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A festive and delicious Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree, beautifully decorated with icing and holiday sprinkles on a dark surface.

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.
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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.