Cinnamon Roll Christmas Trees

Featured in Sweet Treats Everyone Will Love.

Turn store-bought cinnamon rolls into holiday trees by shaping and decorating with icing and sprinkles.
Emily Watson
Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 22:32:15 GMT
Cinnamon rolls stacked in a tree shape, covered in icing and red and green sprinkles, on a white plate with festive decor. Pin it
Cinnamon rolls stacked in a tree shape, covered in icing and red and green sprinkles, on a white plate with festive decor. | thefamilycooks.com

Oh my goodness, I can't wait to tell you about these Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls! They've become our family's breakfast tradition that makes December 25th extra special. The kids' eyes always widen with delight when these cute trees appear on the table. What's really great? They come together so quickly, leaving plenty of time for unwrapping gifts and soaking up those precious holiday moments together.

What Makes These Holiday Delights So Wonderful

There's pure magic in watching these adorable tree-shaped goodies come out of the oven. That wonderful cinnamon aroma takes over the whole house and just feels like Christmas morning. I totally love how the gooey rolls and sweet frosting work together for the ultimate festive breakfast. They're so quick to make that I actually get to sit down and enjoy the celebrations instead of being stuck cooking all morning.

Only Three Basic Items Needed

  • Cinnamon Rolls: 1 can of Pillsbury™ Grands!™ Cinnamon Rolls or whatever brand you prefer.
  • Icing: The stuff that comes with your rolls or whip up some homemade cream cheese frosting.
  • Sprinkles: Holiday-colored sprinkles for that festive touch.

Crafting Your Festive Trees

Get Your Oven Ready
Turn your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your baking sheet a quick spray with non-stick coating or put down some parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.
Form Your Trees
Carefully unwind each cinnamon roll and zigzag the dough back and forth to make a tree shape. Squeeze the ends together so they don't come apart while baking.
Pop Them In
Arrange your shaped dough trees on the baking sheet. Let them cook for 23–27 minutes until they turn nice and golden. Take them out and let them cool just a bit.
Add The Fun Stuff
Spread the icing over your still-warm trees and scatter sprinkles on top. Serve them right away for maximum yumminess!

Keeping Any Extras

On the off chance you've got some uneaten rolls, which almost never happens at my place, let them cool all the way first. Pack them in a sealed container, making sure to keep them flat in one layer. They'll stay good in your fridge for around 3 to 5 days.

Getting Them Tasty Again

When you're craving seconds, just wrap the rolls loosely in some foil and stick them in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. The icing might get a little runny but that honestly makes them taste even better.

An Unforgettable Morning Tradition

These sweet little trees have really become something we look forward to every Christmas. They're easy enough that you can make them while still half asleep, and the kids always jump at the chance to help with decorating. I promise these will turn into your family's must-have holiday breakfast too.

A festive cinnamon roll shaped like a Christmas tree, topped with white icing and colorful sprinkles, sits on a plate surrounded by holiday decorations. Pin it
A festive cinnamon roll shaped like a Christmas tree, topped with white icing and colorful sprinkles, sits on a plate surrounded by holiday decorations. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do I need to pinch the dough together?
Pinching keeps the tree shape intact while it bakes. Skipping this could cause the dough to pull apart.
→ What if the dough pulls apart while baking?
If it separates, carefully take it out, press it back together, and then finish baking.
→ Can I use dough made from scratch?
Sure, but pre-made dough works better since it’s designed to hold its shape when reshaped.
→ Why wait before adding the icing?
Let it cool a little so the icing won’t melt completely, but it’ll still spread smoothly.
→ Which sprinkles are best to use?
Small ones like nonpareils or jimmies tend to stick better, but any holiday sprinkles will look great.

Cinnamon Roll Christmas Trees

Take pre-made cinnamon rolls and create tree shapes with the dough. Add icing and sprinkles for a festive touch.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
23 Minutes
Total Time
33 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 5 Servings (5 tree-shaped pieces)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 can of pre-made cinnamon rolls.
02 Icing from the included packet.
03 Festive sprinkles.

Instructions

Step 01

Set the oven to 350°F. Line the pan with parchment or give it a light coat of spray.

Step 02

Pull apart the dough rolls. Stretch and fold each into a zigzag to resemble a tree. Pinch the edges so they hold.

Step 03

Bake for 23-27 minutes until they’re golden. If they split apart, you can gently press them back together partway through.

Step 04

Let them cool down a bit. Then drizzle on the icing and sprinkle for decoration.

Notes

  1. Check during baking in case pieces separate.
  2. Make sure they're cool before adding icing.

Tools You'll Need

  • Pan for baking.
  • Sheet of parchment.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Contains eggs.
  • Made with gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 300
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 4 g