Description
Celebrate the magic of the holidays with these festive Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls – soft, sweet, and shaped into a beautiful tree! They’re a delicious centerpiece for your holiday breakfast that brings everyone together.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (bread flour can be used for a fluffier texture)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir to form a dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour.
- Meanwhile, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together to prepare the filling.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Arrange the rolls in a tree shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet – one roll at the top, then gradually more per row forming a triangle. Cover and let rise another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- While they bake, whisk together powdered sugar and milk for the icing. Adjust for desired consistency.
- When rolls have slightly cooled, drizzle with icing and decorate with festive sprinkles. Serve warm.
Notes
Add citrus zest to your icing for a fresh twist. These rolls can be prepared a day ahead and chilled overnight – just let them reach room temperature before baking. They also freeze well; wrap tightly and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Christmas, cinnamon rolls, holiday breakfast, festive dessert