Oh, the holidays! There’s just something magical in the air, right? The twinkling lights, the cozy blankets, and the delightful smell of baked goods wafting through the house. One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up during this festive season is my Christmas tree cinnamon rolls. Trust me, they’re not just adorable; they’re also a warm hug for your taste buds! Imagine soft, fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon and sugar, shaped into a beautiful tree—it’s like bringing a piece of holiday cheer right to your breakfast table.
As I bake these delightful rolls, I can’t help but feel that joy that comes from creating something special for loved ones. Plus, they make the perfect centerpiece for any gathering! Whether it’s Christmas morning or a cozy holiday brunch, these rolls are sure to impress. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this scrumptious journey together!
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk for icing
How to Prepare Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
Alright, let’s get our hands doughy! Preparing these Christmas tree cinnamon rolls is an absolute joy, and I promise you, the end result will make your heart sing. Follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a festive treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat!
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
First things first, let’s wake up our yeast! In a bowl, combine the warm milk with the packet of active dry yeast. Make sure the milk is warm, not hot—think baby bottle warm, around 110°F (43°C). Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets all bubbly and frothy. This is where the magic begins! If it doesn’t froth up, your yeast may be old, and we don’t want flat rolls!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Next, we’re going to mix it all together! Add the melted butter, sugar, salt, and the egg to your yeast mixture. Give it a good stir to combine. Then, gradually add in the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. You want it to be just a little sticky but not too tacky. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour until you get that perfect dough consistency. You got this!
Step 3: Knead and Rise
Time to knead! Lightly flour your countertop and turn out the dough. Knead it for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This part is so satisfying, trust me! Once you’re done kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. I usually pop it by a sunny window for that extra boost!
Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Now comes the fun part—shaping our rolls into a Christmas tree! Roll out your dough on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread melted butter over the surface, and then sprinkle the ground cinnamon and brown sugar evenly. Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, creating a log. Now, slice that log into about 12 pieces, and here’s the trick: arrange those slices in a tree shape on a baking sheet! You can make the bottom wider and taper it up to form the tree shape. Isn’t it adorable?
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let your beautifully shaped tree rise for another 30 minutes while the oven heats up. Once it’s puffed up, bake those rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Oh, the smell that fills your kitchen will be absolutely divine! To check for doneness, you can gently tap the top—if it sounds hollow, they’re ready to come out!
Step 6: Prepare the Icing
While your rolls are baking, let’s whip up the icing! In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the milk to get your desired consistency—thicker for drizzling and thinner for pouring! Once your rolls are out of the oven and cooled slightly, drizzle that icing on top. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
Tips for Success
Alright, my fellow bakers, let’s make sure your Christmas tree cinnamon rolls turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some pro tips that I’ve learned over the years:
- Use Fresh Yeast: This is crucial! Make sure your active dry yeast is fresh for the best rise. If you’re unsure, check the expiration date on the package. Trust me, fresh yeast makes a world of difference!
- Warm Ingredients: When mixing your milk and butter, make sure they’re warm, not hot. Hot temperatures can kill the yeast, and we don’t want that! Think cozy warmth, like a warm bath!
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to play with the cinnamon and sugar levels according to your taste. If you’re a cinnamon lover like me, go ahead and add a bit more—your rolls will thank you!
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Give your dough ample time to rise. If your kitchen is a bit chilly, consider placing it in a warm spot or even using your oven (turned off, of course) with the light on to create a cozy environment.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your rolls are perfectly baked, keep an eye on them near the end of the baking time. If they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped, they’re ready to come out!
With these tips in your back pocket, I’m confident your Christmas tree cinnamon rolls will be a showstopper! Enjoy the baking process, and don’t forget to savor the delightful aromas wafting through your home!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each delightful Christmas tree cinnamon roll. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific brands and measurements, but this should give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
So, while you’re enjoying these festive treats, you can have a little peace of mind knowing what’s in them. Remember, it’s all about balance, especially during the holidays!
FAQ About Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge instead of at room temperature. Just be sure to cover it well! In the morning, bring it back to room temperature, shape it into the Christmas tree, and let it rise again before baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh cinnamon rolls without all the hassle on Christmas morning!
What can I substitute for the milk?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can easily swap the milk for almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk you prefer. Just make sure it’s warm, similar to regular milk, to keep the yeast happy! You can also use water if you’re in a pinch, but the flavor might be a bit less rich.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover rolls? No problem! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, just warm them up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They’ll still taste delightful, I promise!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Delight: These Christmas tree cinnamon rolls not only taste amazing but also look adorable and bring holiday cheer to your table!
- Deliciously Sweet: With a perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar, every bite is a warm hug that melts in your mouth.
- Easy to Make: Don’t worry if you’re a beginner—this recipe is straightforward and fun, making it perfect for bakers of all levels!
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s Christmas morning or a cozy gathering, these rolls are sure to impress your friends and family.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices or even add some festive toppings; make them uniquely yours!
- Memorable Experience: Baking these together with loved ones can become a cherished holiday tradition that everyone will look forward to!
Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls: 5 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cinnamon rolls shaped like Christmas trees.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk for icing
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add melted butter, sugar, salt, and egg. Mix well.
- Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
- Let the dough rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
- Spread melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar over it.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into slices.
- Shape the rolls into a Christmas tree on a baking sheet.
- Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk for icing and drizzle over rolls.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast for best results.
- Adjust cinnamon and sugar to taste.
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas tree cinnamon rolls
