Stacked Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stacked Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree is a festive and fun holiday breakfast or dessert centerpiece. Made by layering cinnamon rolls into the shape of a tree, it’s a visually impressive and deliciously sweet treat with warm cinnamon flavor, gooey icing, and a soft, pillowy texture. Perfect for holiday mornings, parties, or as a creative baking activity with kids, this recipe brings joy in both taste and presentation.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (with icing packets)cream cheesepowdered sugarsprinkles or edible glittervanilla extractmilkfresh rosemary sprigs or mint leaves (optional for garnish)red and green candies or cranberries (optional for decoration)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Open the cinnamon roll dough tubes and separate the rolls.

Arrange the rolls on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree—start with one roll at the top, then add rows beneath with increasing number of rolls, ending with a short row as the tree trunk.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.

While the rolls are baking, prepare a glaze by mixing the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth and spreadable.

Once baked, let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly, then spread the cream cheese glaze generously over the tree.

Decorate with festive sprinkles, red and green candies, or cranberries.

Garnish the base or sides with rosemary or mint leaves to mimic tree branches if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 12-15 minutesDecorating time: 10 minutesTotal time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Add crushed nuts or raisins between the layers before baking for extra texture.

Use homemade cinnamon roll dough for a from-scratch version.

Substitute the glaze with a simple icing made from just powdered sugar and milk.

Drizzle with melted white chocolate for a snowy effect.

Add edible gold stars or glitter for a sparkling finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds per serving or place in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of canned?

Yes, homemade cinnamon roll dough works great and adds a personal touch.

Can I assemble the tree the night before?

Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate it overnight. Bake and decorate in the morning.

How do I prevent the rolls from sticking?

Line the pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it for easy removal.

What if my tree isn’t perfectly shaped?

No worries—once decorated, it will still look festive and fun.

Can I add fruit toppings?

Yes, sliced strawberries or raspberries make a lovely addition.

Is the glaze necessary?

Not strictly, but it adds sweetness and holds decorations in place.

Can I freeze the baked tree?

Yes, freeze the cooled rolls without glaze. Add glaze after reheating.

Can I make mini trees?

Absolutely—use fewer rolls and create small individual trees.

What’s a good drink pairing?

Serve with hot cocoa, eggnog, or spiced cider for the full holiday experience.

Are these safe for kids to help with?

Yes, assembling and decorating is a great activity for little helpers.

Conclusion

Stacked Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree is a cheerful and tasty way to celebrate the holidays with loved ones. With its playful shape and classic flavors, it’s a recipe that delights the eyes and the taste buds. Whether for Christmas morning or a party treat, it brings warmth and wonder to your holiday table.

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