Save
Holiday Cinnamon Tree Rolls make the most cheerful breakfast to start Christmas day! Tender, gooey cinnamon rolls crafted into cute Christmas tree shapes then drizzled with cream cheese frosting and festive sprinkles create a mouthwatering seasonal treat your whole family won't be able to resist.
What Makes This Breakfast Special
This fun and festive treat won't take much time but will make your Christmas morning extra magical. Kids love helping put it together, and you'll save tons of effort by using ready-made cinnamon rolls. It's perfect whether you've got a big holiday gathering or need a quick festive breakfast that might just become your new holiday tradition.
Key Items You'll Need
- Main Items: Ready-made cinnamon rolls: 2 tubes (17.5 oz/496g each). Use at room temp: 65-70°F (18-21°C). When unrolled they stretch about: 12-14 inches
- Topping Stuff: Cream cheese frosting: 8 oz (227g) at room temp 70°F (21°C). Should be easy to spread. Acidity level: 4.5-5.0 for best results
- Pretty Add-ons: Holiday sprinkles: 2 oz (56g). Tiny pieces around 1/16-1/8 inch. Various colors for holiday cheer
- Baking Setup: Cooking spray or parchment. Cookie sheet size: 18x13 inches. Surface should be cool: 65-70°F (18-21°C)
How To Make Your Tree Rolls
- Getting Ready
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C), double-check with another thermometer. Put rack in the middle. Your kitchen should be about 68-72°F (20-22°C) and not too humid (under 60%).
- Shaping Your Trees
- 1. Pull each roll out flat to its full length 2. Make a zigzag pattern with 4-5 bends 3. Make bottom wider (3 inches) and top narrower (1 inch) 4. Press connecting spots firmly with 2-3 pounds pressure 5. Each finished tree should stand 6-7 inches tall
- Cooking Your Trees
- 1. Leave 2 inches between trees on your prepared pan 2. Cook for 23-27 minutes until they reach 190°F (88°C) inside 3. They should turn golden brown (like Pantone 7509 C) 4. Take a peek at 15 minutes to fix any shape issues
- Making Them Pretty
- 1. Let cool 5-7 minutes until they're about 120°F (49°C) 2. Drizzle frosting at room temp in a back-and-forth pattern 3. Quickly add sprinkles while frosting's still wet 4. Use about 1 tablespoon sprinkles for each tree
Saving Extras For Later
Let them cool completely to room temp before putting away. Store in a sealed container without stacking. Keep in fridge at 40°F (4°C) and eat within 3-5 days. Try to keep moisture low in your storage container.
Warming Up Leftover Rolls
Turn your oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap rolls loosely in foil. Warm them for 5-7 minutes until they're 165°F (74°C) inside. Watch that the frosting doesn't melt too much.
Tricks For Perfect Trees
Get your tree shape just right:
- Bottom should be 3 inches wide
- Top should be 1 inch wide
- Make them 6-7 inches tall
- Space folds 1-1.5 inches apart
- Press firmly at every crossing point
Watch baking time carefully so they don't get too dark. Let them cool a bit before adding frosting for the best look.
Save
Delightful Morning Memories
These Holiday Tree Rolls aren't just breakfast - they're a fun activity kids can help with too! They come together so quickly you'll still have time to enjoy your Christmas morning, and you might find your family asking for them year after year.
Recipe FAQs
- → Why do pieces of dough pull apart while baking?
Squeeze the sections together tightly before putting them in the oven. If something comes loose, press it back gently during baking.
- → Could I use homemade dough instead?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon dough works great as long as it's thinly rolled to shape into a tree.
- → How can I store leftover rolls?
Wrap them in foil and leave them at room temperature for about 2 days. Warm slightly before enjoying for better flavor.
- → Is it possible to prep these in advance?
Shaping ahead is fine! Cover it tightly in the fridge overnight and bring to room temp before baking.
- → What sprinkles should I choose?
Green and red are festive favorites, but any holiday colors work. Small sprinkles like nonpareils stick best.