Quick & Festive Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe for Holiday Joy

Cinnamon roll Christmas trees bring festive magic to holiday baking with their whimsical spiral design and sweet, warm aroma.

Bakers who love crafting classic treats into seasonal masterpieces will adore this playful pastry creation.

Delicate swirls of dough twist into a triangular shape, mimicking evergreen branches draped in sugary delight.

Soft, pillowy layers promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience that captures the essence of winter comfort.

Intricate details and careful shaping craft an ordinary breakfast staple into a stunning centerpiece for holiday gatherings.

Families and friends will marvel at the unexpected twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, making this recipe a delightful conversation starter.

Prepare to wow your loved ones with a dessert that combines culinary creativity and festive cheer.

Why Cinnamon Roll Tree’s a Hit

• Create a Festive Centerpiece: Transform ordinary cinnamon rolls into a stunning Christmas tree dessert that instantly becomes the star of any holiday gathering, delighting guests with its creative and whimsical design.
• Super Simple Holiday Baking: Leverage the convenience of pre-made cinnamon rolls to craft an impressive dessert with minimal effort, perfect for busy home bakers who want maximum impact with minimal technique.
• Delightful Edible Decoration: Enjoy a treat that's not just delicious but also serves as an interactive and edible holiday decoration, bringing fun and flavor together in one delightful Christmas-themed pastry.
• Kid-Friendly Baking Adventure: Engage children in a playful cooking experience by letting them help shape the tree and add sprinkle decorations, turning baking into a memorable family bonding activity.

Inside the Cinnamon Tree Recipe

• Canned Cinnamon Rolls: Convenient pre-made dough that forms the base of the Christmas tree shape, ready to be reshaped and baked.

• Icing: Sweet glaze that comes with the cinnamon rolls, used to add moisture and shine to the finished tree.
• Green Sugar Sprinkles: Colorful topping that adds festive green color to mimic tree foliage.
• Non-Pareils: Small round sprinkles that provide additional texture and decorative sparkle.
• Star Sprinkle: Decorative element placed at the top of the tree to represent a tree topper.

• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface that prevents the cinnamon roll dough from sticking to the baking sheet and ensures easy removal.

How to Shape a Roll Tree

Step 1: Create the Base of the Christmas Tree

Carefully unroll the first cinnamon roll on a clean surface. Shape the pastry into a zigzag pattern, starting from the bottom. Gently press the segments together to form a sturdy base for your edible tree.

Step 2: Build the Tree Layers

Take the second cinnamon roll and connect it to the end of the previous layer. Continue creating the zigzag pattern, making each new tier slightly shorter than the last. This technique will give your tree its classic triangular shape.

Step 3: Complete the Christmas Tree Design

Continue adding cinnamon rolls, connecting and shaping them carefully. Work your way up until you’ve used all the rolls in the can. Make sure each layer is securely attached to maintain the tree’s structure during baking.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the shaped dough carefully onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Ensure the tree is stable and maintains its shape.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake according to the instructions on the cinnamon roll package until golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 6: Add Festive Decorations

Remove the baked tree from the oven. While still warm, drizzle the included icing over the entire surface. Sprinkle green sugar and non-pareils to create a festive look. Top the tree with a star sprinkle at the very tip for a magical finishing touch.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the cinnamon roll Christmas tree cool slightly. Slice and serve to delight friends and family with this creative holiday treat!

Tips for Tree-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls

• Keep Rolls Chilled: Remove cinnamon rolls from the refrigerator just before shaping to ensure they're firm and easier to manipulate without tearing.
• Press Gently When Connecting: Use light pressure when joining roll segments to prevent breaking the dough and maintain a clean tree outline.
• Create Consistent Tiers: Use a ruler or knife to help create even, gradually decreasing tiers for a more symmetrical Christmas tree shape.
• Allow Slight Spacing: Leave small gaps between roll segments during shaping to prevent thick, doughy areas that might not bake evenly.
• Decorate Warm: Apply icing and sprinkles immediately after baking while the cinnamon roll tree is still warm to help decorations adhere better.

