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The Ultimate Homemade Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls

Three gooey, freshly baked christmas tree cinnamon rolls covered in thick white icing on a white plate.
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Make a festive centerpiece for your Christmas morning breakfast with these soft, pull-apart cinnamon rolls shaped like a Christmas tree. We provide instructions for a scratch dough recipe and a quick hack using store-bought dough.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 batch homemade cinnamon roll dough (or 1 can refrigerated dough)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Green food coloring (optional, for decoration)
  • Small star-shaped cookie cutter (optional, for tree topper)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the dough (Homemade Method): Prepare your favorite fluffy sweet rolls dough recipe and let it rise according to the recipe instructions.
  3. Prepare the dough (Store-Bought Hack): Open the can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Do not separate the rolls.
  4. Shape the Tree (Homemade): Roll your dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly along the long edge. Cut the log in half lengthwise. Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up.
  5. Shape the Tree (Store-Bought): Place the entire sheet of unseparated rolls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, cut a triangle shape out of the center of the roll sheet to form the tree outline. Use the leftover dough scraps to form a small trunk at the bottom.
  6. Arrange the Rolls: Cut the twisted dough log (homemade) or the shaped rolls (store-bought) into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking dish in the shape of a Christmas tree, leaving a small gap between the rolls so they expand and touch during baking. Use one slice for the trunk at the bottom.
  7. Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls loosely with plastic wrap and let them rest in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
  8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  9. Make the Glaze: While the rolls bake, prepare the cream cheese icing. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until the icing is smooth and spreadable. Add a drop or two of green food coloring if desired for a festive tint.
  10. Glaze and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven. Immediately spread the warm glaze over the rolls. If using a star cutter, cut a small star from a piece of dough, bake it separately, and place it on top of the tree trunk area for decoration. Serve warm as your Christmas morning breakfast idea.

Notes

  • For a pull apart Christmas bread effect, ensure the rolls are touching slightly before the final rise.
  • If you want a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk in your dough recipe.
  • Decorate with red and green sprinkles immediately after glazing for extra holiday cheer.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumdrizzle.com/christmas-tree-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/