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Ultimate Homemade Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze

Close-up of freshly baked christmas tree cinnamon rolls drizzled with white and green icing.
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Make soft, gooey cinnamon rolls shaped into a festive pull-apart Christmas tree. This recipe is perfect for a showstopping holiday breakfast or brunch centerpiece.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 batch homemade or store-bought sweet dough (enough for 12–15 rolls)
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk
  • For Decoration:
  • Green food coloring (gel preferred)
  • Red and green sprinkles or small candies

Instructions

  1. Prepare your sweet dough according to your preferred recipe, or use refrigerated dough. Let it rise if necessary.
  2. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
  3. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Brush the entire surface evenly with the melted butter.
  4. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered dough, covering it completely.
  5. Roll the dough tightly along the long edge to form a log.
  6. Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. You should have 12 to 15 rolls.
  7. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Arrange the rolls on the sheet to form a tree shape: place one roll at the bottom center for the trunk, then arrange the remaining rolls in staggered rows above it to create a triangle or tree outline. Leave a small space between each roll for expansion.
  8. Cover the baking sheet loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let the rolls proof in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
  9. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
  10. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
  11. While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a thick, spreadable consistency.
  12. Divide the glaze into two bowls. Add green food coloring to one bowl until you achieve a vibrant green color. Leave the other bowl white.
  13. Once the rolls are slightly cooled (about 10 minutes), drizzle the white glaze over the entire tree shape.
  14. Use the green glaze to pipe or drizzle lines down the tree shape to mimic garland or branches.
  15. Immediately decorate with sprinkles or small candies before the glaze sets.
  16. Serve warm as a pull-apart bread.

Notes

  • If you use canned dough (like Pillsbury Grands!), skip the proofing step and proceed directly to shaping after cutting the rolls.
  • For a quicker glaze, simply mix the contents of the cinnamon roll icing packets with a few drops of green food coloring.
  • You can make this recipe ahead. Assemble the tree shape on the baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the fridge 1 hour before baking, then bake as directed.

Nutrition

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