Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls: Easy Holiday Breakfast

What if the aroma that makes Christmas morning unforgettable could be shaped into an edible centerpiece that rivals any decorated tree? Christmas tree cinnamon rolls combine the beloved comfort of warm, spiced pastries with festive presentation that transforms your breakfast table into a holiday celebration. This breakfast recipe arranges classic cinnamon rolls into a beautiful tree formation complete with icing drizzle and colorful sprinkles that capture the magic of the season. The Christmas tree cinnamon rolls deliver bakery-quality results using simple shaping techniques that make impressive holiday hosting accessible to home bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients List

For these Christmas tree cinnamon rolls, you’ll need:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

For Decoration:

• Green food coloring
• Colorful sprinkles
• Small star cookie or fondant star
• Red and gold candies

Timing

These Christmas tree cinnamon rolls require:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Cooling and Decorating: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl, letting it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, salt, and eggs, whisking until smooth. Gradually mix in flour one cup at a time until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until elastic and smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Mix softened butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined and spreadable. Set aside at room temperature. This fragrant mixture will create the signature swirls and aromatic appeal that makes Christmas tree cinnamon rolls irresistible.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

Roll risen dough into a large rectangle approximately 18×12 inches on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly, leaving a half-inch border along one long edge. Roll tightly from the opposite long edge, sealing the seam by pinching. Cut into varying sizes: one roll for the star, three medium rolls for the top, four larger for the middle, and five largest for the bottom row.

Step 4: Arrange in Tree Shape

On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange rolls in a tree formation. Place one small roll at the top for the star position. Create the next row with three rolls, then four in the middle row, and five rolls at the bottom. Leave small gaps between rolls to allow for expansion. Add a rectangular piece of dough at the bottom as the tree trunk. Cover lightly and let rise for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake and Decorate

Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. While cooling, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Divide icing in half, tinting one portion green with food coloring. Drizzle green icing over the cooled Christmas tree cinnamon rolls, letting it flow between rolls. Add sprinkles, place a star on top, and scatter candies as ornaments for a festive finish.

Nutritional Information

For a serving of these Christmas tree cinnamon rolls:

• Calories: 385
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 56g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 28g
• Protein: 6g
• Calcium: 85mg
• Iron: 2mg

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform your Christmas tree cinnamon rolls into a healthier version with these modifications:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber and add nutty flavor depth
• Reduced Sugar Filling: Cut brown sugar by one-third and increase cinnamon for bold flavor without excessive sweetness
• Greek Yogurt Dough: Substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt to boost protein while maintaining soft, tender texture
• Natural Sweeteners: Use coconut sugar or maple sugar in the filling for lower glycemic impact and trace minerals
• Lighter Icing: Make a glaze with powdered sugar and milk instead of cream cheese frosting to reduce fat and calories significantly
• Coconut Oil Substitute: Replace butter with coconut oil in the dough for dairy-free option with beneficial medium-chain triglycerides

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Christmas tree cinnamon rolls experience with these ideas:

• Serve warm on a large platter as the centerpiece of your holiday brunch buffet
• Pair with hot chocolate, eggnog, or spiced coffee for a complete festive breakfast experience
• Present alongside fresh fruit salad and scrambled eggs for balanced holiday morning nutrition
• Arrange on a wooden board with small bowls of extra icing for guests to add more sweetness
• Serve the Christmas tree cinnamon rolls with maple syrup or caramel sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra indulgence
• Accompany with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness with savory elements
• Display on tiered stands for elegant presentation at Christmas morning gatherings or potlucks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Master these Christmas tree cinnamon rolls by avoiding these pitfalls:

• Hot Liquid Temperature: Using milk that’s too hot kills yeast while too cold prevents activation, so aim for 110°F for optimal rising
• Insufficient Kneading: Under-kneaded dough creates dense, heavy rolls instead of light, fluffy texture, so knead until smooth and elastic
• Uneven Roll Sizes: Cutting rolls randomly makes tree shaping difficult, so measure and cut deliberately for proper arrangement
• Overfilling: Too much cinnamon mixture causes it to leak out during baking, creating messy pans and burnt sugar spots
• Rushing the Rise: Skipping or shortening rise time produces tough, dense rolls that lack the characteristic soft, pillowy texture
• Icing Hot Rolls: Adding frosting to warm rolls causes melting and sliding, so always cool completely before decorating
• Improper Spacing: Placing rolls too close prevents expansion while too far apart loses the tree shape during baking

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Preserve the freshness of your Christmas tree cinnamon rolls with these strategies:

• Room Temperature Storage: Keep unfrosted rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature for best texture
• Refrigeration Method: Store frosted rolls covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, reheating gently before serving
• Freezing Unbaked Rolls: Freeze shaped, unrisen rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months
• Baked Roll Freezing: Wrap cooled, unfrosted rolls tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freezing for up to 3 months
• Reheating Instructions: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or entire batches in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes
• Make-Ahead Dough: Prepare dough the night before, refrigerating after the first rise for slow overnight fermentation and morning baking
• Icing Storage: Keep cream cheese frosting refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 1 week, bringing to room temperature before using

Conclusion

Christmas tree cinnamon rolls transform ordinary breakfast into a memorable holiday tradition through creative shaping and festive decorations. With soft, spiced rolls arranged in a beautiful tree formation, this recipe delivers both impressive presentation and comforting flavors that make Christmas mornings truly special.

Ready to create this festive centerpiece? Try this recipe and share your beautiful tree creations in the review section below. Leave a comment on our blog with photos of your Christmas tree cinnamon rolls and any creative decorating ideas you discovered!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough for Christmas tree cinnamon rolls? Yes! Use refrigerated cinnamon roll dough or pizza dough as shortcuts. Simply add your own filling, shape into a tree, and decorate for easier preparation.

How do I keep my rolls soft and fluffy? Don’t over-bake, remove them when just golden, and store in airtight containers. Brush with butter immediately after baking to lock in moisture and enhance softness.

Can I make these Christmas tree cinnamon rolls the night before? Absolutely! Prepare through shaping, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking in the morning.

What if my dough isn’t rising? Check yeast freshness by testing in warm water first. Ensure your rising environment is warm and draft-free, ideally 75-80°F, or place near a warm oven.

How do I achieve the perfect tree shape? Cut rolls in graduated sizes and arrange with one at top, then rows of 3, 4, and 5 going down. Leave small gaps for expansion while maintaining the triangular outline.

Can I make these dairy-free? Yes! Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. The texture remains excellent with these substitutions while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Why did my filling leak out during baking? Don’t overfill, seal the seam tightly, and leave a border when spreading. Ensure the dough is rolled tightly but not stretched, which creates gaps for filling to escape.