Print

Homemade Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls with Green Glaze

Close-up of freshly baked christmas tree cinnamon rolls topped with bright green icing and colorful sprinkles.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Create a festive centerpiece for your holiday morning with these soft, pull-apart cinnamon rolls shaped like a Christmas tree. This recipe uses homemade dough for the best texture and includes a simple green glaze for decoration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, divided
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
  • For the Green Glaze:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Green food coloring (gel preferred)
  • For Decoration:
  • Red and green sprinkles or small candies

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the remaining granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of the softened butter, and the eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix well. Gradually add the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, mix the 1 tablespoon cinnamon, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup softened butter in a small bowl until combined into a paste.
  6. Roll and fill: Punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
  7. Cut the strips: Cut the dough rectangle lengthwise into three equal strips.
  8. Shape the tree: Arrange the three strips side-by-side on a piece of parchment paper. Cut diagonal slits along both long edges of the combined dough, leaving the center section intact. This creates the ‘branches’ of the tree.
  9. Assemble the tree: Gently twist the cut sections of the strips, alternating which side you twist them toward, to create a rough tree shape in the center. Pinch the bottom ends together to form the trunk base.
  10. Second rise: Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the shaped dough onto a baking sheet. Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet.
  12. Make the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Add green food coloring drop by drop until you achieve a bright green color.
  13. Decorate: Drizzle the green glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls. Immediately top with sprinkles or candies before the glaze sets. Serve warm for a perfect holiday breakfast or brunch centerpiece.

Notes

  • For a faster option, you can substitute 2 cans of store-bought refrigerated cinnamon roll dough, arranging the pieces in the tree shape instead of rolling and cutting homemade dough.
  • If you are planning for a large gathering, this recipe is excellent for meal planning; you can assemble the tree shape the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Add an extra 15 minutes to the second rise time before baking.
  • This pull-apart bread style works well for sharing, similar to what you might find when looking at best meal delivery services for group events.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/christmas-tree-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/