Name: Irresistible Christmas Cinnamon Roll Tree in 90 Minutes
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp active dry yeast; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup warm milk; 1 large egg; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tbsp milk

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There’s something magical about holiday baking that makes the whole house smell like love and sugar. For me, Christmas morning isn’t complete without warm cinnamon rolls, but why stop at ordinary when you can create a stunning Christmas cinnamon roll tree? This gorgeous pull-apart bread became my family’s new tradition after my cousin brought one to our gathering last year. The kids couldn’t stop “picking” at the edible tree branches, and honestly, neither could the adults. Now it’s my go-to centerpiece for holiday brunches. The best part? It’s easier to make than it looks, and the combination of sweet cinnamon, fluffy dough, and that sweet glaze is pure holiday magic on a plate.

Contents hide

1 Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cinnamon Roll Tree

2 Ingredients for the Christmas Cinnamon Roll Tree

3 Equipment You’ll Need

4 How to Make the Christmas Cinnamon Roll Tree

4.1 Preparing the Dough

4.2 Rolling and Shaping the Christmas Cinnamon Roll Tree

4.3 Baking and Glazing

5 Tips for the Perfect Christmas Cinnamon Roll Tree

6 Variations for Your Christmas Cinnamon Roll Tree

7 Serving and Storing the Christmas Cinnamon Roll Tree

8 Nutritional Information

9 Frequently Asked Questions

10 Irresistible Christmas Cinnamon Roll Tree in 90 Minutes

10.4 Notes

10.6 Did you make this recipe?

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cinnamon Roll Tree

This isn’t just another cinnamon roll recipe, it’s a holiday experience! Here’s why it’s become my must-make every December:

Festive wow factor: The tree shape turns breakfast into a centerpiece that’ll have everyone reaching for their phones to snap pictures before digging in.
Easy assembly: If you can roll dough and arrange slices, you can make this, no fancy pastry skills needed.
Crowd-pleasing magic: That warm cinnamon scent filling your kitchen? Pure holiday nostalgia in edible form.
Fun to eat: Kids adore pulling apart the “branches,” and let’s be honest, adults do too!

Trust me, once you see those golden swirls dusted with snowy glaze, you’ll understand why this became my family’s new Christmas morning tradition.

Ingredients for the Christmas Cinnamon Roll Tree

Gathering your ingredients is like collecting little presents for your future self; each one plays a special role in creating that perfect holiday treat. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our fluffy dough. I like to fluff mine with a fork before measuring for extra lightness.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to make the dough sing without overpowering the cinnamon filling.
1 tsp active dry yeast: That magical little organism that makes our dough rise beautifully. Check the expiration date; this is one ingredient that really matters!
1/2 tsp salt: Don’t skip it! Salt balances all the sweetness and enhances every flavor in the rolls.
1/2 cup warm milk: About 110°F, warm to the touch but not hot. Whole milk gives the richest flavor, but any milk works in a pinch.
1 large egg: Room temperature eggs incorporate better. I just pop mine in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes if I forgot to take it out earlier.
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: For that irresistible richness. I always use real butter; it makes all the difference.
1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Pack it firmly into your measuring cup for that deep molasses flavor.
1 tbsp ground cinnamon: Freshly ground if possible, the aroma alone will put you in the holiday spirit!
1/2 cup powdered sugar: For our simple glaze that looks like fresh snowfall on the tree.
1 tbsp milk: Just enough to thin our glaze to a perfect drizzling consistency.

See? Nothing too fancy, just good, honest ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. Now let’s get our hands floury!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry, you probably have everything already! Here’s what I grab from my kitchen:

Large mixing bowl: For bringing our dough together with love (and a wooden spoon).
Rolling pin: That trusty tool that turns our dough into a perfect rectangle.
Baking sheet: A standard half-sheet pan is perfect for our tree masterpiece.
Parchment paper: My secret for easy cleanup and no-stick baking.
Sharp knife or dental floss: For slicing our rolls cleanly, no squished swirls!

That’s it! Now let’s make some holiday magic.

How to Make the Christmas Cinnamon Roll Tree

Now for the fun part, turning these simple ingredients into a holiday masterpiece! Don’t worry if you’ve never shaped cinnamon rolls into a tree before. I’ll walk you through each step. The first time I made this, I was shocked at how easy it was to create something so impressive-looking.

Preparing the Dough

Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and pour in your warm milk (test it on your wrist, it should feel comfortably warm, not hot), beaten egg, and melted butter. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until it forms a shaggy dough.

