Why Make This Recipe
Creating a Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree is not just about making a sweet treat; it’s about invoking the holiday spirit. This festive dessert is a fun way to bring family and friends together. The moment you gather around the table to share it, you’ll feel warmth and joy in the air.
With its delicious, gooey cinnamon rolls shaped like a Christmas tree, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Plus, it’s easy to customize, allowing you to add your personal touches and decorations.
Equipment Needed for Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree
To make your Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree, you will need a few basic kitchen tools. Here is what you shouldn’t miss:
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper (or non-stick cooking spray)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for mixing frosting
- Spatula for spreading frosting
What You Need to Make Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree
For this delightful recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- 12 Cinnamon Rolls (Rhodes frozen cinnamon rolls or homemade cinnamon roll dough)
- Rhodes Rolls frosting packets or homemade recipe below
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened)
- 2 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste
- Maraschino Cherries
- Fresh Rosemary
How to Cook Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Step by Step
I used 12 cinnamon rolls to make my Christmas tree shape. You can use Rhodes frozen cinnamon rolls, my homemade cinnamon roll recipe, or even refrigerated cinnamon rolls, though I haven’t recipe tested this one.
To start, place a piece of parchment paper on a large baking sheet. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can spray it with non-stick cooking spray or grease the pan with butter or oil so the cinnamon rolls don’t stick.
Next, place one cinnamon roll at the top center of your baking sheet. This will form the treetop of your Christmas tree. Below it, arrange a row of two cinnamon rolls, making sure they are close but not touching. The row beneath contains three cinnamon rolls, followed by a row of four at the bottom. Lastly, add a single or double cinnamon roll at the bottom center to serve as the tree trunk.
It’s important to adjust the rolls slightly so they touch one another. This allows them to bake together, forming a cohesive shape that resembles a tree. Once arranged, let the cinnamon rolls rise according to package instructions or the homemade recipe.
Once the cinnamon rolls have puffed up nicely, bake them according to the instructions provided with your recipe or packaging. Keep an eye on the baking time. You do not want to overbake them; aim for a lightly golden, fluffy texture.
After baking, allow the cinnamon roll tree to cool to room temperature. If it’s piping hot, the frosting will melt and slide right off. If you’re using Rhodes frozen cinnamon rolls, you might want to make some additional frosting. For a delightful cream cheese frosting, combine 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup of powdered sugar.
Spread the frosting generously over the cinnamon rolls, creating a festive swirly pattern that adds charm to your tree. Once frosted, decorate further by placing maraschino cherries as “red ornaments” throughout the tree.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree
Making a Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree is simpler than it looks. Start with your choice of cinnamon rolls, whether frozen or homemade. The rolls will serve as the canvas for your festive creation.
After placing them on a prepared sheet, give the dough time to rise until fluffy. Once baked, let the rolls cool before icing them to ensure the frosting stays intact. You can get creative with your designs, adding extra flavors or colors to the frosting.
Once decorated and frosted, your cinnamon roll Christmas tree will be ready for the family to enjoy. It’s a beautiful, edible centerpiece that everyone will want to dig into.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree
The Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree makes for a stunning holiday centerpiece. When serving, allow your family and guests to admire the beautiful creation before slicing into it!
Use a large serving spatula to cut through the rolls, ensuring each slice retains the festive look. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, and it pairs wonderfully with a fresh cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Consider presenting it on a decorative platter, perhaps garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary to mimic garlands or even some edible glitter to add extra sparkle.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree
This delectable dessert can be served alongside a variety of festive drinks. Consider offering:
- Hot cocoa
- Freshly brewed coffee
- Eggnog
- Spiced apple cider
You can also complement it with seasonal fruits like sliced oranges or pomegranates, adding a fresh, bright element to the table.
How to Store Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree
If you have any leftovers (which is often rare!), storing them properly helps maintain their deliciousness. Wrap the cinnamon roll tree tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
You can also place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to store it for longer, place it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about a week. Just remember to warm it slightly in the oven or microwave before serving the next time!
Tips to Make Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree
To achieve the best results with your Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree, consider the following tips:
- Allow the cinnamon rolls to rise fully before baking for a light, fluffy texture.
- If using homemade dough, ensure it’s well-kneaded and properly proofed.
- Use a good-quality frosting to enhance the flavor; cream cheese frosting is highly recommended.
- Don’t rush the cooling time after baking; this will ensure your frosting spreads nicely.
Variation
There are plenty of fun variations you can try with the Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree. If you want to mix things up, consider the following ideas:
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cinnamon roll dough before baking for a twist on flavor.
- Experiment with flavored frostings, such as maple or peppermint, for a different take.
- Decorate with edible decorations like sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or even small candy stars for a more whimsical tree.
Best Time to Make Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree
This recipe is perfect for making during the holiday season, especially leading up to Christmas. Whether for a family gathering, a holiday party, or a December brunch, it’s a fantastic way to bring festive cheer.
You can also make it on Christmas morning as a special breakfast treat. The delightful aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls will fill your home, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree, be aware of these common pitfalls:
- Skipping the rising time can lead to dense rolls; always let the dough puff up.
- Overbaking can make the rolls dry; watch them closely as they finish baking.
- Allowing the rolls to cool too long before frosting can make it difficult for the frosting to stick.
- Forgetting to decorate can make your tree look bare; get creative with toppings!
Nutritional Notes
While enjoying a Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree is a delightful treat, being mindful of the nutritional content is also important. These sweet rolls are typically higher in sugar and carbohydrates due to the dough and frosting.
It’s always a good idea to enjoy them in moderation, especially as part of a balanced holiday meal. Consider the options for reducing sugar or using alternatives in your recipe if you want a healthier version.
FAQs
Can I use different types of dough for the tree?
Yes, you can use homemade dough, frozen dough, or even refrigerated cinnamon rolls according to your preference.
How long does the Christmas tree stay fresh?
When stored correctly, the tree can remain fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator or for a couple of days at room temperature.
Can I freeze the Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree?
Yes! You can freeze the baked tree. Just make sure it’s wrapped well in foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion
The Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree is more than just a fun dessert; it’s a creative way to celebrate the season with family and friends. The combination of warm, soft cinnamon rolls and sweet frosting is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces during the holidays.
Whether you’re crafting your own from scratch or using store-bought cinnamon rolls, this recipe can be a lovely addition to your Christmas festivities. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and make some delicious memories this holiday season!
Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven according to the packaging instructions for the cinnamon rolls.
- Place parchment paper on a large baking sheet, or grease it with non-stick spray or butter.
- Arrange one cinnamon roll at the top center of the baking sheet for the tree top.
- Below it, place two cinnamon rolls close together, followed by three, then four at the bottom, and one or two for the trunk.
- Ensure the rolls touch slightly to bake together into a cohesive shape.
- Allow the cinnamon rolls to rise according to package instructions.
- Bake the cinnamon rolls according to the package instructions until lightly golden.
- Let them cool to room temperature.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cinnamon rolls.
- Decorate with maraschino cherries as ornaments and fresh rosemary to imitate garlands.
