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
Scale
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.
