These Christmas Tree Dinner Rolls are a festive twist on a holiday classic, combining soft, fluffy textures with a buttery, golden finish. Perfectly shaped like tiny evergreens, they’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat. With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a total time of under 4 hours, they’re surprisingly simple to make yet impressive enough to steal the spotlight at any gathering.
Each bite offers a warm, comforting blend of rich, buttery flavor and a hint of sweetness, making them irresistible fresh from the oven. Packed with 9g of protein and 130mg of calcium, they’re not only delicious but also a wholesome addition to your holiday table. Whether served as a side or a centerpiece, these rolls are sure to spark joy and conversation.
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Dinner Rolls
- ½ cup whole milk (heated to just below a simmer)
- 1¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup butter (softened at room temperature)
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 12 mozzarella balls (small, for stuffing)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 Tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- 1 Tablespoon dried oregano (for topping)
- 2 Tablespoons pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add wet ingredients: Using the dough hook on low speed, mix in the softened butter and egg until combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Continue mixing on low speed for 2-4 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Lightly grease a large bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Prep the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape and assemble: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Wrap each portion around a mozzarella ball, pinching to seal. Arrange the balls in a Christmas tree shape on the baking sheet, ensuring they touch tightly.
- Second rise: Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for 45 minutes or until puffy.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the egg wash: Whisk together the egg and milk in a small bowl.
- Bake: Brush the rolls with the egg wash and sprinkle with oregano. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Finish: Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds before serving.
Festive Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Tree Dinner Rolls are a showstopper on any holiday table! Serve them as a centerpiece for a festive appetizer or alongside your main course. Pair them with a warm marinara or garlic butter dipping sauce for an extra touch of flavor. For a complete holiday spread, add a charcuterie board or a fresh green salad to complement the cheesy rolls.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through. For a quick fix, microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds, but be cautious as the cheese may get very hot. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but reheating can still bring back some of their delightful texture.
Recipe Variations to Try
Switch up the filling by using different cheeses like cheddar, brie, or goat cheese for a unique twist. For a vegetarian option, replace the mozzarella balls with roasted vegetables or pesto. You can also experiment with the dough by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try shaping the rolls into a wreath or snowflake for a different holiday design!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
To save time, prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, shape the rolls and let them come to room temperature before baking. Alternatively, use store-bought pizza dough as a shortcut—just wrap it around the mozzarella balls and follow the shaping and baking instructions. These hacks make this recipe perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Equipment Guidance for Perfect Rolls
A stand mixer with a dough hook attachment makes kneading the dough a breeze, but you can also knead by hand for about 8-10 minutes. Use a kitchen scale to ensure the dough is divided into 12 even portions for uniform rolls. A pastry brush is ideal for applying the egg wash evenly, and parchment paper prevents sticking for easy cleanup. Don’t forget a sharp knife or bench scraper for cutting the dough!
Christmas Tree Dinner Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole milk, heated to just below a simmer
- 1¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 12 mozzarella balls
- 1 egg
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 Tablespoons pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Activate the yeast. In the bowl of a stand-up mixer, mix together the milk, yeast, and sugar. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes or until nice and frothy.
- Add the remaining wet ingredients. Using the dough hook attachment on low speed, mix in the butter, followed by the egg.
- Add the dry ingredients. Mix in the flour and salt.
- Knead. Continue mixing the dough on low speed for 2-4 minutes or until nice and elastic.
- Rise. Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm, dry place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Prep. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape and assemble. Cut the dough into 12 even portions and gently fold each around a mozzarella ball, pinching it closed to form a ball. Arrange the balls in the shape of a Christmas tree on the prepared baking sheets. They should be touching, tightly hugging each other.
- Rise. Cover the sheet with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm, dry place for 45 minutes or until nice and puffy.
- Preheat. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Make the egg wash. Whisk together the egg and the milk.
- Bake. Remove the plastic wrap, brush the rolls with the egg wash, and sprinkle with oregano. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until beautifully golden brown.
- Finish. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.