The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with a show-stopping dessert that's sure to impress your friends and family? Introducing the Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe, a sweet and indulgent treat that's almost too beautiful to eat. Almost.
As the centerpiece of your holiday spread, this stunning dessert is sure to be the talk of the town. The combination of soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls, sweet icing, and festive holiday sprinkles is a match made in heaven. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic baking skills.
So, if you're looking to take your holiday baking to the next level, look no further than this Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe. With its impressive presentation and irresistible flavor, it's sure to be a hit with everyone on your nice list.
What You'll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, make sure you have the following ingredients and tools on hand:
- 1 package of active dry yeast
- 1 cup of warm water
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup of cinnamon sugar (a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon)
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of cream cheese frosting (see below for recipe)
- Holiday sprinkles or chopped nuts for decoration
Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
To make the cream cheese frosting, you'll need:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of powdered sugar
Combine the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar until fully incorporated.
How to Make the Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree
Now that we have our ingredients and tools, let's get started!
Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Roll Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is activated and foamy.
Add the flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon sugar and brown sugar.
Step 3: Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the risen dough to a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side. Cut into 12-15 equal pieces.
Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 4: Create the Christmas Tree Shape
While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
Once the rolls are done, let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a serving platter or cake stand.
To create the Christmas tree shape, start by placing the largest roll at the bottom of the platter. Arrange the remaining rolls in a triangular shape, with each row slightly overlapping the one below it.
Spread a small amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each roll to hold it in place.
Step 5: Decorate with Holiday Sprinkles
Once the rolls are arranged, it's time to decorate! Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles or chopped nuts to give your Christmas tree a festive touch.
Tips and Variations
- To make the Christmas tree more stable, you can use a small amount of frosting to attach a cardboard or foam core base to the bottom of the platter.
- Experiment with different flavors, such as adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Use a variety of holiday sprinkles or chopped nuts to create a colorful and festive look.
Conclusion: A Show-Stopping Holiday Dessert
With its impressive presentation and irresistible flavor, the Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Recipe is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and requires just a few simple ingredients. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with this show-stopping dessert?
We hope you've enjoyed this article and recipe! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.
How do I store leftover cinnamon rolls?
+Leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of sugar in the cinnamon sugar mixture?
+Yes, you can use a different type of sugar, such as turbinado or Demerara sugar, in the cinnamon sugar mixture. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
How do I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
+You can make the cream cheese frosting up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before using.