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Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 132 reviews

Create a festive and delicious treat with these Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls, featuring fluffy dough layered with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet vanilla icing and optional festive sprinkles. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or brunches, these rolls combine classic cinnamon roll flavors with a fun seasonal twist shaped like Christmas trees.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (bread flour can be used for a fluffier texture)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Icing Ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • Sprinkles or edible decorations (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is activated. Then add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing well.
  2. Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add the flour (about 4 cups), mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  3. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly.
  4. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer to a floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 16×12 inches in size.
  5. Add the Filling: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the rolled-out dough, pressing lightly to adhere.
  6. Shape the Dough: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Cut the log into equal slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Starting with the base, gently shape the slices into Christmas tree shapes by layering and slightly pinching the edges. Arrange the shaped rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or pan with some space between them.
  7. Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls with a clean towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Make the Icing: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed by adding a little more milk or sugar.
  10. Dress and Decorate: After baking, let the rolls cool slightly before drizzling the icing over them. Add sprinkles or edible decorations as desired to create a festive look.

Notes

  • Using bread flour instead of all-purpose can make the rolls fluffier and chewier.
  • Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to prevent killing the yeast.
  • For an egg-free version, you can substitute eggs with applesauce or omit entirely but expect slightly different texture.
  • If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of cream cheese to the icing.
  • Store leftover rolls in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: Christmas cinnamon rolls, holiday breakfast, festive cinnamon rolls, cinnamon roll tree, holiday brunch recipe

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/christmas-tree-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/