Save
Holiday Pine Cinnamon Rolls make the best cheerful breakfast to start Christmas day! These warm, fluffy cinnamon rolls crafted into cute Christmas trees and finished with cream cheese frosting and festive sprinkles create an enticing seasonal treat everyone in your family will adore.
What Makes This Treat Special
This fun and festive idea needs hardly any work but adds tons of holiday magic to your morning. Kids love it, it's enjoyable to put together, and you can use ready-made cinnamon rolls from the store. It'll quickly become a holiday tradition whether you've got a big family gathering or need a quick festive breakfast option.
Key Items You'll Need
- Main Stuff: Ready-made cinnamon rolls: 2 tubes (17.5 oz/496g each). They should be around 65-70°F (18-21°C). When unrolled they stretch about 12-14 inches long
- Frosting Bits: Cream cheese frosting: 8 oz (227g) at room temp 70°F (21°C). Should be easy to spread and smooth. For best results, aim for 4.5-5.0 pH level
- Pretty Extras: Holiday sprinkles: 2 oz (56g). Tiny pieces about 1/16-1/8 inch. Get several colors to look extra festive
- Tray Setup: Cooking spray or baking paper. Cookie sheet about 18x13 inches. Room temperature surface around 65-70°F (18-21°C)
Easy Making Guide
- Getting Ready
- Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C), double-check with another thermometer. Put the rack right in the middle. Your kitchen should be about 68-72°F (20-22°C) and not too humid, under 60%.
- Shaping Your Trees
- 1. Roll out each cinnamon roll completely 2. Make a back-and-forth pattern with 4-5 bends 3. Start wider at bottom (3 inches) and go narrower at top (1 inch) 4. Squeeze where lines cross with a bit of pressure 5. Each tree should end up around 6-7 inches tall
- Cooking Time
- 1. Leave 2 inches between trees on your tray 2. Cook for 23-27 minutes until they're 190°F (88°C) inside 3. Look for a nice golden color on top 4. Take a peek after 15 minutes to fix any wonky shapes
- Making Them Pretty
- 1. Let cool for 5-7 minutes until they're about 120°F (49°C) 2. Drizzle frosting in zig-zags (frosting should be room temp) 3. Throw on sprinkles right away while frosting's still wet 4. Each tree needs about 1 tablespoon of sprinkles
Saving Extra Rolls
Let them cool all the way to room temp before putting away. Store them flat in a sealed container. Keep in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) and eat within 3-5 days. Make sure your container isn't too moist inside.
Warming Up Leftover Rolls
Turn your oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the rolls loosely in foil. Warm them for 5-7 minutes until they reach 165°F (74°C) inside. Keep an eye on the frosting so it doesn't melt away.
Tricks For Perfect Trees
Tree shape measurements:
- Bottom width: 3 inches
- Top part: 1 inch
- Overall height: 6-7 inches
- Space between folds: 1-1.5 inches
- Press firmly at each crossing point
Watch the baking time closely so they don't get too dark. Let them cool slightly before adding frosting for the best look.
Save
Delightful Morning Tradition
These tree-shaped treats bring joy and holiday spirit to your breakfast table. They're quick to make, which means less kitchen stress on Christmas morning. Kids can join in the fun, and you'll create sweet memories that last for many holidays to come.
Recipe FAQs
- → Why does the dough pull apart during baking?
Press the dough sturdily before baking. If it separates in the oven, gently squeeze it back together while still baking.
- → Can homemade cinnamon dough work?
Sure, any dough is fine. Just roll it thin enough so it’s easy to shape into a tree.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Wrap them in foil and keep on the counter for two days. Heat them gently before serving for the best flavor.
- → Can I prep this ahead?
It’s best baked fresh, but you can shape the dough in advance and refrigerate. Let it warm to room temperature before baking.
- → What kind of sprinkles stick best?
Green and red work great for the holidays. Smaller sprinkles or nonpareils cling better to the icing.