There’s something magical about the holidays, and honestly, this Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe captures that festive spirit perfectly. Imagine waking up to the smell of warm cinnamon and vanilla filling your kitchen, while these rolls bake into a delightful tree shape that immediately sparks joy. It’s such a fun way to celebrate with family or friends, turning a simple breakfast into a holiday tradition.

What I love most is how this recipe not only tastes incredible but also looks amazing — the perfect centerpiece for your holiday brunch or even a fun activity to do with the kids. This Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a showstopper that’s actually easier to make than it looks, and I’ll guide you through every step so you can impress without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To get that soft, cinnamon-spiced goodness, the ingredients come together in a way that’s both classic and reliable. I always recommend using good-quality butter and fresh yeast, as they really make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.

All-purpose flour: You can swap for bread flour if you want your rolls fluffier and chewier, which I often do.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness in the dough that balances the cinnamon perfectly.
Instant yeast: Easy to use—no need to proof, just mix in, and it’ll help your dough rise beautifully.
Whole milk: Warm it up just slightly to activate the yeast well.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness to the dough and flavor to the filling.
Large eggs: They help bind the dough and make it tender.
Vanilla extract: I always add a little extra for that cozy, warm scent.
Salt: It balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Brown sugar: Packed tightly for the filling’s sweet caramelized flavor with cinnamon.
Ground cinnamon: Key for that signature cinnamon roll taste—freshly ground if you can, trust me on this.
Powdered sugar: For the icing, it creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
Milk (for icing): Just enough to thin the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional): These make the rolls extra festive and fun, especially if kids are helping.

Variations

I find playing around with this Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is part of the fun—whether it’s swapping fillings or adjusting sweetness. You can personalize it easily depending on your taste or dietary needs, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Nutty twist: I like adding chopped pecans or walnuts inside for extra texture and flavor; it elevates the rolls even more.
Chocolate lovers: Sprinkle some mini chocolate chips along with the cinnamon sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth surprise.
Gluten-free: Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, but expect slightly different texture—still delicious!
Vegan option: Substitute eggs with flaxseed eggs and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
Spiced up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mix for an aromatic twist that feels very festive.

How to Make Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Make and knead the dough

Start by combining the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast—in a large bowl. Then mix the warmed milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough starts coming together, and then knead it on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. A good tip is to add flour gradually to avoid a tough dough—sticky is okay initially, but it should become balanced as you knead.

Step 2: Let the dough rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours. It should roughly double in size. I usually set mine near the oven that’s just turned off or on the countertop if the kitchen is warm enough.

Step 3: Shape the cinnamon sugar filling

While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This filling is what gives those rolls their irresistible scent and flavor, so don’t skimp on the cinnamon here!

Step 4: Roll out and layer

Once risen, punch the dough down gently and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. This step is crucial—spread it all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Cut and shape the Christmas tree

Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, forming a log. Slice the log into equal pieces, then arrange them on a baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree—start with a base row of several rolls, then place fewer rolls on each row above, tapering to the top. My favorite trick is using a baking pan with parchment so rolls don’t stick and shape stays neat.

Step 6: Final rise and bake

Cover the shaped tree and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them—overbaking dries out the rolls, so pull them out as soon as they’re done!

Step 7: Glaze and decorate

While the rolls cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar with milk until smooth to create your icing. Drizzle this over the warm rolls, then add sprinkles or edible decorations if you’d like that extra festive touch. I often go for red and green sugars or tiny stars for that holiday sparkle.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

A group of cinnamon rolls arranged closely on a white marbled surface, each roll showing a soft, golden-brown spiral texture with cinnamon layers visible. The rolls have a thick, creamy white frosting generously drizzled over the top, cascading slowly down the sides, and are decorated with small red, green, and white round sprinkles scattered evenly on the frosting and around the rolls. The background features softly blurred warm fairy lights with a green hint of a blurred Christmas tree, adding a festive feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and classic – just a drizzle of icing and some festive sprinkles do the trick for me. Sometimes, I add a few chopped nuts on top if we want a little crunch. It’s all about that perfect mix of gooey sweetness and a bit of texture.

Side Dishes

Serve these rolls alongside a hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate for a cozy holiday breakfast. Fresh fruit like berries or citrus segments can help balance the sweetness beautifully. If you’re serving brunch, a side of scrambled eggs or a savory frittata complements the rolls well too.

Creative Ways to Present

My favorite way to wow guests is placing the cinnamon roll tree on a large wooden cutting board adorned with fresh rosemary sprigs or holly leaves around the edges—it instantly looks like a festive centerpiece. Another fun idea is to use multicolored icing to “decorate” the tree like you would a real Christmas tree.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find these rolls hold their softness best stored tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just bring them out for breakfast, and you’re good to go without losing that fresh-baked feel.

Freezing

These cinnamon rolls freeze beautifully! I usually assemble and bake them fully first, then freeze individual slices in freezer bags. When you want a treat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up the next morning—it tastes almost as good as freshly baked.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I lightly cover the rolls with foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them soft and melts the icing slightly—it’s like reviving the magic all over again!

FAQs

Can I make this Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. It takes a bit more elbow grease but gives you great control over the dough’s texture. Just be patient and knead until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can use active dry yeast instead, but you’ll need to proof it first in warm milk with a bit of sugar until it bubbles (about 5-10 minutes). This extra step wakes up the yeast and ensures your dough rises well.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes! You can make the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature, shape the rolls, and proceed with the final rise and baking. This makes holiday morning prep so much easier.
How do I keep the rolls soft and moist?

Don’t overbake them and make sure to cover them if storing overnight. Using melted butter in the dough and the cinnamon sugar filling helps with moisture, too. Reheating in a covered foil tent helps maintain softness.
Can I use this recipe for other holidays?

Definitely! By changing the shape and decorations, this dough and filling work wonderfully year-round. Hearts for Valentine’s Day, wreaths for Christmas, or twisted braids for Thanksgiving—you can customize endlessly.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday treats because it brings so much warmth and joy with every bite—and the shape makes it feel extra special. If you want to create a cozy, memorable moment with your loved ones this season, this is the recipe to try. I promise, once you make these, they’ll become a delicious tradition you’ll look forward to year after year. So roll up your sleeves, grab your rolling pin, and let’s get festive in the kitchen!