Equipment Needed
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper (a lifesaver for cleanup!)
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush or a clean finger for butter
- Scissors or a sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, I clear a big workspace and line my baking sheet with parchment paper. I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C)—any hotter, and I found the outer rolls brown too quickly before the center is fully baked. I pop open the cans of dough (that thwump sound is the start of the fun!), separate the rolls, and set the icing packets aside. In my small bowl, I stir together the extra cinnamon and brown sugar. This is where I dip my finger in for a taste test; it’s already smelling like Christmas.
Now, for the assembly. I arrange 9 rolls in a row at the bottom center of the sheet to form the wide base of the tree. Then, I build upward in decreasing rows: 8 rolls, then 7, then 6, 5, and finally a single roll at the top. I leave a little space between them so they have room to puff, but they should touch slightly to bake together into one piece. This part is oddly satisfying, like edible architecture.
Here’s a tip I learned the hard way: don’t just sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix on top. I use my pastry brush to gently coat the top of each roll with the melted butter first. This helps the sugar mixture stick and creates a gorgeous, caramelized crust. I then generously sprinkle every single roll with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, getting it into all the nooks. I used to be shy with it, but trust me, be generous. This is what gives it that bakery-quality flavor.
Finally, it’s into the oven for 20-25 minutes. My sweet spot is 23 minutes. You’re looking for a deep, golden brown all over—if the top is browning too fast, a loose tent of foil works wonders. The moment I take it out, the kitchen smells unbelievable. I let it cool on the sheet for just 5 minutes—any longer and the icing won’t melt properly. I snip the corner of the icing packets and drizzle artistically (or enthusiastically!) over the entire warm tree, watching it pool deliciously in the crevices.(See the next page below to continue…)