The Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe is the perfect festive treat to bring joy and warmth to any holiday gathering. Imagine soft, gooey cinnamon rolls baked together into a beautiful tree shape, topped with creamy, dreamy frosting and decorated with bright red cherries for that cheerful pop of color. This celebration-worthy centerpiece is surprisingly easy to make, yet it truly delivers on both flavor and presentation, making it a favorite that everyone will be eager to dig into. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, this delightful dish will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with holiday cheer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is key to creating this mouthwatering Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe. Each one plays a special role, from the soft dough that gives the rolls their texture to the luscious frosting that adds a sweet finish, and the garnishes that bring festive color and fun.
- 12 Cinnamon Rolls: Use Rhodes frozen cinnamon rolls, homemade dough, or refrigerated rolls for convenience and great taste.
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese: Softened for a silky smooth frosting with a subtle tang.
- 1/2 cup Butter: Softened to blend perfectly with cream cheese for that rich, creamy texture in the icing.
- 2 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar: Adds the ideal sweetness and a light, fluffy frosting consistency.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste: Enhances the frosting with warm vanilla notes.
- Maraschino Cherries: Bright red “ornaments” that bring a festive and playful look to the tree.
- Fresh Rosemary: Optional green sprigs to mimic pine needles and add a pop of natural color.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe
Step 1: Arrange the Rolls
Start with 12 cinnamon rolls—whether Rhodes frozen, homemade, or refrigerated—and get ready to craft your Christmas tree. Lay a piece of parchment paper on a large baking sheet to prevent sticking, or grease the surface well if you don’t have parchment. This setup ensures your rolls bake evenly and transfer easily.
Step 2: Form the Christmas Tree Shape
Place one cinnamon roll at the top center to create the tree’s apex. Below that, arrange two rolls in a row, then three rolls below them, and finally four rolls at the bottom row, forming a lovely triangle shape. Add one or two cinnamon rolls centered beneath this triangle to serve as the tree trunk. This arrangement is the foundation of your tasty holiday centerpiece.
Step 3: Let the Rolls Rise
Gently nudge the rolls together so they touch, which helps them bake into one cohesive tree. Follow your cinnamon roll package or homemade dough instructions for rising—this step is crucial for soft, fluffy rolls that practically melt in your mouth once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cinnamon roll tree according to your recipe’s guidelines or the package instructions, keeping an eye on the timer to avoid overbaking. You want just a light golden hue on top while maintaining a tender, pillow-like inside. The smell filling your kitchen is part of the magic!
Step 5: Cool Before Frosting
Allow your beautiful cinnamon roll tree to cool completely to room temperature. This pause prevents the frosting from melting off and keeps the icing thick and luscious on top, preserving the tree’s stunning look.
Step 6: Prepare and Spread the Frosting
If using frozen rolls, boost the provided frosting by blending cream cheese and powdered sugar into it for extra creaminess and sweetness. Spread the frosting generously in a swirling motion over the cooled cinnamon rolls to mimic snow-covered branches.
Step 7: Decorate Festively
Garnish your Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe with maraschino cherries, placing them like red ornaments that make the tree sparkle. Add sprigs of fresh rosemary to imitate lush pine needles, offering a fresh aroma along with the festive look.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe
Garnishes
Decorations are what truly make this cinnamon roll tree feel magical. Besides cherries and rosemary, consider dusting a little powdered sugar over the top for a snowy effect. You can even add edible glitter to catch the light and dazzle your guests.
Side Dishes
Serve your cinnamon roll tree alongside a warm spiced cider or fresh coffee to complement its sweet and spicy cinnamon flavor. Fresh fruit or a light citrus salad can balance the richness, making your holiday spread well-rounded and inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
Place the cinnamon roll tree on a festive platter surrounded by twinkling fairy lights or sprinkle edible confetti around the base to create holiday magic. You might also add small, decorative “presents” like wrapped candies to enhance your table’s festive vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They keep well for up to 2 days at room temperature, retaining their softness and moisture beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze individual cinnamon rolls or the entire tree before baking. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and follow the original baking instructions.
Reheating
Reheat leftover cinnamon rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warm. Alternatively, microwave single rolls for 20-30 seconds for a quick, gooey treat, but be careful not to overheat, or they may dry out.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a personal touch and can make your Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe even more delicious. Just ensure your dough can be shaped and baked according to the instructions.
What if I don’t have maraschino cherries or rosemary?
No worries! You can get creative with other festive toppings like colored sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or cranberry pieces to decorate the tree.
Is this recipe suitable for a beginner baker?
Yes, definitely! The Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe is straightforward and forgiving, especially if you use store-bought rolls, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
How long does the frosting stay fresh?
The cream cheese frosting is best eaten within 2 days when stored in the refrigerator, but the rolls themselves can stay fresh a bit longer if kept covered.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
With some substitutions like plant-based cream cheese and butter, plus vegan cinnamon roll dough, you can certainly adapt this recipe to suit vegan or dairy-free diets.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about bringing the Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe to your holiday table. It combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and creamy frosting with a fun, festive presentation that’s sure to light up smiles all around. I encourage you to give this recipe a try this season—you’ll not only impress your loved ones but also create delicious memories that will keep everyone coming back for more. Happy baking and happy holidays!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Create a festive and delicious Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. This recipe uses 12 cinnamon rolls arranged in a tree shape, baked to a fluffy golden perfection, and topped with creamy frosting and cheerful decorations like maraschino cherries and fresh rosemary to mimic ornaments and pine needles.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Rolls
- 12 Cinnamon Rolls (Rhodes frozen cinnamon rolls, homemade cinnamon roll dough, or refrigerated cinnamon rolls)
Frosting
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened)
- 2 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste
Decorations
- Maraschino Cherries
- Fresh Rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Use 12 cinnamon rolls from either Rhodes frozen variety, homemade dough, or refrigerated ones. Thaw if frozen according to package instructions.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Lay parchment paper on a large baking sheet or grease with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Rolls: Place one cinnamon roll at the top center of the baking sheet, then arrange rows with two, three, and four rolls beneath to form a triangular Christmas tree shape. Add one or two rolls at the bottom center to form the tree trunk.
- Adjust and Let Rise: Slightly press the rolls together so they touch to encourage them to bake into a cohesive shape. Allow them to rise according to your cinnamon roll recipe or package directions until puffy.
- Bake Rolls: Bake according to the recipe or package instructions, typically around 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C), until rolls are lightly golden and fluffy. Avoid overbaking for the best texture.
- Cool: Once baked, remove from oven and cool the cinnamon roll tree to room temperature to prevent frosting from melting.
- Prepare and Spread Frosting: If using Rhodes rolls, enhance the frosting by mixing 4 oz softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup powdered sugar, then spread this creamy frosting generously over the cooled rolls using a swirly motion.
- Decorate: Place maraschino cherries on the frosting to mimic red ornaments, and add sprigs of fresh rosemary to represent pine needles, completing the festive look.
Notes
- Use parchment paper or thoroughly grease the pan to prevent sticking.
- For best results, do not overbake the cinnamon rolls to keep them soft and fluffy.
- Allow the rolls to cool sufficiently before applying frosting to prevent it from melting.
- This tree can be made with homemade dough or store-bought cinnamon rolls; however, texture and rise time might vary.
- Fresh rosemary adds a lovely aromatic touch and festive greenery, but omit if allergic or unwanted.
