The Cutest Holiday Breakfast: Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
‘Tis the season to eat your weight in sugar and call it “festive cheer!” These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect excuse to turn breakfast into a holiday celebration (and maybe sneak dessert in before noon). Fluffy, golden rolls get a merry makeover with green icing and colorful sprinkles—because who needs ornaments when you have sugar pearls? They’re easy enough for Santa’s helpers of all ages to make, and cute enough to impress even the Grinch. So grab your apron, cue up the carols, and let’s roll into the sweetest Christmas morning ever!
Why you should try these cinnamon rolls:
- Super easy to make: Thanks to premade cinnamon roll dough, you can whip these up faster than you can say “North Pole breakfast!”
- Festive and fun: Shaped and decorated like Christmas trees, they instantly bring holiday cheer to your breakfast table.
- Kid-friendly activity: Little hands will love helping with the icing and sprinkles (and maybe sneaking a few along the way).
- Perfect for parties or brunch: They make a show-stopping addition to any holiday spread—no fancy baking skills required.
- Smells like Christmas morning: That warm cinnamon aroma will have everyone running to the kitchen before the coffee’s even ready!
These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for:
- Christmas morning breakfast – the sweetest way to kick off the big day!
- Holiday brunch gatherings – guaranteed to impress guests with minimal effort.
- Classroom or office parties – festive, shareable, and easy to transport.
- Christmas Eve treat – a cozy, make-ahead option for a relaxed night in.
- Holiday bake sale or treat exchange – a creative twist that stands out from the usual cookies.
- Winter sleepovers or family movie nights – perfect for snacking while watching holiday classics.
- Santa’s midnight snack – because even Santa deserves a cinnamon roll upgrade!
Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls
Makes 8 cinnamon rolls
Prep time: 5 minutes / Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 8-count package cinnamon roll dough
- 8 pretzel sticks
- White or cream cheese icing
- Green food coloring
- Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Remove all the cinnamon rolls from the package and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Unroll each cinnamon roll and position the dough into a triangle shape.
Push a pretzel stick through the bottom of the triangle.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.
Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool, then mix the green food coloring into the icing.
Spread the icing over the top of each cinnamon roll and decorate with Christmas sprinkles before serving.
FAQ
Can I use any brand of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough?
Absolutely! Any brand will work—just choose your favorite.
How do I make the icing green for the Christmas tree look?
Simply stir a few drops of green food coloring into the premade icing until you reach your desired shade of festive green.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can make these cinnamon rolls up to 2 days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve them.
What toppings work best for decorations?
Holiday sprinkles, colored sugar, mini candies, or even small chocolate chips make great “ornaments.” Add a candy star or a yellow M&M on top for that perfect tree-topper finish!
Tips & Tricks
- Keep it cool: If your icing gets too runny while coloring or decorating, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm it back up.
- Shape smart: Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a triangle pattern on your baking sheet before baking to form the perfect Christmas tree shape.
- Easy cleanup: Line your pan with parchment paper—less mess, more merry!
- Add sparkle: A dusting of edible glitter or powdered sugar “snow” makes your trees extra magical.
- Allow them to cool: Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool before decorating so the frosting and decorations don’t melt off.
And just like that, you’ve turned a can of cinnamon rolls into a batch of edible Christmas magic! These sweet little trees are proof that festive doesn’t have to mean complicated—just a little icing, a sprinkle of sparkle, and a whole lot of holiday spirit. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy night in, they’re guaranteed to make everyone smile (and maybe lick the plate). So preheat that oven, grab your sprinkles, and let the holiday baking fun begin—because Christmas cheer is best served sweet and sparkly!
