Festive Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe

Festive Swirled Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe

Baking up festive magic takes on a whole new level with this whimsical cinnamon roll Christmas tree that promises to dazzle everyone at your holiday gathering.

Swirls of golden dough and warm spices create a stunning centerpiece that looks almost too beautiful to eat.

The cinnamon roll Christmas tree brings together classic pastry comfort with playful seasonal design in one delightful treat.

Each twist and turn of this pastry masterpiece tells a delicious story of holiday cheer and culinary creativity.

The aroma of sweet cinnamon and buttery dough will instantly transport you to cozy winter moments.

Guests will marvel at your baking skills and holiday spirit when you serve this showstopping dessert.

Get ready to become the star baker of the season with this irresistible festive creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 240 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes Into Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree

For Base of the Christmas Tree:
  • Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls: Premium rolls create the foundational structure, ensuring a delightful festive design with minimal effort.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and provides smooth release, guaranteeing a perfect tree-shaped pastry.
For Decorative Touches:
  • Provided Icing: Transforms the basic roll into a festive dessert, adding sweet glossy finish.
  • Green Sugar Sprinkles: Adds vibrant holiday color, mimicking evergreen tree texture.
  • Non-Pareils: Creates sparkling decorative effect, enhancing visual appeal.
  • Star Sprinkle: Represents the classic tree topper, completing the Christmas tree theme.
For Baking Preparation:
  • Baking Sheet: Provides stable surface for shaping and baking the cinnamon roll creation.
  • Oven: Essential for transforming rolled dough into golden, warm pastry.

Kitchen Tools to Shape Your Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree

  • Baking sheet: Large, flat surface for even baking.
  • Parchment paper: Non-stick lining to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
  • Spatula or knife: Helps reshape and press cinnamon rolls together.
  • Measuring spoon: For sprinkling sugar and non-pareils evenly.
  • Drizzle spoon or piping bag: Perfect for applying icing decoratively.

How to Bake Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Beautifully

  • Baking Sheet Prep

Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and smooth release of your festive treat.

  • Christmas Tree Base

Carefully unroll the first cinnamon roll and create a zigzag pattern, starting from the bottom with wider sections to form the tree trunk.

  • Tree Shaping

Continue adding cinnamon rolls, connecting each piece and making the sections progressively shorter to create a classic triangular tree silhouette.

  • Structural Integrity

Press the rolls gently together, ensuring they stick and maintain the overall tree shape without gaps or separation.

  • Oven Magic

Slide the cinnamon roll tree into the preheated oven and bake until golden brown and deliciously fragrant.

  • Festive Finishing

While still warm, drizzle the sweet icing over the tree, then sprinkle green sugar and tiny white non-pareils for a magical holiday look. Top with a star sprinkle to complete your edible Christmas masterpiece.

Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Flavor Tips

  • Bake up a festive twist on the classic holiday treat with these creative tips and variations!
  • Gently press cinnamon roll segments together, using a knife or spatula to create clean, even edges for a professional-looking tree design.
  • Sprinkle ground cinnamon or nutmeg between layers for an extra burst of holiday warmth and aromatic spice before shaping the tree.
  • Experiment with different colored sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or even small chocolate chips to personalize your festive cinnamon roll masterpiece.
  • Swap the standard white icing for cream cheese frosting, chocolate drizzle, or a festive green-tinted glaze to make your Christmas tree truly unique.

Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree

  • Serve with Festive Flair: Arrange the cinnamon roll Christmas tree on a decorative holiday platter to showcase its impressive shape and wow your guests.
  • Pair with Warm Beverages: Complement the sweet treat with hot cocoa, mulled wine, or spiced apple cider to enhance the cozy Christmas morning experience.
  • Create a Centerpiece Moment: Use the cinnamon roll tree as a stunning breakfast centerpiece that doubles as an edible conversation starter during holiday gatherings.
  • Add Personalized Touches: Encourage family members to help decorate with extra sprinkles or drizzle additional icing to make the tree uniquely theirs and create fun holiday memories.

Storing the Cinnamon Roll Tree Without Drying Out

  • Optimize Freshness: Store leftover cinnamon roll Christmas tree in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, maintaining its delightful texture and flavor.
  • Refrigerate with Care: Wrap the pastry loosely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating, which helps prevent drying out and preserves moisture for 3-4 days.
  • Reheat for Maximum Enjoyment: Warm individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore the soft, gooey texture and bring back that fresh-baked taste.
  • Freeze for Future Treats: Carefully wrap the entire tree or individual pieces in freezer-safe wrap, storing up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature and reheat gently before serving for a quick and delicious holiday snack.
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Festive Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe

Festive Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Festive bakers can craft this delightful cinnamon roll christmas tree that brings holiday cheer to family gatherings. Sweet spirals of pastry create a whimsical tree shape drizzled with rich icing, delighting guests with its memorable presentation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (8 oz) cinnamon rolls with icing
  • 1 package green sparkling sugar sprinkles
  • 1 package non-pareils sprinkles
  • 1 package star sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven according to cinnamon roll package instructions. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy release.
  2. Structure Formation: Carefully unroll cinnamon rolls, arranging the first pastry in a zigzag pattern to create the tree’s base. Strategically connect subsequent rolls, pressing edges together to form a triangular silhouette.
  3. Architectural Design: Construct each tier progressively narrower, maintaining a symmetrical evergreen shape. Ensure firm connections between pastry segments to preserve the intricate design during baking.
  4. Baking Process: Centrally position the pastry formation on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, following package guidelines and monitoring color and texture carefully.
  5. Decorative Finishing: Immediately after removing from oven, generously drizzle white icing across the warm surface, allowing it to flow naturally. Embellish with green sugar sprinkles, non-pareils, and crown with a star-shaped topper to complete the festive Christmas tree design.

Notes

  • Precision Placement: Arrange cinnamon rolls carefully, creating a zigzag pattern that gradually narrows to form a perfect tree silhouette.
  • Seamless Connections: Press roll edges tightly together to prevent separation during baking and maintain the tree’s structural integrity.
  • Icing Technique: Drizzle white icing while the pastry is still warm to ensure smooth, natural coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
  • Festive Decoration: Sprinkle green sugar and non-pareils immediately after icing for a vibrant, holiday-inspired presentation that catches everyone’s eye.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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