Now comes the therapeutic part, kneading! Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s smooth, elastic, and springs back when you poke it gently. If it sticks to your hands, add a tiny bit more flour, but resist the urge to add too much!

Place the dough back in your bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. I like to put mine near (but not on) the warm oven. It should double in size; this is when the magic happens!

Rolling and Shaping the Christmas Cinnamon Roll Tree

Punch down your risen dough (so satisfying!) and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12×16 inches. Spread softened butter over the entire surface. I use about 2 tablespoons, then sprinkle evenly with your brown sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Now, starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss (my secret weapon!), cut the log into 12 equal slices, about 1 inch thick each.

Here’s where we create our tree shape! Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a tree pattern: one roll at the top (your tree topper), then two rolls below it, then three, then four, and finally two at the bottom for the trunk. Leave about 1/2 inch between rolls so they have room to expand.

Baking and Glazing

Cover your shaped tree with a clean towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F. You’ll know it’s ready when the rolls look puffy and have filled in most of the gaps.

Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. The smell will be incredible! While the tree bakes, whisk together your powdered sugar and milk for the glaze; it should be thick but pourable.

Let the tree cool for about 5 minutes (if you can wait!), then drizzle with glaze while still warm. Watch as it cascades down the “branches”, pure edible magic!

Tips for the Perfect Christmas Cinnamon Roll Tree

After making this tree dozens of times (and learning from my mistakes!), Here are my can’t-live-without tips:

Yeast check: Always test your yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar first; if it doesn’t foam within 5 minutes, start fresh.
Cozy rising spot: Place your dough near (not on!) a warm oven or in a slightly warmed microwave for the best rise.
Even sprinkles: Use your fingers to evenly distribute the cinnamon-sugar mix; no clumps means every bite is perfect.
Sharp cuts: A serrated knife or dental floss gives clean slices without squishing those beautiful swirls.
Glaze timing: Drizzle while warm so the glaze melts slightly into the nooks and crannies.

These little tricks make all the difference between good cinnamon rolls and a spectacular Christmas tree!

Variations for Your Christmas Cinnamon Roll Tree

The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can customize it! Try mixing chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for crunch, or add plump raisins soaked in warm apple juice. For citrus lovers, a teaspoon of orange zest in the dough or glaze adds bright holiday flavor. My kids go wild when I sprinkle red and green sugar crystals on top before baking, instant Christmas cheer!

Serving and Storing the Christmas Cinnamon Roll Tree

Oh, that magical moment when you carry your golden, glazed tree to the table, pure holiday happiness! These rolls are absolute perfection served warm, when the glaze is still slightly gooey and the cinnamon scent fills the air. If they’ve cooled, just pop individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

Leftovers? (Unlikely in my house!) Store any remaining tree pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. When the craving hits, thaw overnight and reheat, you’ll have Christmas morning joy anytime!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s be real, we’re not eating cinnamon rolls for their nutritional value, are we? These beauties are pure holiday indulgence! But because I know some folks like to keep track, here’s the deal: Each roll provides a mix of carbs, a little protein, and that soul-warming cinnamon goodness. The exact numbers can vary depending on your ingredients (like whether you use whole milk or reduced-fat, or if you go heavy-handed with that glaze, no judgment here!).

As with any homemade treat, the nutritional content might shift slightly based on how thick you slice your rolls or how generously you sprinkle your filling. That’s the beauty of baking from scratch: you’re in charge! So enjoy every delicious bite of this festive creation, knowing you’re creating memories along with a stunning holiday centerpiece. For more holiday inspiration, check out familytastes.com for great ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough through the first rise, then wrap it tightly in plastic and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling and shaping. This actually develops more flavor, my secret for extra-delicious rolls!

Can I freeze the cinnamon roll tree?
You sure can! Bake the tree completely (without glaze), let it cool, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw overnight, warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes, then drizzle with fresh glaze.

My rolls didn’t rise. What happened?
Oh no! Usually, this means your yeast was old or your milk was too hot. Next time, test your yeast first; it should foam in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. And remember, milk should feel warm like bathwater, not hot!

Can I make this without a rolling pin?
No rolling pin? No problem! I’ve used a wine bottle in a pinch, just wash it first! The key is getting that rectangle shape, so any smooth cylinder will work. Or press the dough out with floured hands; it’ll be rustic but delicious. If you are looking for other easy holiday recipes, consider checking out these Christmas Cheesy Jalapeno Poppers.