This Pull-Apart Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls Christmas Tree is a festive and easy holiday breakfast that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
It’s a quick, shareable pull-apart treat that makes a perfect centerpiece for Christmas morning, holiday brunches, or cozy weekend gatherings. Simple, delicious, and ready in minutes.
It's another one of my best cinnamon roll ideas, that's sure to become a holiday favorite the whole family will love!
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Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 10 min | Bake: 15–18 min | Decorating Time: 10 min | Difficulty: Easy
What it is: A fun, festive pull-apart breakfast made with refrigerated Pillsbury cinnamon rolls shaped into a Christmas tree, baked until golden, and drizzled with sweet icing.
Why you’ll love it: This recipe is quick, family-friendly, and makes a beautiful centerpiece for Christmas morning or holiday brunches without any extra effort.
How to make it: Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a tree shape on a baking sheet, bake until lightly golden, then drizzle with icing and decorate with holiday sprinkles or candies.
👉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
- 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
- Recipe FAQ's
- Didn't find the answer you're looking for?
- 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 fun collection of easy, creative ways to turn refrigerated Pillsbury cinnamon rolls into adorable holiday-themed treats.
Day One: Santa Hat Cinnamon Rolls
Day Two: Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls on a Stick
Day Three: Rudolph Shaped Cinnamon Rolls
Day Four: Pull Apart Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls Christmas Tree (you’re here!)
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 frosting that comes with the refrigerated rolls for homemade cream cheese icing. Tint with green gel food coloring if you want a green tree.
Sprinkles: Use festive holiday sprinkles, mini M&Ms, or colored sugar to decorate the tree in place of the small red candies I used.
Want to make individual Christmas tree cinnamon rolls instead? You’ll love my original Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls recipe.
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: Arrange the cinnamon rolls into a triangle shape then add one more below the base for the trunk. Cut the top rolls with a star cookie cutter to create the star.
Step 2: Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown then add the icing once the rolls have cooled.
Step 3: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top and add candy for decorations.
Step 4: Pull the tree apart to serve.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO let the cinnamon rolls cool for a few minutes before adding the icing so it melts slightly but doesn’t completely run off.
❌ DO NOT skip using parchment paper or a silicone mat because without it, the cinnamon rolls may stick and lose their tree shape.
Storage & Serving Tips
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the icing and texture of the cinnamon rolls may change once thawed.
Thaw and Reheat: Warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes until soft and gooey again.
Serving Tips: Drizzle with extra icing just before serving or sprinkle with holiday sprinkles and powdered sugar for a festive finishing touch.
More Christmas Breakfast Recipes You'll Love!
Looking for more Christmas breakfast recipes? Try my Christmas Tree Cream Cheese Danish, Donut Christmas Tree, and even my Puff Pastry Trees with Nutella. Yum!
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.
LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
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📖 Recipe Card
Pull Apart Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls Christmas Tree
Video
Ingredients
- 2 (8-count) cans Pillsbury cinnamon rolls
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- red candy to decorate
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the cinnamon rolls into a triangle by making the base out of 5 rolls. Add one cinnamon roll below the triangle for the tree trunk.
- Use a star cookie cutter to cut the cinnamon roll at the top of the triangle into a star shape.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow the cinnamon rolls to cool, then frost them with the icing that come in the package.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a snowy look and decorate with the red candies to symbolize ornaments.
- Pull apart to enjoy.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to keep the cinnamon rolls from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Shape the rolls into a tree starting with one roll at the top, then work downward to form rows for the branches.
- Add the icing while the rolls are still slightly warm so it melts beautifully over the top.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven until warm.
- Assemble the tree ahead of time, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!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 a few hours ahead and decorate them just before serving. If you need to prep further in advance, bake the rolls the night before, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and add the frosting and decorations right before serving so they look and taste fresh.
Because the rolls are close together in the pull-apart tree, the center pieces can sometimes take a little longer to bake. If this happens, cover the tree loosely with aluminum foil during the last 5 minutes of baking. The trapped heat helps the middle rolls cook through without overbrowning the edges.
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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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