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Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree

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This festive cinnamon roll Christmas tree features pillowy, cloud-like rolls arranged in a whimsical tree shape, glazed with creamy vanilla icing and decorated with sprinkles. It’s an easy, show-stopping holiday breakfast centerpiece that brings comfort and joy to any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 cup whole milk, warm
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • For the Cinnamon Filling:
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional: 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • For the Vanilla Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons whole milk or cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For Decoration:
  • Colored sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)
  • Fresh berries or candied cherries (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and instant yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add granulated sugar, softened butter, egg, sour cream, and salt. Mix until smooth.
  3. Gradually stir in flour, about 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. If sticky, add up to 1/4 cup more flour. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes, until doubled.
  5. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt butter. Optional: Stir in chopped nuts.
  6. Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
  7. Brush dough with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with cinnamon sugar mixture.
  8. Roll up tightly from the long edge into a log. Pinch seam to seal. Cut into 16 equal pieces.
  9. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange rolls in a tree shape: one at the top, rows beneath increasing by one roll per row, and remaining rolls at the base for the trunk.
  10. Leave space between rolls for rising. Cover loosely and let rise for 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  11. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Tent with foil if edges brown too quickly.
  12. Whisk powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.
  13. Decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or berries.
  14. Let cool for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients. Leave space between rolls for even rising. Drizzle glaze while rolls are warm but not hot. Make ahead by prepping dough the night before and refrigerating. For nut-free, skip nuts in filling and decoration. Store leftovers tightly wrapped and reheat with extra glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon rolls, Christmas tree, holiday breakfast, festive brunch, easy cinnamon rolls, Christmas brunch, cinnamon roll tree, holiday baking, breakfast centerpiece

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/fluffy-cinnamon-roll-christmas-tree-easy-festive-holiday-breakfast-recipe/