There’s something absolutely magical about the holiday season, and my Christmas tree cinnamon rolls are the perfect way to celebrate that festive spirit! Shaped like adorable little trees, these delightful rolls are not just a treat for the eyes—they’re bursting with warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon and sugar that will make your kitchen smell like a winter wonderland. Trust me, the first time I pulled these out of the oven, I couldn’t help but feel like a kid again, ready to dive into a pile of sweet, gooey goodness. They’re perfect for Christmas morning or any festive gathering, and best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to make! Get ready to impress your family and friends with these deliciously fun treats!
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for icing)
How to Prepare Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
Making the Dough
Let’s kick things off by making the dough! In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 packet of active dry yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good stir so everything’s mixed well. Now, in a small saucepan, warm up your 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of melted butter until it’s just warm to the touch—don’t let it get too hot! Pour this warm mixture into your flour mixture, and then crack in that 1 large egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. It should be a bit sticky, but that’s okay! Sprinkle a little flour on your countertop and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Now, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. The smell? Amazing!
Shaping the Christmas Trees
Once your dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out! Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Now comes the fun part! Spread the 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar evenly over the dough, then sprinkle on the 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and, if you’re using them, the 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Now, take each piece and shape it into a Christmas tree. To do this, slightly flatten each piece and cut slits into the bottom to create the tree branches. You want it to look adorable and festive! Place each tree on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Baking and Icing
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the trees are rising. Once they’ve puffed up a bit, pop them in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Oh, the aroma will fill your kitchen! While they’re cooling, let’s whip up the icing. In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Once the rolls have cooled for a bit, drizzle that delicious icing over the top. Trust me, this is the icing on the cake—literally! Enjoy your beautifully festive Christmas tree cinnamon rolls!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Christmas tree cinnamon rolls are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re a feast for the eyes too! Here’s why I absolutely adore making them:
- Festive Appearance: Their charming tree shape brings a delightful holiday spirit to your table, making them perfect for Christmas brunch or gatherings.
- Delicious Flavor: The warm notes of cinnamon and sugar combined with buttery dough create a heavenly flavor that’s simply irresistible!
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find this recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels. No fancy techniques here!
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the filling to your liking—add extra nuts, a dash of nutmeg, or even some dried fruit for a twist!
- Perfect for Sharing: Each roll is a delightful individual treat, making them great for sharing with family and friends during the holidays.
- Great Aromas: Baking these rolls fills your kitchen with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and sugar, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas tree cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, don’t rush the dough rising process—it’s crucial for getting that light, fluffy texture. If your kitchen is a bit cool, try placing the dough in a warm spot or even near your oven while it preheats. Also, feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon to suit your taste; I love a generous sprinkle, but you might prefer a milder flavor. If you’re a nut lover, adding more chopped walnuts can give your rolls an extra crunch and flavor boost! Lastly, when making the icing, start with less milk and add more as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for each delightful Christmas tree cinnamon roll. Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredient usage, so they may vary a bit depending on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 4g
These rolls are a sweet treat, perfect for holiday indulgence. Enjoy them in moderation as part of your festive celebrations!
FAQ About Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, keep in mind that whole wheat flour tends to absorb more moisture, so you might want to add a little extra milk to your dough. The texture will be slightly denser, but you’ll also get a lovely nutty flavor that pairs well with the cinnamon and sugar. I’ve tried it, and it’s a delicious twist—just be sure to knead it well to get that nice elasticity!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any Christmas tree cinnamon rolls left over (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying them again, or you can gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that gooey goodness!
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes, you can freeze these delightful rolls! After baking and cooling them completely, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, and they’ll taste freshly baked again!
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas tree cinnamon rolls are delightful on their own, but let me tell you, pairing them with a few extra goodies can take your holiday breakfast or brunch to the next level! I love serving them alongside a warm, spiced apple cider or a rich, creamy hot chocolate—both are perfect for sipping while you enjoy your rolls. If you want to add a bit of freshness, a simple fruit salad with seasonal fruits like pomegranate, oranges, and berries adds a burst of color and flavor that complements the sweetness of the rolls beautifully. You could even whip up a batch of fluffy scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a savory contrast. Trust me, with these additions, your festive table will shine, and everyone will leave with full bellies and happy hearts!
Drucken
Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls: 5 Festive Treats to Love
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 rolls 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious cinnamon rolls shaped like Christmas trees.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (for icing)
Anweisungen
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Heat milk and butter until warm, then add to dry ingredients.
- Add egg and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
- Spread brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts over the dough.
- Roll the dough into a log and cut into pieces.
- Shape each piece into a Christmas tree form.
- Place on a baking sheet and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to make icing.
- Drizzle icing over cooled rolls.
Notes
- Adjust cinnamon according to taste.
- Use more or less sugar in the icing as preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 25 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 roll
- Kalorien: 180
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 5g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 2g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 25mg
Keywords: christmas tree cinnamon rolls, holiday baking, festive treats
