Oh, the magic of holiday baking! There’s just something so heartwarming about filling the kitchen with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar during the festive season. I remember as a kid, my family would gather around the kitchen, flour dusting our noses, as we rolled out dough and shaped it into all sorts of holiday delights. That’s where my love for Christmas tree cinnamon rolls began! These delightful treats are not just your regular cinnamon rolls; they’re shaped like a Christmas tree, adding a whimsical touch to any holiday breakfast or dessert table. Trust me, the smiles on your loved ones’ faces when they see a tray of these adorable rolls are absolutely priceless. So, let’s dive into this cozy recipe that’s sure to become a cherished tradition!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed (not too hot, just warm enough to activate the yeast!)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional, but they add a nice chewiness!)
- 1/2 cup icing sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (for icing; just enough to get that perfect drizzle consistency)
How to Prepare *Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls*
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
First things first, grab a mixing bowl and combine the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. I like to use a whisk here to make sure everything is evenly mixed; it helps to aerate the flour, too! Just a quick stir will do—it’s such a simple step but sets the stage for your delicious rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Now, let’s bring this mix to life! Add the warmed milk, melted butter, and the large egg to your bowl of dry ingredients. I usually like to use a wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula for this part. Mix it all together until a dough starts to form. It might look a little shaggy at first, but don’t worry; that’s all part of the magic!
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Time to get your hands a little messy! Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. You want to work it until it’s smooth and elastic. It’s such a satisfying feeling! If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a touch more flour, but be careful not to overdo it. The right texture should feel soft yet springy!
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Now comes the waiting part—trust me, it’s worth it! Place your kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s doubled in size! This is what gives your rolls that fluffy texture we all love.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Once your dough has risen beautifully, it’s time to roll it out into a rectangle. Take a rolling pin and gently stretch it out. Then, spread some melted butter all over the surface and go wild with the ground cinnamon and brown sugar! Feel free to sprinkle some raisins, too, if you’re using them. Now roll it up tightly from one end to the other, and slice it into generous pieces. These will be your adorable tree branches!
Step 6: Arrange and Rise Again
Next up, it’s time to shape your rolls into a festive tree! Arrange the slices on a baking sheet in that iconic tree shape. I like to keep the bottom wider and taper it off as I go up—just like a real tree! Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This step is crucial for that pillowy softness.
Step 7: Bake and Ice
Now we’re almost there! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop those beauties in for about 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. While they’re baking, let’s whip up the icing! Just mix the icing sugar with a tablespoon of milk until it’s smooth and drizzly. Once your rolls are out of the oven and cooled slightly, drizzle that sweet goodness over the top. Wow, your holiday baking will be officially complete!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *Christmas tree cinnamon rolls* turn out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, make sure your milk is warm, not hot—too much heat can kill the yeast, and we definitely don’t want that! When kneading the dough, don’t rush it; give it a good 5 minutes to develop that lovely elasticity. If you find your dough too sticky, add just a sprinkle of flour, but remember, you want it to feel soft and springy, not dry.
Also, when arranging the rolls into that festive tree shape, be creative! There’s no need for perfection—it’s all about the charm of homemade baking. And finally, don’t skip the second rise; that’s where the magic happens! It ensures your rolls are light and fluffy. With these tips, you’re all set for a holiday treat that’ll impress everyone!
FAQ Section
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise, then cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just bring it back to room temperature and follow the shaping and baking steps. It’s a great way to save time during the busy holiday season!
What can I use instead of raisins?
If raisins aren’t your thing, no worries! You can swap them out for chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch. Dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots also work wonderfully if you want a fruity twist. Get creative with your fillings—it’s all about what you love!
How do I store leftover rolls?
To keep your *Christmas tree cinnamon rolls* fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for about 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, and they’re ready to enjoy!
Nutritional Information
When you indulge in my *Christmas tree cinnamon rolls*, you’ll be pleased to know they offer a delightful balance of flavor and nutrition! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per roll:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. So, enjoy these festive treats guilt-free, knowing they’re a special part of your holiday celebrations!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re a fun and festive twist on traditional cinnamon rolls!
- Easy to make, perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Quick prep time means you can whip them up in no time.
- They fill your home with that irresistibly warm cinnamon aroma.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings—everyone loves them!
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins, making them uniquely yours.
Serving Suggestions
These *Christmas tree cinnamon rolls* are perfect on their own, but you can elevate your holiday spread by serving them with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or freshly brewed coffee. They also pair wonderfully with a side of fruit, like sliced oranges or berries, which adds a refreshing touch. For a festive brunch, consider adding a light fruit salad or some scrambled eggs to balance out the sweetness. And, of course, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side never hurts! Enjoy these rolls as a delightful centerpiece for your holiday gatherings!
Print
Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls: 7 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cinnamon rolls shaped like a Christmas tree.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup icing sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (for icing)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add warmed milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
- Spread melted butter, then sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Roll the dough tightly and cut into slices.
- Arrange slices in a tree shape on a baking sheet.
- Let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Mix icing sugar with milk and drizzle over rolls.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife for cutting the rolls.
- Try adding nuts for extra crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
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: 20mg
Keywords: christmas tree, cinnamon rolls, holiday baking