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Christmas morning at our house wouldn't be the same without these adorable tree-shaped treats! I stumbled upon this breakfast idea when looking for something festive yet doable during the holiday rush. Now my kids practically count down the days until they can have them. There's something absolutely wonderful about watching everyone's faces light up when they spot these little cinnamon trees on the breakfast table.
Simple Holiday Wonder
What's the best part about these treats? They're super easy to throw together but look totally impressive! They work perfectly for big family gatherings or just a quiet Christmas morning at home. I love that we can grab pre-made rolls from the store and transform them into something that feels totally special with minimal effort.
Your Shopping List
- The Foundation: A container of Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls which are the ideal size for shaping.
- The Topping: The included frosting packet that comes in the package.
- The Festive Touch: Christmas-colored sprinkles to give them that holiday sparkle!
Creating Your Trees
- Prep Work
- Start by heating your oven to 350°F. I always give my baking sheet a quick spray or put down some parchment paper to make things easier later!
- Shape Your Decorations
- Now for the creative part! Unwrap your cinnamon rolls and carefully unwind each one. Then arrange them in tree patterns on your baking sheet. They don't need to look perfect - that's what makes them charming! I sometimes gently press parts of the dough to help maintain the shape.
- Into The Oven
- Bake them for around 23-27 minutes. I can't help but watch them turn that beautiful golden color through the oven window. If they start to spread too much, you can carefully push them back into shape.
- Decorating Time
- After they've cooled slightly, smear on the icing. This is when my children love jumping in to shower them with all those colorful sprinkles!
Storage Tips
Got some extras? That hardly ever happens in my family! Store them in a sealed container in your refrigerator and they'll stay tasty for 3-5 days. Just make sure they've cooled down completely before you put them away. This keeps them from getting soggy and maintains that delicious taste.
Reheating Trick
Want them to taste almost freshly baked the next day? Put them in a baking dish, loosely cover with aluminum foil, and warm them at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes. The icing will get a bit runny but honestly that makes them even tastier! You'll swear they just came out of the oven for the first time.
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Family Cooking Fun
These treats really bring everyone into the kitchen! The kids absolutely love unwrapping the dough and creating their own unique trees. And when it comes to adding sprinkles? Pure happiness! Seeing their concentration while they decorate and their proud smiles afterward creates the kind of Christmas memories we'll cherish forever.
Festive Morning Delight
These rolls really set the mood for holiday celebrations. I love serving them while everyone's still wandering around in PJs with the house filled with that amazing cinnamon smell. They go perfectly with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or your morning coffee, making everything feel extra special and cozy.
Creating Family Memories
These cinnamon trees aren't just breakfast - they're now part of our holiday story! Every Christmas, my kids jump out of bed knowing these sweet treats await them. The joy on their faces when they spot those sparkly cinnamon creations is what makes the season truly magical for me!
Customization Ideas
We've tried so many fun variations over the years! Sometimes we use blue and white frosting drizzled like snow falling. My daughter can't get enough of adding edible shimmer, while my son prefers crushed peppermint sprinkled on top. Last year we tried pushing little chocolate chips into the dough as ornaments and wow, it was so yummy!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use other cinnamon rolls?
- Sure, just make sure they’re the large ones. Smaller rolls won’t make a big tree and might need less bake time.
- → Why does the tree fall apart in the oven?
- Pinch the dough tightly before it goes in. If it starts to split, pull it out for a second and press it back together.
- → Is this good for prepping in advance?
- It’s tastiest fresh and warm! You can heat leftovers in the oven briefly, but it’s softer right from the oven.
- → What kind of sprinkles should I use?
- Go with festive colors like green and red. Sprinkle them while the icing is still warm, so they stick better.
- → How can I tell it’s baked through?
- The tree will turn golden brown. Check the center to make sure it’s not raw before pulling it out.