Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday tradition: my Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree! This delightful treat has become the centerpiece of my family gatherings, and I can’t even begin to express how much joy it brings to the table. Just picture it: a warm, gooey, cinnamon roll tree that’s not only delicious but also looks stunning! It’s like a sweet beacon of holiday cheer that everyone gathers around.
I remember the first time I made this for Christmas brunch. The smell of cinnamon wafting through the house had everyone eagerly waiting in the kitchen. My little niece, wide-eyed and bouncing with excitement, kept asking, “Is it ready yet?” When I finally pulled that glorious tree out of the oven, the ooohs and aaahs were music to my ears! It was the perfect combination of festive fun and scrumptious flavor, and the best part? It’s so easy to make! Trust me, this Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree is going to be a hit at your next holiday gathering, just like it is in mine.
Ingredients List
- 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this step is crucial! A properly preheated oven ensures that your cinnamon rolls get that golden brown color and perfect bake. So go ahead, turn that oven on and let it warm up while you prepare the rest.
Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Now, grab those two cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Carefully open them up—watch out for that pop! I always find it a little thrilling. Once they’re open, gently separate the rolls. You’ll have those delightful doughy spirals ready to transform into a festive tree!
Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Here comes the fun part! On a baking sheet, start arranging the cinnamon rolls into a Christmas tree shape. I like to place one roll at the top for the “tree topper” and then layer the others beneath it, fanning them out to look like branches. Don’t stress about it being perfect; the beauty is in the deliciousness, and a little chaos makes it charming!
Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Next up, melt your butter and brush it generously over the arranged rolls. This gives them that rich flavor and helps them brown beautifully. Now, in a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together. Sprinkle this sweet mixture evenly over the rolls—oh, the smell is going to make your kitchen feel like a cozy bakery!
Bake the Cinnamon Roll Tree
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them around the 20-minute mark; you want them to be golden brown and fluffy. The aroma wafting through your house will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, trust me!
Make the Icing
While your cinnamon roll tree is baking, let’s whip up the icing! In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix it until it’s smooth and creamy. This icing is the finishing touch that takes your Christmas tree from good to absolutely fantastic!
Drizzle Icing
Once your cinnamon roll tree is out of the oven and slightly cooled, grab that glorious icing and drizzle it over the rolls. I like to use a spoon for this, but you could also use a piping bag if you want to get fancy! Just imagine how festive it’ll look with that sweet icing cascading down like snow. Serve it warm for the ultimate holiday treat experience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to prepare—perfect for busy holiday mornings!
- The festive tree shape makes it a stunning centerpiece that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Every bite is filled with gooey cinnamon goodness that melts in your mouth.
- It’s an easy recipe that even kids can help with, making it a fun family activity.
- Customizable with sprinkles or edible decorations for that extra holiday sparkle!
- Served warm, it’s the ultimate comfort food that brings back all those cozy holiday memories.
- Perfect for brunch, dessert, or just a sweet snack while decorating the tree!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips that I swear by:
- Use a non-stick baking sheet: This will help your cinnamon rolls come off easily without any sticky mess. If you don’t have one, just line it with parchment paper—it works like a charm!
- Customize with decorations: Feel free to get creative! Add colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or even mini chocolate chips on top of the icing for an extra festive touch. It makes it look even more magical!
- Serve warm: Trust me, this is key! The cinnamon rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re all warm and gooey. If you can, gather everyone around as you drizzle the icing—it’s all about that cozy, shared experience.
- Don’t skip the icing: I know it’s tempting to leave it out, but that icing is what really elevates this dish! It adds a sweet, creamy finish that pairs perfectly with the warm rolls.
- Check for doneness: When baking, keep an eye on those rolls! You want them to be golden brown and fluffy. If you’re unsure, a toothpick can help; just insert it into the center of the rolls, and if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone with your beautiful and delicious Christmas tree creation. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, so you’ve made this stunning Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree, and now you’re wondering how to store the leftovers (if there are any!). No worries, I’ve got you covered!
To store your delicious cinnamon rolls, let them cool completely first. Once they’re cool, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and prevents them from drying out. You can keep them at room temperature for about 1-2 days, but if you want to prolong their life, pop them in the fridge where they’ll stay good for up to a week.
Now, for reheating—this is the important part! The best way to enjoy your cinnamon rolls again is to warm them up in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the rolls on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to keep them from getting too brown. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and the icing gets all melty again. Yum!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just pop one roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it, or it can get a little chewy. A quick zap should bring back that soft, gooey goodness!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can keep the holiday spirit alive and enjoy your Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree for days to come. Happy munching!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of this delightful Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree! Just a heads up, the nutritional values can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider these numbers as rough estimates:
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Enjoying this sweet treat in moderation is key, especially during the holiday season! So, grab a roll, savor every bite, and make some festive memories!
FAQ Section
Got questions about your Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my favorite tips:
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of refrigerated ones?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade recipe, go for it! Just make sure they’re similar in size to the refrigerated ones for the best tree shape.
What can I substitute for the melted butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. They’ll give you that same rich flavor without the dairy!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the cinnamon rolls and arrange them in the tree shape, but I recommend waiting to bake them until you’re ready to serve. This way, they stay fresh and fluffy!
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the icing?
No worries! You can make a simple icing with granulated sugar by blending it in a blender or food processor until it’s a fine powder. It’ll work just fine!
How can I customize my cinnamon roll tree?
Get creative! You can sprinkle on some chopped nuts, add mini chocolate chips, or even use colored icing for a festive twist. Edible glitter or sprinkles on top of the icing can add that extra holiday sparkle too!
What’s the best way to serve this?
Serve it warm right out of the oven for the best experience! It’s great for brunch, dessert, or even as a sweet snack while you’re decorating the tree. Just make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand!
Can I freeze leftover cinnamon rolls?
Yes, you can! Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw in the fridge and reheat as directed!
These tips should help you on your merry baking journey! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions. Happy baking!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree: 7 Ways to Wow This Holiday
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cinnamon roll tree perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Open the cinnamon rolls and separate them.
- Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a tree shape on a baking sheet.
- Brush melted butter over the rolls.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the rolls.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for icing.
- Drizzle icing over the baked cinnamon roll tree.
Notes
- Use a non-stick baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
- Customize with sprinkles or edible decorations.
- Serve warm for the best experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree, Holiday Dessert, Festive Treat