Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls

Creating a magical holiday atmosphere in your kitchen is easier than you think, especially when you whip up a batch of Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls. Imagine waking up to the sweet smell of warm cinnamon and sugar wafting through the air, filling your home with holiday cheer. Not only do these rolls look like a festive tree, but they taste incredible, too! The combination of gooey filling and rich cream cheese icing makes for a breakfast that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re a fun activity to share with family or friends—everyone can shape their own trees while enjoying the sweet smell of fresh baking. Whether you savor them on Christmas morning or share them at holiday gatherings, these festive rolls are bound to become a cherished tradition in your household.

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Why This Recipe Works

Using a warm water-yeast mixture is key for activating the yeast properly. This ensures our rolls come out light and fluffy. An enriched dough, made with butter and eggs, adds tenderness and flavor. The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen with a holiday vibe. This delightful blend captures the spirit of the season in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something special about these Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls. Not only are they visually stunning, resembling a holiday tree, but they’re also simple to make. The unique shape adds a festive flair to your Christmas breakfast spread. Once you take a bite, the creamy icing complements the sweet, spiced roll perfectly—making them utterly irresistible. Sharing these with loved ones is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces!

Ingredients

• 2 cups lukewarm water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 5½ to 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons melted butter (for filling)
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup room temperature butter (for icing)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 5 drops green food coloring (optional)
• 3 tablespoons red and green sprinkles

Preparation of Cinnamon Rolls Dough

Activate the Yeast Mixture

Begin by grabbing a bowl from your stand mixer. Combine the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast, stirring well. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly, a sign that your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Combine Ingredients and Knead

Once bubbly, add the melted butter, eggs, salt, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix these ingredients on low speed with a bread hook for about 2 minutes until they’re well combined. Gradually stir in an additional 2.5 to 3 cups of flour, mixing until the dough pulls away from the edges of the bowl. Knead on low for about 3 minutes.

Rest the Dough

Now it’s time to let the dough rest! Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and place it in a warm area for about 30 minutes. During this time, the dough will double in size, making it fluffy and full of flavor.

Shaping Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls

Roll Out the Dough

When the dough has risen, turn it onto a floured surface. With your hands, form it into a rectangle. Roll it out to about 1/2″ thickness, targeting dimensions of around 24″x18″.

Add Filling and Cut

Spread the 6 tablespoons of melted butter evenly across the surface of the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top, gently patting it down to stick. Start rolling tightly from one long side into a tube and cut the rolled dough into 1-inch slices.

Shape into Trees

Now comes the fun part! Unroll the slices gently, shaping them into Christmas tree forms. Create a tapered shape by pinching the top. Place the shaped rolls about 1/2″-1″ apart in a greased 9×13″ baking pan. Cover them loosely with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Baking Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat the Oven

While the rolls rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the Rolls

Once they’ve risen, it’s time to bake! Place the rolls in the oven for 18-22 minutes. They should turn golden brown on top and bottom. After baking, let them cool for 5-10 minutes before adding the icing.

Cream Cheese Icing Preparation

Make the Icing

Using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter and cream cheese until they become light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, adjusting with milk and vanilla at low speed until perfectly combined. If you want a festive touch, add green food coloring and mix until everything is fluffy.

Frost the Rolls

Transfer your icing to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe along the shapes of the Christmas trees, finishing with red and green sprinkles for that holiday sparkle before serving warm.

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are great as part of a festive breakfast spread. Pair them with hot cocoa or spiced apple cider for a cozy treat everyone will love!

Tips for Success

• Make sure your yeast is activated before moving forward.
• Don’t skip the resting periods—they’re essential for that perfect texture.
• Adjust the flour as needed, since humidity can change the dough’s consistency.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Try adding chopped nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor. Alternatively, swap the cream cheese icing for maple or vanilla frosting for a new taste experience.

Storage Tips

After they’ve cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can refrigerate them for up to a week. Simply reheat for 10-15 seconds in the microwave before serving.

Pairing Ideas

These rolls complement coffee, hot chocolate, or a fresh glass of orange juice, making for a delightful morning treat!

FAQs

1. Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! Prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and place them in a baking pan. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them warm up and rise for about 30 minutes before baking.

2. Can I freeze the cinnamon rolls?
Definitely! After shaping them but before baking, freeze the rolls. Just thaw and let them rise before baking as directed.

3. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just follow the package instructions for the best results.

4. How can I make these cinnamon rolls more festive?
Add food coloring to the icing or the dough, and use a variety of sprinkles for a fun, colorful appearance.

5. What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated with warm water. If your kitchen is cold, rise the dough in a warmer area or use an oven set to a low temperature.

Enjoy the magic of the holiday season with these delightful Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls! Sharing them with family and friends will surely create joyful memories all around. Happy baking!

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