Introduction

Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in festive baked goods, and nothing brings joy quite like homemade cinnamon rolls shaped into a charming Christmas tree. These festive treats not only look enchanting on your holiday table, but they also fill your home with a cozy aroma that beckons family and friends.

Crafting these sweet rolls is not only a delightful experience but also a wonderful way to kick off your holiday celebrations. With a soft, doughy texture enhanced by rich cinnamon and sugar, these Christmas tree cinnamon rolls are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack.

With their eye-catching shape and delicious flavors, they will surely become a cherished part of your holiday traditions, inviting everyone to gather around for a warm treat.

Ingredients

3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
The primary ingredient for the dough, all-purpose flour provides the structure and chewiness for the cinnamon rolls. The amount can vary based on humidity and how much flour is absorbed during mixing.
¼ cup granulated sugar
Sugar adds sweetness to the dough itself, contributing to the overall flavor, and it helps to activate the yeast, aiding in the rise of the rolls.
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
Yeast is crucial for making the dough rise, yielding light and fluffy rolls. Active dry yeast requires proofing in warm water before use to activate its leavening properties.
1 cup whole milk, warmed
Warm milk helps to create a tender dough and improves the rise by providing moisture to the yeast, ensuring it activates properly.
1 large egg
Eggs contribute richness to the dough and help to bind the ingredients together, enriching the flavor and color of the rolls.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
Butter not only adds flavor but also enriches the dough, keeping the rolls soft and adding a delightful richness that complements the cinnamon.
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Cinnamon is the star of the filling, providing the characteristic warm and spicy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar.
½ cup brown sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper, caramel-like sweetness to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor of the cinnamon rolls.
Pinch of salt
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors in both the dough and the filling, ensuring a well-rounded taste.
1 cup powdered sugar
Used to make the frosting, powdered sugar dissolves smoothly to create a sweet topping that complements the cinnamon goodness below.
2-3 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
Additional milk is used to achieve the desired consistency for the frosting, ensuring it spreads easily over the warm rolls.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Activate the yeast by combining warm milk and sugar, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Activating the yeast is crucial as it ensures that the yeast is alive and ready to leaven the dough. The foamy surface indicates that the yeast is working, which is essential for getting light and fluffy rolls.

Step 2: In a large bowl, mix 3 ½ cups of flour, salt, and cinnamon. Add the activated yeast mixture, butter, and egg. Stir until combined.

This step brings all the ingredients together, forming the foundation of your dough. The mixture should come together, but don't worry if it's slightly sticky; you can add small amounts of extra flour during kneading.

Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, giving your rolls structure and chewiness. Properly kneaded dough should be soft and elastic; use additional flour as necessary to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

During the rise, the yeast ferments, producing gases that expand the dough. The warmth and coverage help retain moisture, creating the perfect environment for the dough to rise.

Step 5: Prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy.

Creating a smooth filling mixture ensures even distribution throughout the rolls, so each bite is perfectly flavored with that enriching cinnamon-sugar goodness.

Step 6: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.

Punching down the dough releases excess gases while rolling it out shapes the dough for filling. Aim for about ¼ inch thick to create uniform rolls.

Step 7: Spread the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Evenly spreading the filling maximizes flavor and ensures every roll gets the sweet cinnamon filling. Leaving a border helps to seal the edges when rolling up the dough.

Step 8: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, then slice into equal pieces to form the rolls.

Tightly rolling creates well-defined layers, while cutting the log into even pieces ensures that all rolls bake evenly. A sharp knife or dental floss works well for clean cuts.

Step 9: Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet in a tree shape, allowing space for them to expand during baking.

Arranging the rolls in a festive tree shape adds a beautiful presentation, which is perfect for holiday gatherings. Make sure to leave enough space to accommodate their rise in the oven.

Step 10: Cover the shaped rolls with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.

A second rise is essential for achieving fluffy rolls. This final proof allows yeast activity to build up again, ensuring a light texture once baked.

Step 11: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising.

Preheating the oven ensures that the rolls bake evenly and promptly when they are placed inside, creating that beautifully golden brown color.

Step 12: Bake the cinnamon rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Baking times can vary, so watch for that golden-brown color and fragrant aroma. Underbaking will lead to doughy centers, while overbaking will dry them out.

Step 13: While the rolls bake, prepare the frosting by mixing powdered sugar with milk until smooth.

Making the frosting while the rolls bake saves time. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk if necessary, ensuring a drizzle consistency for easy application.

Step 14: Once the rolls are out, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling with frosting.

Allowing the rolls to cool slightly ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt away completely, allowing it to set atop the warm rolls, enhancing presentation and sweetness.

Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls step photo

Creating the Perfect Dough

Perfecting the dough is the foundation of delicious cinnamon rolls. It’s essential to carefully measure your flour, as too much can lead to dense rolls. Allow the dough ample time to rise in a warm environment, which is critical to developing flavor and texture. The ideal dough should feel soft and slightly tacky, promoting a tender final product.

Cinnamon-Sugar Delight

The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon in the filling is what makes these rolls so irresistible. The rich, caramelized flavor of the brown sugar adds depth while cinnamon brings warmth. You can experiment with additional spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, for unique flavor profiles that will keep your family guessing!

Festive Presentation

Shaping the rolls into a Christmas tree not only elevates their visual appeal but also makes them perfect for festive gatherings. You can enhance the presentation by adding edible decorations or sprinkling green and red candies for a cheerful touch. This lovely shape is sure to become a centerpiece as well as a delightful treat!

FAQs

What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, gradually add small amounts of flour while kneading until it reaches a soft, elastic consistency that's easy to handle.

How can I shape the rolls more easily?

For cleaner cuts when shaping, use a sharp knife or dental floss. This method prevents squishing the dough and keeps layers intact.

What if my rolls didn't rise as expected?

Ensure your yeast is fresh; old yeast can lead to a failure to rise. Additionally, check that your dough is in a warm spot for optimal rising.

Can I add nuts or fruit to the filling?

Absolutely! Diced apples, pecans, or walnuts can add texture and flavor; simply fold them into the filling mixture.

What if I want to make the recipe for a larger group?

You can easily double the recipe by increasing all ingredient amounts while keeping the baking and rising times similar.

How can I make the frosting thicker or thinner?

Adjust the frosting by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or additional milk for a thinner consistency, according to your preference.

Conclusion

These Christmas tree cinnamon rolls are more than just a delicious treat; they’re an experience that can bring joy and warmth to your holiday celebrations. Each bite, infused with rich flavors of cinnamon and sweetness, captures the spirit of the season.

Gather your loved ones, indulge in the bakeshop aroma, and revel in festive cheer as you share these delightful rolls together. With this recipe, the holidays can become just a little more special!

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