Christmas Tree Rolls Recipe
I am so excited to share this Christmas tree rolls recipe with you! It is the perfect addition to your holiday party, by making delicious cheese-filled rolls in a Christmas tree shape.
Not only are these Christmas tree rolls easy, but they are also absolutely delicious. You can enjoy the baked bread as a side dish, or appetizer this holiday season.
I am excited to share with you how you can make these delicious rolls completely from scratch, but also show you a few tips and tricks for the easy way out, by using premade rolls.
No matter how much effort you’re looking to put in, there is a way for you to make these Christmas tree rolls, in an easy and delicious way that fits your needs perfectly.
Christmas Tree Bread
These delicious cheese-filled rolls are the perfect addition to your Christmas menu because they are amazing rolls created in the shape of a tree. They are such a perfect way to enjoy delicious savory food and still have their focus on the holiday season. This is such a fun way to make a festive dish for your holiday table.
Bread Options for Christmas Tree Rolls
Before we jump in to the recipe, I want to point out that there are several different options you may choose from as far as the types of rolls you use for these Christmas tree rolls. I am going to share with you one of my favorite recipes for homemade dinner rolls, but that doesn’t mean that you have to make them from scratch.
Some other great options, that do not require you to make dinner rolls from scratch are to use a loaf of frozen bread dough that has been thawed.
Another great option is to use a can of crescent rolls. Crescent roll dough is so light, fluffy, and flaky, that it would make a delicious roll base for your Christmas tree rolls.
Another great option is to use store-bought pizza dough. You can find the refrigerated pizza dough at your local grocery store, in the cooler section. Then all you have to do is cut it to size and wrap some mozzarella sticks around the premade pizza dough.
There are several different options to choose from, if you’re not in the mood to make dinner rolls from scratch, then feel free to use a loaf of thawed bread dough, a tube of crescent rolls, or store-bought pizza dough. Each one of these methods works really well and tastes delicious.
This easy recipe can be made as detailed as you want, and making the rules completely from scratch, or using a premade roll option. Whatever your preference, these Christmas tree rolls will still taste fabulous. Now, let’s look at the equipment that we will want to have on hand before making this recipe.
Recommended Equipment
A Pizza Cutter. If possible, using a pizza cutter, to cut out the dough can be very helpful. However, if you don’t have a pizza cutter on hand another great option is to simply use a sharp knife.
A Cookie Sheet. You also want to have a large cookie sheet on hand, to bake the rolls in a Christmas tree shape.
Small Bowl. It’s a good idea to have a small mixing bowl on hand. I like to mix up the toppings in a small bowl before adding them to the Christmas tree rolls.
Parchment Paper. It is also a good idea to have parchment paper to bake the Christmas tree on. This way you can easily transfer it from your cookie sheet to your serving platter if desired. Plus, it will help your rolls to not stick to the cookie sheet as they bake in general.
Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
Bread dough, crescent rolls, pizza dough, or dinner rolls
Dinner Rolls
Water. You will want to have some warm water, to get the rolls started. It works best if the water is warm, but not too hot.
Yeast. Active dry yeast will work best to help the rolls rise.
Sugar. Granulated sugar is the best type of sweetener to use for these rolls. Not only does it flavor the rolls, but also helps the roles to rise by working together with the yeast.
Flour. This recipe does not require you to use bread flour. Using your basic all-purpose flour will work well for these rolls.
Egg. You will want to have a large egg included in the bread dough for the best results. If you have any extra egg, it also works well to use as an egg wash on the rolls, by mixing one egg together with 1 tablespoon of water and then brushing it on top of the rolls before baking them.
Butter. Soft or melted butter also will go into the bread dough recipe. If you have salted butter, this will give you the best results, but you may use unsalted, if necessary, just add a little extra salt.
Salt. Salt is needed in the rolls to give them the best flavor. You can use whatever you have on hand, such as kosher salt, iodized salt, or sea salt.
Other Ingredients for the Rolls
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks. I like to make the rolls so that they are filled with melty cheese. I recommend using mozzarella cheese sticks, which are cut into small cubes, as the filling for these rolls.
Melted Butter. To top the rolls, you will want to have some melted butter on hand to brush on top of the finished rolls.
Roll Toppings
Garlic Powder. Garlic powder is optional, I enjoy adding it with other seasonings, then sprinkling it on top of the rolls before serving them.
Italian Seasoning. Italian seasoning is another option, which I also like to add as a topping for the rolls before serving.
Parmesan Cheese. You can add grated or shredded Parmesan cheese into the center of the rolls with the mozzarella cheese, over as a part of the topping.
Garlic Salt. The final ingredient that I would recommend including as part of the topping for the rolls before serving is garlic salt. This is also optional but tastes delicious!
Serve With:
Pizza Sauce. You can serve these Christmas tree rolls with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping if desired.
Garlic Butter. Another great option to serve with your finished Christmas tree rolls is garlic butter. This is completely optional, but it tastes delicious when served with the rolls.
How to Make Christmas Tree Rolls
Let’s start with the instructions on how to make the dinner rolls from scratch. If you are using premade rolls or bread dough, then you can skip the step.
