Festive Christmas Tree Cinnamon Roll

Category: Fresh Bread Made Simple

Shape a pack of pre-made cinnamon rolls into a holiday tree, add sweet icing and festive sprinkles, and enjoy in under half an hour.
Emily Watson
By Emily Watson Emily Watson
Last updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:26:39 GMT
Soft cinnamon rolls shaped like a Christmas tree, drizzled with icing and scattered with colorful sprinkles. Pin
Soft cinnamon rolls shaped like a Christmas tree, drizzled with icing and scattered with colorful sprinkles. | thefamilycooks.com

Transform your holiday breakfast table with these delightful Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls. This festive twist on classic cinnamon rolls creates an enchanting centerpiece that combines the familiar comfort of warm, sweet pastries with charming holiday decorations. Perfect for creating lasting family memories around the breakfast table.

Simple Holiday Breakfast

These decorative rolls offer impressive presentation while keeping preparation wonderfully simple. Using ready-made cinnamon rolls as the base allows you to create something special without spending hours in the kitchen during busy holiday mornings. The result looks professionally crafted yet requires minimal effort.

Essential Ingredients

  • 1 can Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls
  • Included cream cheese icing
  • Holiday sprinkles (red and green)

Preparation Steps

Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare baking sheet with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
Shaping
Carefully unroll each cinnamon roll. Shape dough into triangular tree forms on baking sheet. Gently pinch dough to maintain shape.
Baking
Bake 23-27 minutes until golden brown. Monitor spread during baking and adjust shape if needed.
Decorating
Allow brief cooling. Spread icing evenly and add festive sprinkles while icing remains soft.

Storage Instructions

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-5 days maximum freshness. Ensure rolls reach room temperature before storing to prevent condensation.

Reheating Method

For best results, reheat rolls in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes, covered loosely with foil. The icing will soften slightly, creating an appealing fresh-baked texture and warmth.

A festive, cinnamon roll-shaped pastry decorated with white icing and colorful sprinkles arranged to resemble a Christmas tree. Pin
A festive, cinnamon roll-shaped pastry decorated with white icing and colorful sprinkles arranged to resemble a Christmas tree. | thefamilycooks.com

Family-Friendly Baking

This recipe provides an excellent opportunity for kitchen collaboration. Children can assist with unrolling dough, shaping trees, and adding decorative touches. The process naturally encourages creativity while building cooking confidence.

Holiday Serving Suggestions

Serve these festive rolls as the centerpiece of a holiday breakfast spread. The aromatic cinnamon filling pairs perfectly with hot beverages. Present on a decorative platter for maximum impact at holiday brunches.

Creating Traditions

These special breakfast rolls help establish cherished holiday rituals. The familiar scent of cinnamon and sight of decorated trees create lasting memories, making them an anticipated part of holiday celebrations.

Customization Options

Experiment with various toppings to create unique variations. Try crushed peppermint, colored frosting drizzles, or mini chocolate chips. Each addition offers new possibilities while maintaining the core tree design.

A cinnamon roll shaped like a Christmas tree, decorated with white icing and red and green sprinkles, served on a white plate. Pin
A cinnamon roll shaped like a Christmas tree, decorated with white icing and red and green sprinkles, served on a white plate. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I swap out the cinnamon roll brand?
Yep, just make sure you pick the jumbo rolls. Smaller ones will make a petite tree and cook quicker.
→ What do I do if the tree separates while baking?
Before baking, pinch the dough tightly together. If it starts to pull apart, take it out for a moment and push it back.
→ Is this something I can prepare the day before?
It tastes the best fresh out of the oven. You could reheat it a bit later, but it’s much yummier when warm and newly baked.
→ What sprinkles should I use for the decorations?
Go with any that feel festive, but red and green ones look the most Christmasy. Sprinkle them on when the icing is still soft.
→ How do I check if the baking’s done?
Look for a nice golden top and make sure the middle’s cooked through. If it still looks raw, keep it in a little longer.

Holiday Bread Tree

Turn ready-made cinnamon rolls into a joyful Christmas tree masterpiece. Decorate with icing and sprinkles for a holiday-ready dish.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
30 mins
By Emily Watson: Emily Watson

Recipe Category: Breads

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 5 Serves (1 tree)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

What You’ll Need

01 1 can of Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls
02 Icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls
03 Festive sprinkles for the holidays
04 Non-stick cooking spray or oil spray

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Either grease your baking sheet or line it with parchment.

Step 02

Take the can, crack it open, and separate the rolls into 5 individual pieces.

Step 03

Unroll each piece, then fold and layer them side-to-side to make a tree shape. Pinch things together so they hold.

Step 04

Pop them into the oven and bake for 23-27 minutes or until golden brown. Adjust the shape a little if needed while cooking.

Step 05

Let the rolls cool a little, then drizzle them with icing and sprinkle on your decorations.

Additional Notes

  1. Keep an eye on them in the oven to make sure the shape stays right
  2. Tastes better when served warm
  3. Tree sizes can depend on the cinnamon roll brand

Essential Tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Either parchment paper or a cooking spray

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Milk products
  • Wheat
  • Soy

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance only and don't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 5 g