Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, festive twist on a classic treat, you’re going to absolutely adore this Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. I love this because it transforms simple cinnamon rolls into a show-stopping centerpiece that tastes just as amazing as it looks. Plus, it’s super easy—even if you’re not a pro baker, you’ll find that this recipe is straightforward and totally foolproof. Stick around, and I promise you’ll have a festive favorite in no time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here is wonderfully simple: just a can of cinnamon rolls, icing, and some sprinkles to bring that Christmas cheer. These ingredients work beautifully together because the ready-to-bake cinnamon rolls save you time but still deliver the classic soft and sweet flavor you crave.

• Cinnamon Rolls: I use Pillsbury Grands! because they’re large, fluffy, and perfect for shaping. You can find them in almost any grocery store.
• Icing: The pre-packaged icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls is ideal here—it’s sweet, creamy, and easy to drizzle.
• Christmas Sprinkles: These add that festive pop of color—think red, green, and white for maximum holiday vibes.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe depending on the occasion or who’s joining us for breakfast. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own—it’s all about having fun and enjoying something yummy.

• Nutty Twist: Once, I sprinkled chopped pecans inside before weaving the dough, and my family went crazy for the crunch and added flavor.
• Chocolate Lovers: Try adding mini chocolate chips in the layering steps for a gooey surprise that melts beautifully when baked.
• Gluten-Free Option: You could experiment with gluten-free cinnamon roll dough if you’re catering to dietary needs, but be sure it’s one that rolls nicely for weaving.
• Extra Festive: Swap sprinkles for crushed candy canes to add a peppermint twist that feels so holiday!

How to Make Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to spray my baking pan with non-stick spray, but parchment paper works wonders too—especially if you’re worried about sticky rolls. Setting up your space means once you open that can, you can work quickly without things drying out.

Step 2: Open and Separate the Rolls

Carefully open your can of cinnamon rolls and gently pull them apart so you have 5 individual rolls. Here’s a little trick I learned: letting them sit for a few minutes after opening helps loosen the dough, making it easier to unravel without tearing.

Step 3: Shape the Christmas Tree

Take one cinnamon roll at a time and unravel it gently. Then, start weaving back and forth on your baking pan to create a tree shape. Don’t worry about perfection—it just needs to look like a tree, so have fun with it! Once the shape feels right, pinch the edges slightly to hold the dough together while baking. If you notice any parts starting to separate during baking, just take the pan out and nudge them back into place gently.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Irresistible

Pop your tree-shaped rolls in the oven for 23–27 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden brown. Keep an eye near the end—ovens vary, and you want that perfect soft inside with a lightly crisp outside. It smells heavenly while baking, and trust me, it’s hard not to sneak a peek early!

Step 5: Cool, Ice, and Decorate

Once baked, let your rolls cool just a bit so your icing doesn’t melt away entirely. Drizzle on the included icing and sprinkle festive holiday sprinkles generously. That little pop of color always gets everyone excited to dig in.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with the icing and colorful Christmas sprinkles, but I love adding a light dusting of powdered sugar for that snowy effect. Sometimes, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of crushed nuts adds a fun extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

This cinnamon roll tree pairs beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or a warm latte—perfect for a cozy holiday morning. For something savory, serve alongside scrambled eggs or bacon for a balanced breakfast spread.

Creative Ways to Present

One year I placed my Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe on a round wooden platter with pine sprigs and miniature ornaments around it—it instantly became the centerpiece of our holiday brunch. Wrapping a festive ribbon around the platter makes it look even more special if you’re gifting it to friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), I usually store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay soft and sweet, but if your kitchen is warm, the icing might get a bit sticky—just a heads up!

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover unbaked shaped dough before by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freezing it for up to a month. When I’m ready to bake, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—it’s a game changer for busy holiday mornings.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop individual rolls in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or into a warm oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to bring back that soft texture. Adding a little fresh icing after warming them up always makes them taste like they’re fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings the family together in the sweetest way possible. Whether it’s for a holiday breakfast, a festive brunch, or even a fun baking day with the kids, it never fails to bring smiles and full bellies. I hope you’ll give it a try and add your own personal twists—it’s one of those recipes that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat!

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