How to Make Homemade Dinner Rolls
Heat the water to approximately 120°F to 130°F, then add it to your mixing bowl along with the yeast, and sugar. Whisk to dissolve the yeast into the water, then let the mixture rest for five minutes so that the yeast begins to foam.
Into the mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, egg, melted butter, and salt. Use the dough hook, do you beat the mixture until the bread dough comes together.
Remove the dough from your mixing bowl, and coat the bowl with a light coating of oil. Add the dough ball back into your mixing bowl and cover with a damp towel. Set the bowl in a warm place so that the dough can rise.
When the dough has risen to approximately double in size, you can divide the dough into equal pieces to begin making your mozzarella-filled rolls.
Filling the Rolls and creating the Christmas Tree
To begin filling your rolls, and forming the shape of a Christmas tree, you will begin by lightly flowering a clean work surface.
Then, take the first piece of dough, and fill it with the mozzarella cheese. Form the dough into dough balls around the mozzarella cheese. Make sure to pinch the bottom, so that it seals the cheese inside.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Then place the filled rolls in the shape of a Christmas tree on the baking sheet. Begin with the bottom of the tree, as the first row.
The second row will be decreased by one roll so that they are staggered from the previous row. Continue placing the rolls in the shape of a Christmas tree as you work. Finish out the shape by adding two or four rolls in a square at the base of the tree for the trunk.
After the rolls have been shaped to form a Christmas tree, cover them once more with a damp paper towel and place in a warm location. Allow them to rise for approximately 30 minutes so that they double in size.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Brush the top of the rolls with melted butter, then sprinkle the seasonings including garlic powder, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Place them into the oven, and bake until they are golden brown, for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, and a toothpick inserted into the rolls comes out clean.
Remove them from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Then transfer the Christmas tree rolls and parchment paper to a serving platter if desired. Add them to your holiday table, serve, and enjoy!
Storage
At Room Temperature. These Christmas tree rolls are going to be best when they are kept at room temperature for no more than two hours. After that, they should be stored in the fridge for the best results.
In the Fridge. For the best results, of longer storage, you will want to store these Christmas tree rolls in the fridge. If possible, transfer them to an airtight container, or wrap them securely in plastic wrap to keep them fresh. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days for the best results.
Variations
Pizza Balls. You can also easily adapt this Christmas tree rolls recipe into pizza balls, simply by adding some pizza sauce, along with the mozzarella cheese into the center of the rolls before arranging them in a Christmas tree shape. This is a delicious way to mix things up a little bit!
Pull-Apart Christmas Tree
This Christmas tree rolls recipe is such a fun addition to your holiday menu this Christmas season! The tree-shaped pattern allows you to enjoy this tasty cheesy bread with your holiday traditions.
Hopefully, this recipe will be added to your favorite things to enjoy during the Christmas season!
Thank you so much for stopping by to check out our recipe for easy and delicious Christmas Tree Rolls! I hope that you enjoy them, and most of all I hope you enjoy this Christmas season!
For more posts like this one, follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
PIN for Later!
Christmas Tree Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Homemade Rolls
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp yeast
- 1 egg
- 2 Tbsp butter melted
- 1 tsp salt
Other Ingredients for the Rolls
- 4-5 Mozzarella cheese sticks
Roll Toppings
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- garlic powder to taste
- Italian seasoning to taste
- Parmesan cheese to taste
- garlic salt to taste
Serve With
- pizza sauce
- garlic butter
Instructions
How to make Homemade Dinner Rolls
- Heat the water to approximately 120°F to 130°F, then add it to your mixing bowl along with the yeast, and sugar. Whisk to dissolve the yeast into the water, then let the mixture rest for five minutes so that the yeast begins to foam.
- Into the mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, egg, melted butter, and salt. Use the dough hook, do you beat the mixture until the bread dough comes together.
- Remove the dough from your mixing bowl, and coat the bowl with a light coating of oil. Add the dough ball back into your mixing bowl and cover with a damp towel. Set the bowl in a warm place so that the dough can rise.
- When the dough has risen to approximately double in size, you can divide the dough into equal pieces to begin making your mozzarella-filled rolls.
Filling the Rolls and creating the Christmas Tree
- To begin filling your rolls, and forming the shape of a Christmas tree, you will begin by lightly flowering a clean work surface.
- Then, take the first piece of dough, and fill it with the mozzarella cheese. Form the dough into dough balls around the mozzarella cheese. Make sure to pinch the bottom, so that it seals the cheese inside.
- Mine a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Then placed the field rolls in the shape of a Christmas tree on the baking sheet. Begin with the bottom of the tree, as the first row.
- The second row will be decreased by one roll so that they are staggered from the previous row. Continue placing the rolls in the shape of a Christmas tree as you work. Finish out the shape by adding two or four rolls in a square at the base of the tree for the trunk.
- After the rolls have been shaped to form a Christmas tree, cover them once more with a damp paper towel in place in a warm location. Allow them to rise for approximately 30 minutes so that they double in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Brush the top of the rolls with melted butter, then sprinkle the seasonings including garlic powder, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Place them into the oven, and bake until they are golden brown, or approximately 15 to 20 minutes, and a toothpick inserted into the rolls comes out clean.
- Remove them from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Then transfer the Christmas tree rolls and parchment paper to a serving platter if desired. Add them to your holiday table, serve, and enjoy!
