There’s something truly magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The warmth of the oven, the delightful aromas wafting through the house, and the anticipation of sharing something special with loved ones. These Christmas tree cinnamon rolls are the perfect treat to bring that festive spirit to your gatherings! Not only do they taste absolutely divine, with gooey cinnamon filling and a sweet drizzle of icing, but they also look like little works of art. Imagine the smiles on everyone’s faces as they bite into these adorable tree-shaped rolls! Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a holiday tradition you look forward to every year.
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
To whip up these delightful Christmas tree cinnamon rolls, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but they add a nice crunch!)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for icing)
Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go—this will make the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these festive Christmas tree cinnamon rolls! It’s a delightful process, and I promise you’ll love every step. Ready? Let’s go!
Preparing the Dough
First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Give it a good whisk to blend everything together! In a small saucepan, warm the milk and melted butter until it feels cozy, not hot. Pour this mixture into your dry ingredients, and crack in the egg. Mix it all together until you have a soft dough. If it feels a bit sticky, don’t worry! Just sprinkle a little more flour as needed. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Now, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour—trust me, the dough will puff up beautifully!
Shaping the Rolls
Once your dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out! Flour your surface and roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped walnuts evenly across the dough. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Now, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Here’s the fun part: Shape each piece into a Christmas tree! Pinch the bottom to form a trunk and cut slits in the top to create branches. Place each tree on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking the Rolls
Let your shaped rolls rise again for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you wait. When they’re puffy, pop those adorable trees in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want them golden brown and smelling heavenly! When they’re done, let them cool on a wire rack.
Making the Icing
To make the icing, simply whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until it’s smooth and drizzly—adjust the milk if you want it thinner or add more sugar for a thicker consistency. Drizzle this sweet goodness over your cooled cinnamon rolls, and you’re ready to celebrate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Christmas tree cinnamon rolls are not just a treat; they’re an experience! Here’s why I think you’ll adore them:
- They’re super easy to make, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen!
- These rolls look stunning on any holiday table, bringing a festive flair that guests will love.
- The combination of warm cinnamon and sweet brown sugar creates an irresistible aroma that fills your home.
- Each roll is perfectly portioned, making them easy to share (or not!) with family and friends.
- The homemade icing adds the perfect finishing touch—a delightful sweet drizzle that’s hard to resist.
- They’re fun to make with kids or friends, turning baking into a joyful holiday activity.
Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a holiday favorite that you’ll want to make year after year!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas tree cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your milk and butter are warm—not hot—when you combine them with the dry ingredients. If they’re too hot, they can kill the yeast, and we definitely don’t want that! Also, when you’re kneading the dough, don’t overdo it—just enough until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add flour gradually; it’s easier to add than to take away!
Additionally, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot. If your kitchen is cool, try turning on the oven for a minute, then turn it off and place the bowl inside to help it rise better. And finally, don’t skip the second rise after shaping the rolls—this step is crucial for fluffy, light cinnamon rolls. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each Christmas tree cinnamon roll—keep in mind this is just an estimate and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements:
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
These rolls are a delightful treat, so indulge wisely and enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these festive Christmas tree cinnamon rolls? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries I get:
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be used; just keep in mind that it may make the rolls a bit denser. You might want to mix it with some all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
How do I know when my rolls are baked perfectly?
Great question! You’ll want to look for a golden-brown color on top and a delightful smell wafting through your kitchen. If they sound hollow when tapped, they’re ready!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just let it rise, punch it down, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before shaping the rolls.
What if I don’t have walnuts?
No worries! You can totally skip the walnuts or substitute them with pecans, or even mini chocolate chips if you want to add a fun twist to your holiday baking.
Can I freeze the rolls after baking?
Definitely! Just make sure they’re completely cooled. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delightful Christmas tree cinnamon rolls, you might find yourself with some leftovers—if you’re lucky! To keep them fresh, simply store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, if you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge for about a week.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with foil to prevent them from drying out, and warm them for about 10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it—nobody likes a rubbery roll! Enjoy them warm, and they’ll taste just like fresh from the oven!
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas tree cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your holiday breakfast or brunch to a whole new level! I love serving them alongside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a cozy mug of hot cocoa. The rich chocolatey flavor complements the sweet cinnamon rolls perfectly!
If you’re feeling a bit more festive, why not whip up a batch of spiced apple cider? The warm spices in the cider harmonize beautifully with the cinnamon, creating a cozy atmosphere. For a lighter option, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or citrus segments, to balance the sweetness. Trust me, these combinations will have your guests raving about your holiday spread!
Imprimer
Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls: 5 Irresistible Holiday Delights
- Temps Total: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Rendement: 12 rolls 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious cinnamon rolls shaped like Christmas trees.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (for icing)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Heat milk and butter until warm, then add to dry ingredients.
- Add egg and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
- Spread brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts over the dough.
- Roll the dough into a log and cut into pieces.
- Shape each piece into a Christmas tree form.
- Place on a baking sheet and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to make icing.
- Drizzle icing over cooled rolls.
Notes
- Adjust cinnamon according to taste.
- Use more or less sugar in the icing as preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 25 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 5g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 25mg
Mots-clés: christmas tree cinnamon rolls, holiday baking, festive treats
