individual rolls gently in the microwave for 15-30 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth. For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the assembled tree the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before its second rise and baking.
Recipe Variations
- Nutty Filling: Add ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for extra crunch.
- Citrus Zest: Include 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest in the filling or frosting for a brighter flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the frosted rolls for an indulgent twist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Melt chocolate chips and drizzle them over the frosted tree.
- Candied Fruit: Decorate with candied cherries or green glaceed cherries for colorful “ornaments.”
Nutrition Information
(Estimated per 1 roll serving, based on 11 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Sugars | 45g |
| Protein | 6g |
Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use store-bought cinnamon roll dough?
Yes, you absolutely can! Simply unroll two cans of store-bought dough, separate the rolls, and arrange them in the Christmas tree shape as directed before baking.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Prepare the dough and assemble the tree up to the second rise, then cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature for an hour before its final rise and baking.
How do I store any leftover cinnamon rolls?
Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their freshness and soft texture. Gently reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double this delightful recipe for a larger gathering. You might need two baking sheets to accommodate the larger cinnamon roll Christmas tree or make two smaller ones.
Can I use sourdough discard in this recipe?
While this recipe uses active dry yeast, you can adapt it to incorporate sourdough discard for added flavor. Replace about 1 cup of flour and ¼ cup of milk with 1 cup of active sourdough discard. Adjust additional flour as needed for dough consistency.
Conclusion
This cinnamon roll Christmas tree recipe offers a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays with warmth and deliciousness. It is simple to make, looks incredibly festive, and provides a delightful, pull-apart treat everyone will adore. We hope you enjoy bringing this beautiful and tasty tradition to your home. Happy holiday baking!
