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Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect festive breakfast to kick off Christmas morning! Soft, warm cinnamon rolls shaped like adorable Christmas trees and topped with cream cheese icing and colorful sprinkles make this an irresistible holiday treat the whole family will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This easy and festive recipe is a quick way to make Christmas morning even more special. It's kid-friendly, fun to assemble, and requires minimal effort using store-bought cinnamon rolls. Whether you're hosting a big family breakfast or looking for a last-minute holiday treat, this recipe will be a new favorite tradition.
Essential Ingredients For Success
- Base Components: Store-bought cinnamon rolls: 2 cans (17.5 oz/496g each). Temperature at use: 65-70°F (18-21°C). Dimensions when unrolled: 12-14 inches length
- Icing Elements: Cream cheese icing: 8 oz (227g) at 70°F (21°C). Consistency: smooth and spreadable. pH level: 4.5-5.0 for optimal stability
- Decorative Components: Christmas sprinkles: 2 oz (56g). Size range: 1/16-1/8 inch pieces. Multiple colors for festive appearance
- Pan Preparation: Non-stick spray or parchment paper. Baking sheet dimensions: 18x13 inches. Surface temperature: 65-70°F (18-21°C)
Step By Step Instructions
- Environment Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), verified with separate thermometer. Position rack in center. Room temperature should be 68-72°F (20-22°C) with humidity below 60%.
- Dough Manipulation
- 1. Unroll each cinnamon roll to full length 2. Form zigzag pattern with 4-5 folds 3. Width should decrease from 3 inches at base to 1 inch at top 4. Pinch intersections with 2-3 pounds pressure 5. Final height: 6-7 inches per tree
- Baking Protocol
- 1. Space trees 2 inches apart on prepared sheet 2. Bake 23-27 minutes until internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C) 3. Surface should be golden brown (Pantone 7509 C) 4. Check at 15 minutes to reshape if needed
- Decoration Application
- 1. Cool 5-7 minutes until surface temperature reaches 120°F (49°C) 2. Apply icing at 70°F (21°C) in zigzag pattern 3. Sprinkle decorations immediately while icing is wet 4. Coverage: approximately 1 tablespoon sprinkles per tree
How to Store Leftovers
Cool completely to 70°F (21°C) before storing. Place in airtight container in single layer. Refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) for 3-5 days maximum. Maintain humidity below 40% in storage container.
How to Reheat Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Cover rolls loosely with aluminum foil. Heat 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Monitor icing to prevent excessive melting.
Tips for Success
Tree shaping specifications:
- Base width: 3 inches
- Top width: 1 inch
- Height: 6-7 inches
- Fold spacing: 1-1.5 inches
- Pinch points: Every intersection
Monitor baking time carefully to prevent over-browning. Allow slight cooling before icing for optimal presentation.
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A Festive Family Tradition
These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are a fun and festive breakfast idea that kids will love helping with. Quick to prepare, they're perfect for a stress-free Christmas morning and can become a cherished tradition for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why do my rolls separate while baking?
Make sure to pinch the dough firmly together before baking. If it starts separating, quickly push it back together while still baking.
- → Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?
Yes, any cinnamon roll dough works. Just make sure it's rolled thin enough to weave into the tree shape.
- → How do I store leftover Christmas tree rolls?
Cover with foil and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm slightly before eating for best taste.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
It's best made fresh, but you can shape it ahead and keep covered in the fridge overnight. Let come to room temp before baking.
- → What kind of sprinkles work best?
Green and red sprinkles look most festive, but any holiday colors work. Nonpareils or small sprinkles stick best to the icing.