There’s a certain magic that fills the air around the holidays. The crisp winter mornings, the scent of cinnamon swirling through the house, and the excitement of family gatherings. For me, the best memories are often made in the kitchen.
I remember a snowy December morning when my granddaughter Lily and I were baking together. She was just starting to help with the simple tasks, and I was teaching her how to roll dough. She loved making shapes out of cookie dough, so we decided to have a little fun with cinnamon rolls that year.
I had the idea to make the rolls in the shape of a Christmas tree, adding a sprinkle of festive joy to our breakfast. The sight of those golden-brown, perfectly iced rolls shaped like a tree made my heart swell with happiness.
It became a tradition from that day on, one that we now make every year. And let me tell you, these Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are just as delightful to make as they are to enjoy with the family.
Short Description
These easy Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are a fun and festive way to start your holiday morning. Made with Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls, they’re shaped into a tree, topped with icing, and decorated with sprinkles for a perfect breakfast or holiday treat.
Key Ingredients
- 1 can Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls
- Icing (included with the cinnamon rolls)
- Christmas sprinkles
Tools Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife (for cutting cinnamon rolls)
- Piping bag or spoon (for icing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cinnamon rolls from sticking.
Step 2: Shape the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the can of Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls and carefully pull them apart. Unravel each cinnamon roll and weave them back and forth on the baking sheet to form a Christmas tree shape. Pinch the rolls together slightly to help the shape hold.
Step 3: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 23–27 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown. If you notice any rolls starting to separate while baking, gently press them back together.
Step 4: Add the Icing
Once baked, take the cinnamon rolls out of the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Then, drizzle the included icing over the top to resemble the “snow” on the tree.
Step 5: Decorate with Sprinkles
Top the cinnamon rolls with Christmas-themed sprinkles to give them that festive touch. You can use red and green, or even go for edible glitter to add some sparkle to your Christmas tree!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Using pre-made cinnamon rolls, this recipe saves you time and effort but still gives you that homemade touch.
Perfect for the Holidays: The fun tree shape and festive sprinkles make it a perfect holiday breakfast or treat for a family gathering.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the sprinkles to match your holiday theme, or even add little candies for more decoration!
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Mishapen tree: If the cinnamon rolls start to separate or are hard to shape, make sure you gently press the rolls together as you form the tree. If you’re struggling, don’t worry – it’ll still taste delicious even if the shape isn’t perfect!
Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cinnamon rolls while they’re in the oven. Overbaking will make them dry, so once they’re golden and puffed up, take them out.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, freshly brewed coffee, or a warm mug of apple cider.
If you’re hosting a holiday brunch, serve them alongside other treats like fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or a ham and cheese quiche.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in our house), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
You can also refrigerate them and reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, just until they’re warm and the icing is melty again.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the cinnamon rolls the night before and refrigerate them. In the morning, just pop them in the oven for a quick bake.
2. What if I don’t have Christmas sprinkles?
No problem! Use any festive sprinkles you have, or just go with classic sugar crystals. You can even use colored sugar for a fun effect.
3. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite cinnamon roll recipe, go ahead and make them homemade for an even more personal touch.
4. Can I add more toppings?
Of course! You can add chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or even mini chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
5. How do I make sure the cinnamon rolls stay together?
Pinch the rolls together gently as you arrange them into a tree shape. If needed, you can press them lightly once they’re on the baking sheet.
Tips & Tricks
Make it a family project: Get the kids involved in the shaping and decorating! It’s a great way to make lasting memories during the holiday season.
Cinnamon roll hacks: If you prefer a thicker icing layer, add a little milk to the icing before drizzling it on top.
Recipe Variations
Add cream cheese icing: If you’re a fan of cream cheese icing, you can swap the included icing for a simple homemade cream cheese frosting.
Fruit and Nut Topping: For an extra festive touch, top the cinnamon rolls with candied pecans, cranberries, or dried fruit. This adds a little sweetness and texture.
Final Thoughts
As I sit here with my family, enjoying the cozy warmth of the kitchen and the delicious smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, I can’t help but feel grateful for these simple traditions. These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls may be easy to make, but the joy they bring to the table is priceless.
The best holiday moments don’t always come from the fanciest meals, but from the time spent together, the laughter shared, and the warmth of family around you. I hope these cinnamon rolls find a special place in your holiday celebrations as they have in mine. Happy holidays!
Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 can Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls
- Icing included with the cinnamon rolls
- Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Open the cinnamon roll can and pull them apart. Unravel each roll and weave them back and forth to form a tree shape on the baking sheet, pinching them slightly to hold the shape.
- Bake for 23–27 minutes until golden brown. If any rolls separate, press them back together gently.
- Once baked, cool slightly, then drizzle the icing over the rolls to create "snow."
- Top with Christmas-themed sprinkles for a festive touch.
