Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls

The aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the kitchen is one of the best parts of Christmas morning. These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls bring that cozy feeling to life with a festive twist. Not only are they soft, gooey, and full of buttery cinnamon flavor, but they’re also shaped like little Christmas trees, making them an irresistible treat for both kids and adults.

Christmas morning cinnamon rolls are a classic for a reason—they’re easy to pull together and make the house smell like holiday magic. This version adds a playful twist that makes them perfect for Christmas breakfast ideas for kids. Imagine waking up to little green-topped trees lined up on a baking sheet, waiting to be devoured. It’s a moment that combines joy, creativity, and a little bit of indulgence.

These cinnamon rolls aren’t just fun to look at—they’re also easy to make. Even if you’re short on time or new to baking, this recipe works beautifully. They can be whipped up as part of a festive Christmas breakfast or served as Christmas snacks for kids during holiday parties. The process is simple: a soft dough, cinnamon-sugar filling, a quick twist into tree shapes, and a drizzle of icing to finish.

Beyond being a delicious breakfast, these cinnamon rolls make holiday mornings feel special. You can pair them with fresh fruit, hot cocoa, or a glass of milk for a festive Christmas breakfast spread that will impress family and friends. They’re also a great way to involve kids in holiday cooking, turning baking into an activity filled with laughter and excitement. With this recipe, you get the best of both worlds: easy Christmas cinnamon rolls and a visually stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love It

• Festive and Fun: These cinnamon rolls double as a treat and holiday decoration. Shaped like Christmas trees, they instantly brighten up your breakfast table and bring smiles to kids’ faces.
• Perfect for Kids: From rolling the dough to adding the “icing ornaments,” this recipe is a hands-on activity that kids will love. It’s a fantastic way to make holiday breakfast ideas for kids more interactive and memorable.
• Soft, Gooey Goodness: Every bite delivers that classic cinnamon roll experience—soft, fluffy, and full of cinnamon-sugar goodness—making them ideal for Christmas morning cinnamon rolls that everyone will fight over.
• Simple and Stress-Free: Even if you’re juggling holiday prep, this recipe is straightforward. These easy Christmas cinnamon rolls don’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Versatile for the Holidays: Serve them fresh for a festive Christmas breakfast, or wrap them individually for Christmas snacks for kids. They’re as flexible as they are delicious.

Ingredient List

For the Dough

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: green food coloring for a festive touch

Ingredient Notes

• Milk: I always use whole milk—it makes the dough extra soft and fluffy.
• Yeast: Don’t skip proofing your yeast in warm milk; it ensures the rolls rise beautifully.
• Butter: Real, unsalted butter makes a huge difference in flavor for both the dough and filling.
• Brown sugar: I prefer light brown sugar—it adds just the right hint of molasses for that classic cinnamon roll taste.
• Vanilla extract: A splash in the icing really brings the sweetness together. Don’t skip it!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls: For combining dough and filling ingredients—big enough to give the dough room to rise. I love using glass bowls so I can see the dough expand.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements make a big difference for fluffy cinnamon rolls.
• Whisk or fork: For mixing yeast with milk and sugar—simple and quick.
• Rolling pin: Essential for flattening the dough evenly. I use a non-stick rolling pin; it makes shaping much easier.
• Baking sheet or pan: To bake the cinnamon rolls. A rimmed baking sheet works best for tree shapes.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
• Small bowl & spoon: For mixing the icing. Optional: use a piping bag for a neat drizzle.
• Oven mitts: Safety first—grab those hot trays confidently!

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Proof the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
   • Pro tip: Milk should feel warm, not hot, to the touch—too hot can kill the yeast.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and salt.
3. Combine with yeast: Pour the foamy yeast mixture into the wet ingredients and stir gently.
4. Add flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring until the dough starts to come together.
5. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Pro tip: If the dough is sticky, add a tiny bit of flour at a time—too much flour will make it tough.
6. Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

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Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and spreadable.
2. Set aside while the dough rises.

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Step 3: Shape the Cinnamon Trees

1. Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
2. Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar butter over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
3. Cut strips: Cut the dough into long strips about 1–1.5 inches wide.
4. Create tree shapes: Twist each strip gently and form it into a triangle shape to resemble a Christmas tree. Trim the ends if needed.
5. Place on baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the shaped rolls, leaving some space for them to expand.

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Step 4: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Place the rolls in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Cool slightly: Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool for 5–10 minutes before icing.

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Step 5: Add the Icing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Optional: Add a few drops of green food coloring for a festive touch.
3. Drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls using a spoon or piping bag.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy the soft, gooey goodness!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Warm environment: Let the dough rise in a slightly warm spot—like near a preheated oven—to get perfectly fluffy rolls.
• Don’t over-flour: Only add enough flour to prevent sticking; too much will make the rolls dense.
• Even spreading: Spread the filling evenly to ensure every bite has the perfect cinnamon-sugar balance.
• Twist gently: When shaping the tree rolls, twist lightly to keep them airy and soft.
• Cool before icing: Let the rolls cool just a few minutes before drizzling icing so it doesn’t melt away completely.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Milk: Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• Butter: Coconut oil or vegan butter works well in both dough and filling.
• Brown sugar: Coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a slightly different flavor.
• Cinnamon: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a holiday twist.
• Icing: Swap vanilla for cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.
• Food coloring: Skip it, or use red and green to make the rolls even more festive.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving these Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls warm with a glass of cold milk—it’s the ultimate cozy Christmas morning breakfast.
• Pair them with fresh fruit like berries or sliced oranges for a festive Christmas breakfast that’s balanced and colorful.
• Serve alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a sweet holiday treat that doubles as Christmas snacks for kids during parties.
• Make a brunch platter with scrambled eggs, bacon, and these rolls for a complete festive Christmas breakfast spread.
• Wrap a few individually in parchment and give them as edible gifts—kids love unwrapping their own little cinnamon tree!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Room temperature: Store baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap rolls tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.
• Reheating: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Drizzle a little extra icing if desired.
• Tip: Reheat gently to keep the rolls soft and gooey—avoid high heat, which can dry them out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cinnamon rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the rolls the night before, then refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning for a soft, warm Christmas morning breakfast.

Can I use store-bought dough instead of making my own?

Yes! Pre-made dough works fine and makes this recipe even quicker. Just follow the filling and shaping instructions, and you’ll still get festive Christmas tree cinnamon rolls.

How do I make the rolls extra fluffy?

Make sure your yeast is active and the dough has enough time to rise in a warm spot. Gentle kneading and not over-flouring the dough also help keep them soft and airy.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

Yes! Substitute plant-based milk and butter, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flax + 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg. You’ll still get a delicious festive Christmas breakfast.

How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. You can also freeze for up to 2 months—just warm them before serving.

Can I add extra toppings?

Definitely! Sprinkle chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or colorful sprinkles on the icing to make them even more fun for kids.

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Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! I’d love to hear your favorite twist on these festive cinnamon rolls.