These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls on a Stick are a fun way to turn ordinary cinnamon rolls into a festive holiday treat!
Shape the dough into little trees, bake, and then decorate with green frosting, sprinkles, and a pretzel stick for the trunk.
Another one of my best cinnamon roll ideas, this festive treat adds a touch of whimsy and warmth to every bite and comes together easily for Christmas morning, a holiday brunch, or even a classroom party.
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Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 10 min | Bake: 10–12 min | Decorating Time: 10 min. | Difficulty: Easy
What it is: A fun holiday twist on classic cinnamon rolls, these Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls on a Stick are shaped into little trees, baked until golden, and decorated with green frosting, sprinkles, and a pretzel stick for the trunk.
Why you’ll love it: They’re festive, easy to make, and bring instant holiday cheer to breakfast or brunch. Perfect for Christmas morning, parties, or baking with kids.
How to make it: Unroll each cinnamon roll, shape it into a tree, and bake until golden brown. Once cooled, decorate with frosting and sprinkles for a sweet, whimsical treat everyone will love.
👉Want to keep Christmas morning stress-free? My Christmas Shaped Cinnamon Rolls eBook includes eight easy, festive designs that make holiday baking simple and fun.
Table of Contents
- Recipe at a Glance
- Why You’ll Love Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
- Want the full collection of Shaped Cinnamon Roll Recipes in one easy-to-follow eBook?
- Recommended Kitchen Tools
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Storage & Serving Tips
- Recipe FAQ's
- Didn't find the answer you're looking for?
- More Christmas Breakfast Recipes You'll Love!
- Want the full collection of Shaped Cinnamon Roll Recipes in one easy-to-follow eBook?
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Food Safety Tips:
- 💬 Comments
Why You’ll Love Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
This festive breakfast is part of my Shaped Cinnamon Rolls for the Holidays mini series; a collection of easy, creative ways to turn refrigerated Pillsbury cinnamon rolls into fun holiday treats.
Each recipe starts with the same can of cinnamon rolls and transforms it into a new shape that’s perfect for celebrating the season.
- Day One: Santa Hat Cinnamon Rolls
- Day Two: Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls on a Stick (you’re here!)
- Day Three: Rudolph Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
- Day Four: Pull Apart Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls Christmas Tree
- Day Five: Pillsbury Snowmen Cinnamon Rolls
- Day Six: Roundup: Christmas Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
- Day Seven: Pillsbury Cinnamon Roll Christmas Wreath
- Day Eight: Pillsbury Candy Cane Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
- Day Nine: Cinnamon Roll Shaped Christmas Trees
Want the full collection of Shaped Cinnamon Roll Recipes in one easy-to-follow eBook?
My brand new Christmas Shaped Cinnamon Rolls eBook brings all eight designs together with step-by-step photos and clear instructions.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
For a full list of kitchen tools used in this recipe, be sure to check the recipe card below. You can also browse my Favorite Kitchen Tools by clicking the photo below.
Check out my list...
My Kitchen Tools Essentials
Tools that will make your time easier and faster in the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
Substitutions and Variations
Use homemade cinnamon rolls: Swap the refrigerated dough for your favorite homemade cinnamon roll recipe if you want a from-scratch version.
Frosting: Swap the canned vanilla frosting for homemade buttercream or cream cheese icing. Tint with green gel food coloring for the best color.
Sprinkles: Use festive holiday sprinkles, mini M&Ms, or colored sugar to decorate the trees.
Pretzel Sticks: Try paper lollipop sticks, candy canes or wooden skewers if you prefer not to use pretzels.
Flavor Twist: Add a light drizzle of white chocolate or powdered sugar “snow” for extra holiday charm.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section provides step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Unroll the cinnamon rolls and form each into a triangle.
Step 2: Insert a pretzel stick through the bottom of the triangle.
Step 3: Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Tint the frosting green, then spread on the cooled cinnamon rolls. Decorate with the Christmas sprinkles and serve!
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO let the cinnamon rolls cool slightly before decorating so the frosting doesn’t melt and slide off.
❌ DO NOT skip unrolling and reshaping the dough. If you keep them in a swirl, it won’t give you that cute Christmas tree shape.
Storage & Serving Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended once decorated, as the frosting and sprinkles can lose their texture.
Thaw and Reheat: Warm refrigerated rolls in the microwave for about 10 seconds or until soft.
Serving Tips: Serve on a platter or stand the rolls upright in a foam block for a fun “forest” display at holiday parties.
Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Yes, you can! Bake the cinnamon rolls ahead of time, let them cool completely, and store them (without frosting) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds, then decorate so the frosting and sprinkles stay fresh and vibrant.
Let the cinnamon rolls cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before adding frosting. If they’re too warm, the frosting will melt and slide off. You can also chill the frosting slightly before piping—it helps it hold its shape while you decorate.
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More Christmas Breakfast Recipes You'll Love!
Looking for more Christmas breakfast recipes? Try my Candy Cane Cream Cheese Danish or my Magical Christmas Breakfast Charcuterie Board Recipe.
Want the full collection of Shaped Cinnamon Roll Recipes in one easy-to-follow eBook?
My brand new Christmas Shaped Cinnamon Rolls eBook brings all eight designs together with step-by-step photos and clear instructions.
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📖 Recipe Card
Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls on a Stick
Video
Ingredients
- 8 count package cinnamon rolls
- 8 pretzel sticks
- 16 ounce white or cream cheese icing
- green food coloring
- Christmas sprinkles
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F 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.
Nutrition
Notes
- Unroll the cinnamon rolls carefully so they don’t tear when shaping into trees.
- Chill the frosting slightly before piping to help it hold its shape while decorating.
- Use green gel food coloring instead of liquid for a richer color and thicker texture.
- Store decorated rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make the tree shapes a day ahead, bake, and decorate just before serving.
- Reheat briefly in the microwave before serving to bring back that fresh-baked taste.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Food Safety Tips:
- Baked goods are done when they reach their recommended internal temperature—usually between 190–210°F (88–99°C), depending on the type. Always check the recipe for exact guidance.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils for raw meat and cooked foods.
- Use separate utensils and surfaces for raw ingredients, especially eggs, to prevent cross-contamination.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
- Refrigerate or consume food promptly; don’t leave it at room temperature for extended periods.
- Keep a close eye on food while cooking to prevent accidents.
- Choose oils with a high smoking point to minimize the release of harmful compounds.
- Maintain good ventilation when using a gas stove to ensure safety and comfort.
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