Introduction

As the holiday season approaches, the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls can transform any home into a warm and inviting space. This recipe takes the beloved classic and reimagines it into a festive Christmas tree shape, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Not only do these Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls look stunning on a dessert table, but their combination of flaky dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and cream cheese frosting makes them a delightful treat for family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will help you create a festive masterpiece.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
The foundation of the cinnamon rolls, all-purpose flour gives the dough structure and a tender crumb, providing the perfect base for this festive treat.
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Sugar adds sweetness to the dough and filling, contributing to the overall flavor and helping the yeast activate.
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
Vital for the dough's rise, yeast ferments and produces gases that make the rolls soft and airy, creating a light texture.
1 tsp salt
Salt enhances the flavors in the dough and filling while also helping regulate yeast activity, ensuring proper fermentation.
3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
Warm milk helps dissolve sugar and activates the yeast, while also creating a rich and tender dough.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Butter enriches the dough, providing flavor and a bit of richness, while also aiding in browning during baking.
2 large eggs
Eggs serve as binders, enhancing the texture and richness of the rolls, contributing to their delightful pastry feel.
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Cinnamon is the star of the filling, infusing the rolls with a warm, spicy aroma that is quintessentially associated with holiday baking.
1/4 cup brown sugar
Brown sugar deepens the sweetness and adds moisture to the filling, creating a gooey center that contrasts with the fluffy dough.
1 cup cream cheese, softened
Cream cheese gives the frosting a tangy flavor and creamy texture, balancing the sweetness of the rolls for a delightful finish.
1 cup powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese frosting and provides a smooth consistency, making it easy to spread over the baked rolls.
1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla adds depth and warmth to the frosting, enhancing its flavor and complementing the overall sweetness of the rolls.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the dough by mixing dry ingredients.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients evenly ensures that the yeast is distributed throughout, which is crucial for a successful rise. Make a well in the mixture to add the wet ingredients later.

Step 2: Add the wet ingredients.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs until well combined. Pour this mixture into the well of the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms. The wet ingredients are essential for activating the yeast and bringing the dough together.

Step 3: Knead the dough.

Transfer the shaggy dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, which helps the dough rise and creates a tender, chewy texture in the finished rolls.

Step 4: First rise.

Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours. This fermentation step is crucial for developing flavor and texture.

Step 5: Prepare the filling.

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. This filling will create the sweet, aromatic layers in the rolls, providing that quintessential cinnamon roll experience.

Step 6: Roll out the dough.

After the first rise, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Proper thickness is key; rolled too thin will result in dry rolls, while too thick may not bake evenly.

Step 7: Add the filling and shape.

Spread the softened butter over the rolled dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Measure and cut the roll into equal segments to achieve a consistent shape for your tree.

Step 8: Form the Christmas tree.

Arrange the cut rolls in a tree shape on a lined baking sheet, with the bottom pieces being wider and getting smaller towards the top. This creative arrangement not only looks festive but allows for even baking and a beautiful presentation.

Step 9: Second rise.

Cover the shaped rolls loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again in a warm area for about 30-45 minutes. This final rise results in fluffier rolls that are airy and soft.

Step 10: Preheat the oven.

While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly preheated oven ensures that the rolls cook evenly from the beginning, resulting in a beautifully golden and fluffy texture.

Step 11: Bake the rolls.

Once the second rise is complete, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes; overbaking can lead to dry, tough rolls.

Step 12: Prepare the frosting.

While the rolls are baking, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. The frosting is the perfect finishing touch, providing creamy sweetness that contrasts the warm, spiced cinnamon rolls.

Step 13: Frost the rolls.

Once the cinnamon rolls have cooled for about 10 minutes after baking, spread the cream cheese frosting on top generously. This adds extra flavor and decadence, making the rolls even more irresistible.

Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls step photo

Make Ahead Tips for Stress-Free Baking

To ease the holiday rush, you can prepare the cinnamon rolls in advance. After shaping the rolls, place them in the refrigerator overnight instead of allowing them to rise a second time. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This gives you fresh, hot cinnamon rolls without the hassle on a busy Christmas morning.

Customizing Your Cinnamon Roll Experience

Feel free to make your Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls unique by adding fillings such as chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips. Simply sprinkle these extras inside along with the cinnamon-sugar mixture before rolling up the dough. You can also switch up the frosting flavors using orange zest or peppermint extract for a special twist.

The Beauty of Presentation

The tree shape of these cinnamon rolls isn't just a delightful visual; it also maximizes the icing coverage and allows for sharing. Placing star-shaped cookies or sprinkles on top can enhance the festive look. Don't forget to use a beautiful platter to serve your creation, making this treat not just delicious, but also a centerpiece for your holiday celebration.

FAQs

Why are my cinnamon rolls dense?

Dense rolls can result from insufficient kneading or a lack of rise time. Ensure you knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic, and allow it to rise in a warm environment until doubled.

What if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky while kneading, sprinkle small amounts of flour gradually until it's manageable. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the rolls tough.

Can I use another type of filling?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cinnamon filling with a mixture of cocoa powder and sugar or even incorporate fruit preserves for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, they are done.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the frosting?

Yes! If you find the frosting too sweet, reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

What if the cinnamon rolls overflow during baking?

If your rolls seem to overflow, it may be due to overcrowding or overly risen during the second rise. Ensure you space them adequately before the second rise and keep an eye on them while baking.

Conclusion

These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls not only elevate your baking game but also bring a joyous spirit to your holiday celebrations. They're perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a treat for yourself after a long day of holiday preparations.

So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and create a stunning centerpiece that will delight and impress at your next holiday gathering. Happy baking this festive season!

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