This stacked cinnamon roll Christmas tree turns a classic yeast dough into a festive centerpiece. Soft rolls filled with brown sugar and cinnamon are arranged in a tree shape, baked until golden, then drizzled with a simple vanilla glaze and finished with holiday sprinkles.

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

For the Cinnamon Rolls:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

For the Cinnamon Filling:

1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Holiday sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Instructions:

Preparing the Cinnamon Roll Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Mix the Dough: Add flour, melted butter, salt, and egg. Knead until a soft dough forms.
Let It Rise: Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling and Assembling:

Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle.
Spread the Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then spread softened butter over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
Cut and Roll: Roll the dough into a log and cut into slices.
Form the Tree: Arrange the cinnamon roll slices in a tree shape on a baking sheet, starting with a larger base and working upwards with fewer rolls.
Second Rise: Let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

Baking and Decorating:

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.
Make the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Decorate: Drizzle the glaze over the cinnamon roll tree and add festive sprinkles if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Protein: 4g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 180mg

Health Benefits:

Festive and Fun: A great holiday baking activity for families and kids.
Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for a unique twist.
No Artificial Preservatives: Homemade cinnamon rolls without unnecessary additives.
Balanced Sweetness: Enjoy a treat while keeping sugar content manageable with portion control.

By following this simple recipe, you can create a show-stopping holiday dessert that will be the center piece of any Christmas celebration. Try it today and bring warmth and joy to your festive gatherings!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the yeast is ready?

Stir the warm milk, sugar and yeast together and leave it for 5 minutes. When the top looks foamy, the yeast is active and you can mix in the flour, butter, salt and egg.

How do I shape the cinnamon rolls into a tree?

Start with a wide base of rolls on the baking sheet and add fewer rolls in each row as you work upwards. Let the arranged rolls rise for another 30 minutes before they go in the oven.

How long do the cinnamon rolls bake?

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18 to 22 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown. Add the glaze and sprinkles once they are baked.

Stacked Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe and Its Nutritional Information