Festive Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe

Welcome to a truly magical holiday treat that combines the warmth of homemade cinnamon rolls with the festive spirit of Christmas! This Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree is a joyful creation, perfect for starting your Christmas morning. It’s an easy-to-assemble, visually stunning centerpiece that brings smiles to everyone around the table. Get ready to bake a delicious memory!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree

This festive treat is more than just breakfast; it’s a holiday experience.

• Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: It feeds a crowd beautifully and looks spectacular on any festive table.
• Fun and Easy to Assemble: Even beginner bakers will find shaping this Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree straightforward.
• Delicious, Warm, and Gooey: Each bite offers that classic, comforting cinnamon roll flavor and texture.
• Impressive Centerpiece, Minimal Effort: Achieve a show-stopping presentation without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Creates Lasting Memories: Baking this together can become a cherished holiday tradition for your family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree. Using quality components ensures the best flavor and texture for your festive bake.

For the Dough:

• 3/4 cup (185ml) whole milk
• 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter
• 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 (0.25oz) package (7g) or 2 1/4 teaspoons Red Star Active Dry Yeast
• 1 large egg

For the Filling:

• 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (105g) light or dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 ounces (56g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 cups (227g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or eggnog

For Garnish (Optional):

• Holiday sprinkles

Notes & Substitutions

Understanding your ingredients helps ensure baking success.

• Yeast: Make sure your active dry yeast is fresh. You can use instant yeast, but still warm the milk and butter.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works best here. For a slightly denser texture, you can substitute up to 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour.
• Milk: Whole milk creates the richest dough, but 2% milk works too. Almond or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free option.
• Cinnamon: Enhance the filling with a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra holiday spice.
• Butter & Cream Cheese: Ensure both are at room temperature for the frosting. This creates a smooth, lump-free consistency.

Essential Equipment

Having the right tools makes baking this Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree simple and enjoyable.

• Stand mixer with dough hook: Simplifies kneading, or a large mixing bowl for hand mixing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.
• Saucepan: To warm milk and butter gently.
• Rolling pin: For flattening the dough into a rectangle.
• Sharp knife or floss: For cleanly cutting the cinnamon roll log.
• Large baking sheet: To assemble and bake your tree.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Electric mixer: For whipping up a perfectly smooth cream cheese frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these clear steps to bake your gorgeous Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree.

1. Activate Yeast: Warm the butter and milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until the butter melts and the mixture reaches 120-130°F (49-54°C). This temperature is crucial for activating the yeast. For optimal yeast activity, temperatures between 120-130°F are ideal, as detailed in this guide on yeast activation temperatures.
2. Make Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, or in a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and active dry yeast. Pour in the warm butter mixture and the egg. Mix until a wet dough forms. With the mixer running, gradually add the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough mostly clears the sides of the bowl but still feels slightly sticky. Knead for a few more minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size, which typically takes about 1 hour. A warm oven (turned off, with just the light on) is an ideal spot.
4. Prepare Filling: While the dough rises, prepare the delicious filling. In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir well until everything is thoroughly mixed.
5. Roll and Fill: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the gases. Knead it briefly to form a ball again, then let it rest for a few minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, roughly 12×17 inches. Don’t worry about being perfectly precise. Spread the melted butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the rolled dough, right to the edges.
6. Shape Rolls: Starting from one of the long ends, gently roll up the dough into a tight log. Use a sharp knife or unscented dental floss to carefully remove the uneven ends, creating a clean edge. Cut the log into 11 even rolls. Using floss helps keep the rolls perfectly round without squishing them.
7. Assemble Tree: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the 11 cut rolls on the prepared sheet to form a festive Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree shape. Start with 1 roll at the top, then 2 rolls in the next row, 3 rolls in the row after that, and 4 rolls in the final main row. Place one additional roll below the main rows to serve as the tree trunk. Space them about 1 1/2 to 2 inches apart to allow for expansion.
8. Second Rise: Cover the assembled tree loosely with plastic wrap. Let it rise again in a warm place for another 20-30 minutes, or until the rolls look visibly puffed up. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Bake: Bake the Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the rolls are beautifully golden brown on top and cooked through.
10. Make Frosting: While the rolls bake, prepare the decadent cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter, cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, and 2-3 tablespoons of milk or eggnog until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk or eggnog, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a spreadable consistency.
11. Frost and Garnish: Once the Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree is out of the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes, or frost it while still warm for that delightful melty effect. Spread the prepared cream cheese frosting generously over the rolls. If desired, sprinkle with festive holiday sprinkles for an extra touch of cheer.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Ensure your Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree turns out perfectly with these helpful tips.