Store Your Cinnamon Roll Tree

• Refrigeration: Carefully wrap the cooled cinnamon roll Christmas tree in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place the entire tree in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating to keep the rolls soft and prevent them from becoming tough or crispy.
• Freezing: Slice the tree into portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving to preserve the delicate texture.

What Goes with Roll Trees

• Create Holiday Coffee Companion: Pair this festive cinnamon roll tree with a warm, spiced chai latte or peppermint mocha to enhance the Christmas flavor profile and create a cozy seasonal treat.
• Elevate with Sweet Sidekick: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to complement the warm, gooey texture of the cinnamon rolls and add a creamy contrast.
• Complement with Festive Beverage: Match the dessert with a glass of mulled wine or hot apple cider to bring out the cinnamon's warmth and create a complete holiday indulgence.
• Balance with Fresh Element: Add a small side of fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad to cut through the sweetness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Tree Style Cinnamon Swaps

• Chocolate Lover's Tree: Swap icing for melted chocolate and add chocolate chips on each tier for extra richness. Use dark chocolate drizzle and sprinkle cocoa powder for a decadent holiday version.
• Fruity Holiday Version: Replace sugar sprinkles with dried cranberries and chopped nuts. Add orange zest to the icing for a bright, festive flavor profile that celebrates winter's bounty.
• Nutty Festive Edition: Incorporate crushed pecans or almonds between each cinnamon roll layer. Drizzle with maple glaze and sprinkle toasted nuts on top for a warm, cozy holiday feel.
• Cream Cheese Winter Design: Mix the provided icing with softened cream cheese for a tangy, rich topping. Garnish with red and green sprinkles to enhance the Christmas theme and create a creamy texture.

Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree brings holiday magic to breakfast tables with spiraling dough shaped like a whimsical evergreen. Pillowy sweet rolls cascade in delightful layers, promising delicious cheer that welcomes winter celebrations with warmth and joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 can cinnamon rolls with icing

Decoration:

• 1 package green sparkling sugar sprinkles
• 1 package non-pareils sprinkles
• 1 package star sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to the temperature indicated on the cinnamon roll packaging. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure smooth release and prevent sticking.
2. Extract the cinnamon rolls from the container. Carefully unroll the first pastry, positioning it into a multi-tiered zigzag configuration that will form the foundational section of the tree.
3. Methodically connect subsequent rolls, pressing their edges together to create a seamless, tapering silhouette that mimics an evergreen’s natural triangular shape.
4. Progressively construct each tier slightly narrower than the previous one, ensuring the entire structure maintains a cohesive and symmetrical Christmas tree outline.
5. Gently press all segments together, securing their connections to preserve the intricate design during the baking process.
6. Transfer the elaborate pastry formation onto the prepared baking sheet, positioning it centrally to allow even heat distribution.
7. Bake according to the package instructions, monitoring the color and texture to achieve a golden-brown finish.
8. Immediately after removing from the oven, generously drizzle the accompanying white icing across the warm surface, allowing it to cascade naturally.
9. Embellish the festive creation with green sugar sprinkles, non-pareils, and a star-shaped topping to complete the whimsical holiday design.

Notes

• Quickly transform store-bought cinnamon rolls into a festive holiday centerpiece with minimal effort and maximum visual impact.
• Carefully reshape each roll in a zigzag pattern, gradually decreasing tier sizes to create an authentic Christmas tree silhouette.
• Press roll segments gently but firmly together to maintain structural integrity during baking, ensuring a cohesive tree design.
• Work strategically from bottom to top, connecting roll segments to build a tree that looks professionally crafted.
• Use provided icing and colorful sprinkles to add whimsical decoration, turning a simple pastry into a show-stopping dessert.
• Serve immediately after baking for optimal taste and visual appeal, making it a delightful surprise for family and friends.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg