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Viral Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls

Close-up of christmas tree cinnamon rolls with green icing, sprinkles, and candies, cut to show soft interior.
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Make a festive centerpiece for your holiday breakfast with these soft, buttery cinnamon rolls shaped like a pull-apart Christmas tree. This recipe uses homemade dough for superior flavor and includes instructions for a bright green glaze.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • 1/4 cup milk (for glaze)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • Green food coloring gel (for glaze)
  • Red and green sprinkles or small candies (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the melted butter, remaining granulated sugar, egg, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a small bowl until smooth.
  5. Roll and fill: Punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.
  6. Cut the rolls: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. You should have about 20-25 rolls.
  7. Shape the tree: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange 5 rolls in a triangle shape at the bottom center of the sheet to form the base of the tree. Arrange the remaining rolls above this base in decreasing rows (e.g., 4 rolls, then 3, then 2, then 1) to form a tree shape. Leave a small gap between each roll so they can expand.
  8. Second rise: Cover the shaped rolls loosely and let them rest for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  10. Make the glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1/4 cup milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add green food coloring gel until you reach a vibrant green color.
  11. Decorate: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly on the pan. Drizzle generously with the green glaze. Immediately press sprinkles or small candies onto the glaze to look like ornaments. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For a quicker option, you can substitute refrigerated canned cinnamon roll dough, but the texture will be less rich than homemade.
  • If you are planning your holiday meals, this recipe pairs well with light breakfast sides, unlike heavy options found with some meal planning services.
  • To make this a make-ahead treat, assemble the tree shape but do not let it rise the second time. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.

Nutrition

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