Transform your traditional cinnamon rolls into a festive, fun treat with this easy Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls recipe. These delicious, visually stunning cinnamon rolls are perfect for any Christmas breakfast or brunch. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to add a little holiday cheer to your morning, these tree-shaped cinnamon rolls are sure to be a hit. Simple, quick, and festive, this recipe makes turning store-bought cinnamon rolls into a homemade holiday masterpiece a breeze.
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Why You’ll Love Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are not just about looks; they’re incredibly easy to make and taste fantastic. Using store-bought cinnamon rolls as a base saves time while still delivering a homemade feel. With just a few creative twists, you can shape the rolls into a festive Christmas tree and add sprinkles and icing to make them holiday-ready. Plus, they’re a fun way to engage kids or family members in the kitchen.
Whether you’re short on time or want to add a special touch to your Christmas morning, this is the perfect recipe to spread joy with minimal effort. The combination of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls topped with icing and Christmas sprinkles is hard to resist.
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
• Store-Bought Cinnamon Rolls: The base of this recipe. The cinnamon rolls will form the tree shape when reshaped, offering a warm, delicious foundation.
• Icing: Adds sweetness and a festive touch. You can use the icing provided with the cinnamon rolls or make your own.
• Christmas Sprinkles: Adds a fun, colorful pop, making the rolls look like a Christmas tree ready for the holidays.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls: For a gluten-free option, substitute the regular cinnamon rolls with gluten-free ones, ensuring everyone can enjoy this festive treat.
• Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly option, choose a plant-based cinnamon roll and icing to make it suitable for vegan diets.
• Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: If you have extra time, you can bake your own cinnamon rolls from scratch to elevate this recipe even further.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on the cinnamon roll package. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Open the package of cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing that comes with them. Unwind one cinnamon roll, carefully reshaping it into a Christmas tree on the parchment paper. Start with a narrow top and widen as you move down to form the tree shape.
- Gently squish the cinnamon roll together with your hands, ensuring it stays compact. This step is crucial to make sure the rolls hold their tree shape while baking.
- Repeat the process with the remaining cinnamon rolls, arranging them in a tree formation on the baking sheet.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls according to the instructions on the package, typically around 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the icing over the top, allowing it to melt slightly and soak into the rolls.
- Finish by adding Christmas sprinkles to decorate your tree, giving it a festive, colorful look.
Tips & Tricks
• Squish the Cinnamon Rolls: Ensure that each cinnamon roll is squished together before baking to help maintain the tree shape. If the rolls are too spread out, they won’t form the tree properly.
• Don’t Over-Frost: It’s easy to go overboard with the icing, but remember, less is more. A light drizzle allows the cinnamon flavor to shine through while adding just the right amount of sweetness.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to two days. These cinnamon rolls can also be reheated in the microwave or oven for a few seconds to warm them up again.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
While these Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are delicious on their own, you can serve them alongside other holiday breakfast favorites. Pair them with a warm cup of hot chocolate or coffee for the perfect holiday morning treat.
If you want to make the recipe even more festive, consider adding a glaze with peppermint extract for a minty twist, or use colored sugar for extra holiday cheer. You could also swap the sprinkles for crushed candy canes for a fun texture contrast.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re preparing for a big holiday brunch or breakfast, you can prep these cinnamon rolls the night before. Simply shape the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, bake them straight from the fridge and finish them with icing and sprinkles.
The Perfect Holiday Tradition
Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls aren’t just a treat; they can quickly become a beloved holiday tradition. The ease of making them combined with their delightful appearance makes them an excellent choice for Christmas breakfast or a festive brunch. Share these cinnamon rolls with family and friends, and they’ll be sure to become a staple in your holiday celebrations.
Enjoy creating these fun, delicious Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls, and spread holiday cheer with every bite!
Conclusion
Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect way to add a festive touch to your holiday mornings. Not only are they easy to make using store-bought cinnamon rolls, but they also look stunning on your breakfast table. With just a few simple steps, you can create a fun, delicious tradition that your family will love year after year. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat your loved ones to a special breakfast, these Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are sure to bring joy to your holiday season.
Enjoy the fun of decorating and the warmth of homemade cinnamon rolls—made even better by their holiday tree shape! Get creative with toppings and variations to make this recipe your own, and keep the tradition alive for many Christmases to come.
FAQ
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! While store-bought cinnamon rolls make this recipe quick and easy, homemade cinnamon rolls can take it to the next level. Simply follow your favorite homemade cinnamon roll recipe, then shape them into a tree before baking. It will make the treat even more special!
How do I make the tree shape hold while baking?
To ensure the tree shape stays intact, it’s essential to squish the cinnamon rolls together before baking. Press them firmly so that they don’t spread out too much during the baking process. This step helps the rolls stay in the Christmas tree shape throughout baking.
Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls the night before. Simply shape the cinnamon rolls, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake them directly from the fridge for a quick and easy breakfast.
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Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are a fun and festive way to enjoy your favorite cinnamon rolls during the holidays. These easy-to-make treats use store-bought cinnamon rolls that are reshaped into a Christmas tree shape and topped with icing and colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for a Christmas breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 can store-bought cinnamon rolls
- Icing (from the cinnamon roll package or homemade)
- Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the temperature on the cinnamon roll packaging. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Open the cinnamon roll package and set aside the icing. Unwind the first cinnamon roll and reshape it into a Christmas tree on the parchment paper, starting with a narrow top and widening as you go down.
- Press the cinnamon roll firmly together so that it holds its tree shape during baking.
- Repeat the process with the remaining cinnamon rolls, arranging them into a tree formation on the baking sheet.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls according to the package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
- Once baked, allow the rolls to cool slightly before adding the icing.
- Drizzle icing over the cooled cinnamon rolls and top with Christmas sprinkles.
- Serve and enjoy your festive Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls!
Notes
- Make sure to squish the cinnamon rolls together before baking so they maintain their tree shape.
- Don’t over-frost; a light drizzle of icing is all you need.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
- You can prepare these rolls the night before and bake them the next morning for a quick breakfast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cinnamon roll
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