• Perfect Dough Rise: A warm, humid environment helps yeast activate. Place your covered bowl in a slightly warm (but off) oven with the light on.
• Even Rolling: Roll the dough uniformly in thickness for consistent baking. Uneven spots can result in dry or undercooked areas.
• Clean Cuts: Dental floss is excellent for cutting rolls without squishing them. Simply slide it under the log, cross the ends, and pull.
• Prevent Sticking: Always use parchment paper on your baking sheet. This ensures easy removal and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Frosting Consistency: For a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner, drizzly frosting, incorporate a bit more milk.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the rolls; overbaking can lead to dry cinnamon rolls. They should be golden brown, not dark brown.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Enjoy your Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree with these ideas for serving and customization.

• Serving Suggestions: This Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree is best served warm, fresh from the oven, when the frosting is slightly melted and gooey. Pair it with coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday breakfast.
• Storage Instructions: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
• Make-Ahead Options: You can prepare the dough and assemble the tree the night before. After the second rise, cover the unbaked tree tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before baking as directed.
• Flavor Variations: Introduce a bright twist by adding 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the dough or the filling. A pinch of ground ginger or allspice can also enhance the holiday flavor profile.
• Topping Variations: For extra indulgence, drizzle the frosted tree with a homemade caramel sauce, sprinkle with toasted chopped pecans or walnuts, or even add a few dried cranberries for a festive pop of color.

Nutrition Information

Please note that this nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients used and serving size of 11 rolls. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and exact measurements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Find quick answers to common questions about making your festive Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it have its first rise, then punch it down and refrigerate overnight before rolling and shaping.
• How do I prevent my rolls from drying out? Avoid overbaking them. Also, storing leftovers in an airtight container helps maintain moisture.
• What if my dough isn’t rising? Ensure your yeast is active and the milk mixture wasn’t too hot, which can kill the yeast. A warm, draft-free spot is crucial for rising.
• Can I freeze the cinnamon roll Christmas tree? You can freeze unbaked rolls after the second rise, wrapped tightly, for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake.
• What’s the best way to get a perfect tree shape? Lay out your rolls in rows: one, two, three, four, then a single roll for the trunk. Leave a little space between each roll for them to expand during baking.

Conclusion

Creating a Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree is a delightful way to add festive cheer to your holiday mornings. This recipe offers a wonderful blend of ease, deliciousness, and stunning presentation, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones. Embrace the joy of baking this season; gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and bring this beautiful, edible centerpiece to your Christmas celebration. Happy baking and happy holidays!

Festive Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree

A warm, gooey, and festive cinnamon roll Christmas tree that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Topped with cream cheese frosting and sprinkles, it's the perfect holiday breakfast or brunch centerpiece.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 395

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ¾ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp coarse salt
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
• ½ cup light or dark brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temp (for frosting)
• 2 oz cream cheese, room temp
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2–3 tbsp milk or eggnog (for frosting)
• holiday sprinkles, optional

Equipment

• stand mixer with dough hook
• Saucepan To warm milk and butter
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Rolling Pin
• sharp knife or floss
• Large baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer For frosting

Method

 

1. Warm milk and butter in a saucepan over medium-low until melted and reaches 120–130°F. This activates the yeast properly.
2. In a bowl, combine 1½ cups flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm milk mixture and egg. Mix, then gradually add remaining flour until dough is sticky but clears the bowl. Knead until smooth.
3. Cover and let dough rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
4. Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for filling.
5. Punch down dough, then roll into a 12×17-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly over dough.
6. Roll dough into a log. Trim ends. Cut into 11 even rolls using floss or a sharp knife.
7. Arrange rolls on parchment-lined baking sheet in a tree shape (1-2-3-4 and trunk). Space slightly apart for rising.
8. Cover and rise again for 20–30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F.
9. Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden. Cool slightly before frosting.
10. Beat butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk/eggnog until smooth. Frost rolls while warm. Add sprinkles if using.

Notes

Use fresh yeast and warm milk (120–130°F) to activate properly. Roll dough evenly for uniform baking. Floss makes perfect cuts. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving. Add orange zest or chopped pecans for festive variations.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com