Looking for a delightful and festive way to celebrate the holiday season? Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect treat! These delicious, gooey cinnamon rolls shaped like Christmas trees will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring a festive touch to your breakfast or brunch table. Did you know that visually appealing foods can enhance the dining experience and increase enjoyment by up to 30%? Let’s dive into how to make these charming cinnamon rolls that will surely impress your family and friends!

Ingredients List

To create your Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Decorations:

• Green and red sprinkles (for a festive touch)
• Mini chocolate chips (to resemble ornaments)

Ingredient Substitutions

• Milk: Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• Butter: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative.
• Flour: Whole wheat flour can be substituted for half of the all-purpose flour for added fiber.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture once it’s frothy.
3. Add Flour: Gradually add 3 ½ cups of flour, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Butter: Ensure the softened butter is ready for spreading.

Step 3: Shape the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 16×12 inches.
2. Spread the Butter: Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough.
3. Add the Filling: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough, covering it evenly.
4. Roll the Dough: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
5. Cut the Rolls: Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.

Step 4: Arrange the Rolls

1. Shape the Tree: Take 9 rolls and arrange them in a triangle shape on a greased baking sheet, with the bottom row having 5 rolls, the middle row 3 rolls, and the top row 1 roll to resemble a Christmas tree.
2. Let It Rise Again: Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
3. Cool: Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before glazing.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

1. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle Over Rolls: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls.

Step 7: Decorate

1. Add Sprinkles: Sprinkle with green and red sprinkles and mini chocolate chips to resemble ornaments and decorations on the tree.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per roll (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 210
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 3g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To make your Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls a bit healthier, consider these options:

• Reduce Sugar: Cut down the sugar in the filling by 25% for a less sweet option.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
• Greek Yogurt: Substitute some of the butter with Greek yogurt in the dough for a healthier fat option.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some creative serving suggestions for your Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls:

• Festive Platter: Serve the cinnamon rolls on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves to resemble a holiday scene.
• Pair with Coffee: Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or cocoa for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
• Gift Idea: Package individual rolls in festive boxes or bags as a sweet holiday gift for friends and family.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls, keep these common pitfalls in mind:

• Not Allowing Enough Rise Time: Ensure the dough rises adequately for fluffy rolls.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the rolls while baking to avoid dryness; they should be golden and soft.
• Skipping the Glaze: Don’t skip the glaze; it adds sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Reheating: Reheat baked cinnamon rolls in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are a festive and delicious addition to your holiday celebrations. They are easy to make, visually stunning, and sure to delight guests of all ages. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments or subscribe for more festive updates!

FAQs

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Q2: Are these cinnamon rolls suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly and packed with delicious flavors.

Q3: Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes! Using store-bought dough can save time and effort. Just ensure it’s fresh for the best results.