Get Baking! Easy Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Are you ready to transform your Christmas morning into a magical experience that's both delicious and fun? Christmas tree cinnamon rolls are the answer, offering a delightful treat that's as visually appealing as it is scrumptious.
The allure of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, especially during the holidays, is undeniable. The aroma alone can evoke feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and the joy of sharing a special moment. But what if you could elevate this classic treat into something even more festive and engaging? Enter the Christmas tree cinnamon roll, a creative twist that's been making waves on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, becoming a must-try for families seeking a fun and easy holiday activity.
Making Christmas tree cinnamon rolls is not just about creating a delicious breakfast; it's an opportunity to get the entire family involved in a heartwarming activity. This recipe promises simplicity and a chance to make lasting memories. The process is straightforward, even for those who might shy away from more complex baking projects. The use of canned cinnamon rolls significantly reduces preparation time, making this treat perfect for last-minute breakfast ideas or when you want to share the joy of baking without spending hours in the kitchen.
The core of the recipe leverages the convenience of pre-made cinnamon rolls, streamlining the process without compromising on taste or visual appeal. The steps are clear and easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice in the kitchen, you'll find this recipe approachable and rewarding. And the best part? You can customize your trees with holiday sprinkles and candy for a personal touch that reflects your unique style and creative flair.
Let's dive into the steps to create these delightful Christmas tree cinnamon rolls, ensuring you have a joyful baking experience from start to finish. Before anything, remember to preheat your oven. The temperature, as indicated on the cinnamon roll packaging, is crucial for achieving perfectly baked rolls.
Once the oven is ready, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cinnamon rolls from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. The recipe calls for approximately seven cinnamon rolls from a standard package (such as Pillsbury) to assemble the Christmas tree shape. Additional ingredients, such as sprinkles and green food coloring (optional), allow you to customize the final look and make it extra festive.
The magic truly begins when you arrange the cinnamon rolls into a Christmas tree shape on the prepared baking tray. The suggested arrangement, with the rolls placed in rows of 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 2, and 2, creates the iconic triangular form of a Christmas tree. Remember to leave a small space, about half an inch, between each roll to accommodate their rise during baking.
Once the "forest" is lined up and ready, bake the rolls according to the package instructions. However, the baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on them, ensuring they don't over-bake. Generally, at around 350F (175C) for approximately 20 minutes, the rolls should be perfectly golden brown and fully cooked. A good indication that they're ready is when the rolls have risen and slightly touched each other, giving the Christmas tree a seamless look.
Once the rolls are out of the oven, the final, most fun step arrives: decoration. Immediately drizzle the provided icing over the warm cinnamon roll tree. The heat will help the icing melt and spread evenly, creating a smooth, glossy base. Add a few drops of green food coloring to the icing for a more authentic look, or you can skip this step. Finally, adorn your Christmas tree with holiday sprinkles, candy cherries, or other festive decorations to give it a unique and joyful finish.
For those looking for a more from-scratch experience, the recipe also provides instructions for making cinnamon roll dough from scratch. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Then add eggs, warm milk, and melted butter. Stir until the dough starts to come together and become cohesive. Then, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and prepare a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
For the cinnamon filling, combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. For the dough, combine flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, and salt in a large mixer bowl. Heat milk, water, and butter until very warm (approximately 120 degrees F to 130 degrees F) and add to the dry ingredients. Mix everything until it begins to form a dough. Once the dough has risen and doubled in size, roll it out, spread with the cinnamon filling, and shape it into the desired Christmas tree form.
You can get creative with the shaping of the rolls. Unroll each cinnamon roll, gently shaping them into a Christmas tree by zig-zagging the dough back and forth. Slightly press the dough together to maintain the form. Alternatively, for a simpler approach, you could unroll the cinnamon rolls and arrange them on the baking sheet to resemble a Christmas tree shape.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can use Rhodes frozen cinnamon rolls, a homemade cinnamon roll recipe, or even refrigerated cinnamon rolls. For a streamlined process, simply open the can of cinnamon rolls, discard the packaging, and then carefully unroll each one. Fold each roll back and forth to mimic a Christmas tree shape.
This recipe, inspired by the cinnamon roll Christmas trees seen on platforms like Pinterest, is a delightful project that's perfect for the holiday season. It's a wonderful way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas by sharing a festive and delicious treat.
The simplicity of using canned cinnamon rolls makes this recipe incredibly accessible. It eliminates the complexity of yeast dough, allowing you to quickly reshape the rolls, bake them, and decorate with your favorite toppings. Imagine the delight of your family as they gather around, each with a warm, inviting, and beautifully decorated Christmas tree cinnamon roll.
Consider these cinnamon rolls as an option to prepare a special, last-minute Christmas breakfast idea. Using this quick and easy method, you will be able to make a delightful and festive treat in less than 30 minutes!
Whether you're looking for a fun activity to do with your kids or a way to bring some extra joy to your holiday mornings, the Christmas tree cinnamon roll is a winner. It's a testament to the fact that even the simplest of recipes can transform into something extraordinary with a little creativity and a dash of holiday spirit. So, gather your ingredients, get those kids in the kitchen, and prepare for a morning filled with laughter, deliciousness, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls.
For more inspiration and detailed instructions, you can search on sites like Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok to see the countless variations of this recipe that people have created. From the classic arrangement to creative decorations, there's something for everyone. Happy baking and happy holidays!
Here's a list of Ingredients to make Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls.
- Cinnamon Rolls (7 Cinnamon Rolls or as per your needs)
- Christmas Sprinkles
- Green Food Coloring (Optional)
Steps to prepare Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls:
- Preheat Oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cinnamon Rolls into a Christmas Tree shape.
- Bake them according to the package instructions.
- Decorate them once baked, immediately drizzle the provided icing over the warm cinnamon roll tree.
How to shape the cinnamon roll christmas tree:
You can use 12 cinnamon rolls to make your christmas tree shape. You can use Rhodes frozen cinnamon rolls (in a bag), my homemade cinnamon roll recipe, or even refrigerated cinnamon rolls (i havent recipe tested this one).
Here's how to make your Sourdough Cinnamon Roll Christmas Trees:
Open the can of cinnamon rolls and discard the packaging. Carefully unroll each cinnamon roll one at a time and then gently fold it back and forth to look like a christmas tree.


