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Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls: A Festive Centerpiece Breakfast

A stack of baked cinnamon rolls arranged in a Christmas tree shape, topped with bright green icing and festive sprinkles.
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Make your holiday mornings special with these adorable cinnamon rolls shaped like a Christmas tree. This recipe is easy to assemble and creates a beautiful, pull-apart centerpiece perfect for Christmas brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (12.6 ounce) can refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (like Pillsbury)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Green food coloring (gel works best)
  • Holiday sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cinnamon roll can, usually 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large, round pizza pan or a large baking sheet.
  2. Unroll the can of cinnamon rolls onto a clean surface. Separate the rolls. You will typically have 8 large rolls. Keep the icing packet aside for later.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Brush the tops and sides of each individual cinnamon roll with some of the melted butter, then toss them lightly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  4. Arrange the rolls on the prepared pan to form the tree shape. Place one roll in the center for the top of the tree. Arrange the remaining seven rolls around the center roll in a triangular pattern to form the body of the tree. You should have a wide base and a point at the top.
  5. Bake according to the package directions, usually 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  6. While the rolls bake, prepare the green icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add green food coloring one drop at a time until you reach a festive green shade.
  7. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes.
  8. Drizzle the green icing generously over the warm cinnamon rolls, letting it drip down the sides to look like garland.
  9. Immediately top with holiday sprinkles before the icing sets. Serve warm as a pull apart breakfast tree.

Notes

  • If you prefer to make this recipe from scratch, use your favorite homemade cinnamon roll dough recipe, but ensure the dough is chilled enough to handle the shaping process easily.
  • For a brighter green color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid coloring, as it provides more intense color without thinning the icing too much.
  • You can prepare the dough arrangement the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Nutrition

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