Make your holiday breakfast extra special with this Christmas tree cinnamon roll breadsticks recipe. Easy to make and perfect for a festive brunch or dessert, these sweet treats are topped with icing and holiday sprinkles.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Cinnamon Roll Recipe
- Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Tips for the Perfect Christmas Tree Cinnamon Roll Breadsticks
- Delicious Variations to Try
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Cinnamon Roll Recipe
If you’re looking for a fun and delicious holiday treat, these Christmas tree cinnamon roll breadsticks are a must-try! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet dessert, they offer a festive twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. With a gooey cinnamon filling and a drizzled icing finish, these breadsticks shaped like a Christmas tree will impress both kids and adults alike. They’re simple to make, using store-bought cinnamon roll dough, making holiday prep even easier.
Whether you’re planning a Christmas morning treat or looking for a fun baking project with the family, this recipe is sure to become a new holiday tradition. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make these delightful cinnamon roll breadsticks!
Ingredients For Christmas Tree Cinnamon Roll Recipe:
To make these festive breadsticks, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, many of which you might already have on hand:
- 1 can (8 rolls) of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough: This makes the recipe quick and easy. Choose a brand that includes icing.
- ½ cup brown sugar: For extra sweetness in the filling.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Helps to keep the rolls moist and adds a rich flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Enhances the cinnamon flavor already in the dough.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: To make additional icing for drizzling.
- 2 tablespoons milk: To thin the icing to the right consistency.
- Holiday sprinkles (optional): Adds a festive touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Dough
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Open the can of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and separate the rolls. Set aside the included icing for later.
- Step 2: Shape the Dough
- Unroll each cinnamon roll into a long strip. Fold or roll the strips into small balls, ensuring they maintain a spiral shape. Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with one dough ball at the top, followed by two below, then three, and so on, forming a triangular shape. Use one additional piece at the base for the tree trunk.
- Step 3: Add Extra Cinnamon Flavor
- Brush the arranged dough with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and extra ground cinnamon to add a deeper cinnamon flavor. This step makes the rolls extra gooey and flavorful.
- Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Rolls
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll breadsticks are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
- Step 5: Prepare the Icing
- While the cinnamon rolls are baking, make additional icing by mixing powdered sugar with milk. Whisk until smooth. If you prefer a thicker consistency, add more powdered sugar; if you want a thinner icing, add a bit more milk.
- Step 6: Decorate the Christmas Tree Breadsticks
- Once the cinnamon rolls are out of the oven and have cooled slightly, drizzle the icing included in the dough package and the homemade icing over the breadsticks. Add holiday sprinkles for a festive look. For a special touch, use green food coloring in the icing to create a “tree” effect.
Tips for the Perfect Holiday-themed cinnamon rolls
- Use Quality Cinnamon Roll Dough: For the best results, choose a high-quality brand of refrigerated dough that includes icing.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cinnamon rolls while they bake. They should be golden brown but still soft and gooey on the inside.
- Customize the Shape: If you want, you can add extra dough pieces to create branches or even shape the cinnamon rolls into stars for the top of the tree.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the cinnamon roll dough and arrange it on the baking sheet the night before. Just cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Add Extra Toppings: Consider adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or mini chocolate chips for more flavor and texture.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Breadsticks
- Swap the brown sugar and cinnamon filling for chocolate chips or Nutella spread. Drizzle with chocolate icing for an extra indulgent treat.
- Apple Cinnamon Roll Breadsticks
- Add small pieces of diced apple mixed with cinnamon sugar between the layers of dough before shaping them into a tree. The apple adds a fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
- Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Breadsticks
- Mix a little pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the cinnamon sugar mixture. This gives a seasonal twist that’s perfect for fall and winter.
- Maple Icing Cinnamon Rolls
- Replace the regular icing with a homemade maple icing made from powdered sugar, milk, and a teaspoon of maple extract. This variation adds a warm, rich flavor.
- Pecan-Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls
- Add a spoonful of chopped pecans to each roll before baking for a crunchy, nutty variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of store-bought?
- Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade cinnamon roll recipe, you can use it for this recipe. Just prepare the dough as you normally would, then follow the instructions for shaping and baking.
- How do I store leftover cinnamon roll breadsticks?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
- Can I freeze the cinnamon roll breadsticks?
- Yes, you can freeze the baked breadsticks. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- You can use gluten-free cinnamon roll dough if available. Follow the same instructions for shaping and baking, adjusting the baking time as needed.
- What else can I add to the icing?
- You can flavor the icing with vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist.
These festive Christmas tree cinnamon roll breadsticks are a delightful way to bring some holiday cheer to your table. With their sweet, gooey filling and fun Christmas tree shape, they make a perfect addition to any holiday breakfast, brunch, or dessert spread. The simplicity of using store-bought cinnamon roll dough means you can whip up these treats quickly, even on a busy holiday morning. Plus, the customizable options, from different fillings to creative icing decorations, allow you to make this recipe truly your own.
Give these cinnamon roll breadsticks a try this season and create a new holiday tradition that everyone will look forward to year after year. Whether you’re enjoying them with family, serving them at a party, or gifting them to friends, these festive treats are sure to spread joy and satisfy sweet cravings. Happy baking, and happy holidays! 🎄
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