Introduction
Christmas time is filled with warmth, joy, and cherished traditions, and what better way to celebrate than with delightful Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls? These deliciously soft, rolled pastries are not only a treat for the taste buds but also add a festive centerpiece to your holiday breakfast table.
Shaped like a Christmas tree and generously swirled with cinnamon and sugar, these rolls fill your kitchen with enticing aromas. Perfectly fluffy and adorned with cream cheese icing, they can become a beloved family tradition that brightens your holiday mornings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Flour is the foundation of the rolls, giving them structure and a soft texture. All-purpose flour is versatile and provides the right balance of strength and extensibility needed for perfect dough. - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
Yeast is essential for leavening the rolls, helping them rise and become fluffy. The active dry yeast needs to be activated properly to ensure a successful rise during the baking process. - 1/2 cup milk, warmed
Milk adds richness to the dough, creating tender rolls. Warmed milk helps activate the yeast, setting the stage for a delightful texture and flavor. - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the dough, contributing to the overall flavor and helping the yeast to ferment. It also assists in browning the rolls, giving them a golden, irresistible crust. - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Butter adds a rich, creamy flavor to the dough, enhancing its tenderness. It also aids in creating flaky layers within the rolls, making each bite delightful. - 1/2 teaspoon salt
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the rolls. It also strengthens the gluten in the flour, which is important for the texture of the dough. - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon is the star flavor in these rolls. Its warm and comforting spice is aromatic and evokes the holiday spirit, making it a key ingredient in holiday baking. - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
Brown sugar adds a deeper flavor to the cinnamon filling with its molasses content, creating a rich and caramelized sweetness. It's perfect for that delightful swirl inside the rolls. - 1 cup cream cheese, softened
Cream cheese is used for the icing that tops off these rolls, providing a tangy and creamy finish. Its texture pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the rolls and complements the cinnamon flavor. - 2 cups powdered sugar
Powdered sugar is the main ingredient for the icing, creating a smooth, sweet topping. It dissolves easily to form a delicious glaze that complements the flavor of the cinnamon rolls. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the icing, adding depth and a pleasant aromatic quality that plays well with the other sweet ingredients.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Activate the yeast.
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. This step is crucial for ensuring your rolls rise beautifully. Active yeast signals that your dough will be light and fluffy, so don’t skip this patiently watched bubble of delight.
Step 2: Prepare the dough.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, melted butter, and the frothy yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for 10 minutes. Kneading activates the gluten in the flour, giving the dough strength and elasticity. You want a smooth and supple dough that holds its shape well, so take your time with this step.
Step 3: Let the dough rise.
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. This fermentation process builds flavor and creates air pockets within the dough, leading to that desirable fluffiness you want in your rolls.
Step 4: Make the filling.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This sweet mixture will be spread over the rolled-out dough, infusing each bite with that comforting cinnamon flavor. This step is where the magic happens, transforming your simple dough into an aromatic centerpiece for your sweet rolls.
Step 5: Roll out the dough.
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Ensure this surface is well-floured to avoid sticking. This shape is essential for getting an even distribution of the filling, so roll it out gently but evenly for the best results.
Step 6: Spread the cinnamon filling.
Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the rolled dough, making sure to cover every inch. You want a lavishly sweet center for each roll. The more filling, the better! Make sure to leave a small border around the edges to ensure easy rolling and sealing.
Step 7: Shape the rolls.
Beginning at one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice this log into equal pieces of about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This step determines the final size of your rolls, so a sharp knife or dental floss can help make clean cuts to preserve the spiral shape.
Step 8: Arrange in a baking dish.
Place the slices upright in a greased circular baking dish, resembling a Christmas tree shape. This not only looks festive but allows the rolls to rise and bake beautifully together, creating those gooey edges everyone loves. Don’t worry if they are snug; the rolls will expand during baking.
Step 9: Let the rolls rise again.
Cover the baking dish with a towel and allow the rolls to rise for about 30 minutes. The second rise is crucial as it allows for the final puff before baking, ensuring the rolls are perfectly airy and light with that signature fluffy texture.
Step 10: Bake the rolls.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The delightful aroma filling your kitchen will be the best indicator that your Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are nearly ready.
Step 11: Prepare the icing.
While the rolls are baking, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This iced topping will become a delicious glaze that brings everything together. The balance of sweetness and creaminess is what elevates these beautiful rolls to festive perfection.
Step 12: Glaze the rolls.
Once the rolls are baked and cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese icing over the top. Allow some of the icing to pool in the crevices to achieve that tantalizing finish. This step is essential for that sweet finish that will make your holiday breakfast truly special.
A Festive Twist on Tradition
Creating Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls offers a unique twist on the classic cinnamon roll. This playful shape not only captures the holiday spirit but also turns a beloved treat into a festive centerpiece. Families can gather around as they pull apart the rolls, creating a sense of togetherness that is at the heart of the holiday season.
Customizing Your Cinnamon Rolls
The beauty of cinnamon rolls lies in their versatility. Feel free to add nuts, cranberries, or even chocolate into the filling for personal flair. You can also experiment with various frostings, such as maple or peppermint, to suit your family’s taste preferences and create a unique flavor profile that complements your holiday celebration.
Making Memories in the Kitchen
Baking these Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls can become a cherished family tradition. Encourage little ones to help in the process, from mixing and rolling to decorating. It’s not just about baking; it's an opportunity to create lasting memories and share stories around the warm oven while waiting for these delicious treats to emerge.
FAQs
What can I use if I don't have active dry yeast?
You can use instant yeast instead, using the same amount, as it doesn’t require activation and can be added directly to the dry ingredients.
How do I make the rolls less sweet?
Consider reducing the amount of sugar in both the dough and the cinnamon filling, and opt for a light glaze of cream cheese icing.
What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and that your dough rests in a warm environment. If it’s too cool, the rise may be insufficient. You can also place the dough in a slightly warm oven to help it rise.
Can I double the recipe for a larger gathering?
Absolutely! Simply double each ingredient proportionally. Make sure to use larger or multiple baking dishes to accommodate the increased amount.
How can I tell when the rolls are perfectly baked?
The rolls should be golden brown and feel light to the touch. You can also check the internal temperature; it should reach around 190°F (88°C).
What variations can I make to the icing?
You can add flavored extracts like almond or maple to the cream cheese icing, or mix in lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
Conclusion
These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are more than just a delicious treat; they embody the spirit of the holidays. Each roll is a blend of nurturing warmth and joyful celebration, making them the perfect addition to your festive table.
By involving family in the preparation process, you create not only delightful cinnamon rolls but also lasting memories. Enjoy this festive recipe, and may your home be filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of freshly baked goods this holiday season.
Recipe Card
Delicious Cheesy Spinach & Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean the mushrooms and remove stems. Set aside caps, and finely chop stems.
- In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add chopped spinach, artichokes, and chopped mushroom stems to the skillet. Cook until spinach wilts.
- In a bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each mushroom cap generously with the cheese and spinach mixture.
- Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and tops are golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
