Oh my goodness, there’s just something magical about holiday baking, isn’t there? The smell of warm cinnamon wafting through the house instantly transforms everything into a cozy, festive wonderland. I remember the first time I made this Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree—it was a spontaneous idea during a family gathering, and the excitement on everyone’s faces as I pulled it out of the oven was priceless! This dessert not only looks stunning on the table but also tastes absolutely divine. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a cherished tradition in your home, too!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients for a festive Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree that will wow your guests!
- 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls: These are the star of the show! You can find them in the refrigerated section, and they save so much time.
- 1/4 cup of melted butter: This adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the rolls.
- 1/4 cup of sugar: A touch of sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon: More of that lovely cinnamon flavor, because who could resist?
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar: Essential for making the glaze that drizzles beautifully over the tree.
- 1 tablespoon of milk: Helps achieve the right consistency for the glaze.
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor to the glaze.
How to Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and grease it lightly with some cooking spray or a bit of melted butter. This will help our cinnamon rolls slide right off once they’re baked, making clean-up a breeze!
Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Now, open those cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and separate them carefully. This is where the fun begins! Start arranging the rolls in a tree shape on your greased baking sheet. I like to place the larger rolls at the bottom for the trunk and layer smaller ones on top to form the branches. Get creative—each roll should look like a festive little tree branch!
Create the Topping Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. This step is super important because it coats the cinnamon rolls with that irresistible flavor. Trust me, you’ll want every little roll to soak up this sweet goodness!
Baking Instructions
Once you’ve brushed that delicious topping over the rolls, pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them, and if they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover them with foil to prevent burning. You’ll know they’re done when the whole house smells amazing!
Prepare the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, let’s whip up the glaze! In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy. You want it to be pourable but not too runny—if it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. Once the cinnamon rolls are out and cooled for a few minutes, drizzle that lovely glaze all over the top. It’s the perfect finishing touch that makes this tree truly sparkle!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—whip it up in about 40 minutes!
- Festive presentation that will impress your family and friends.
- Perfect for gatherings, bringing joy to your holiday table.
- Irresistibly delicious, with gooey cinnamon goodness in every bite.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skip greasing the baking sheet; it’s essential for easy removal. If your rolls are on the smaller side, feel free to adjust the arrangement to keep that festive tree shape intact. Also, keep an eye on the baking time—ovens can vary, so check for that golden brown color! Lastly, let the rolls cool slightly before glazing; this helps the glaze stick better. Trust me, these little tweaks will make all the difference in your holiday treat!
Serving Suggestions
To create a truly festive dessert table, I love to pair my Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree with a few delightful accompaniments. Think about serving it alongside a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a rich hot chocolate—it just elevates the cozy vibes! You could also add a platter of fresh fruit or some holiday cookies for variety. And don’t forget a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra touch of indulgence!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you’ll want to store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge where they’ll keep fresh for about a week. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm. You can also pop them back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked taste!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The information provided here is just a general estimate and may not be exact. Always check the labels for the most accurate details, especially if you’re keeping an eye on certain dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of refrigerated ones?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade recipe, feel free to use it for a personal touch. Just make sure they’re shaped and sized similarly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the cinnamon roll tree the night before and refrigerate it. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
No worries! You can use regular granulated sugar, but it will have a slightly different texture. Just blend it first for a smoother consistency.
Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree: 5 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cinnamon roll Christmas tree for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking sheet.
- Open the cinnamon rolls and separate them.
- Arrange the rolls in a tree shape on the baking sheet.
- Mix melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Brush the mixture over the cinnamon rolls.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cinnamon rolls.
Notes
- Use frosting for decoration.
- Customize with sprinkles.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree