I used to make these with my mother when I was growing up. They would be the special treat that I got to give to my friends for Christmas. They are simple and fun to make, and very festive. These sweet bread trees, wreaths, and candy canes will be a hit with neighbors this year.
Now, my mom would make the yummy bread dough from scratch, along with the sweet frosting. But my time seems to be limited this Christmas season, so I have made mine a little easier. I bought frozen bread dough. I thawed out 12-15, do as many as you think you want to make. Next, you divide the dough up and roll them into tiny balls. I split one of the dough balls into 4ths and 8ths. You can really make these any size you want, but remember that they do get much bigger when they raise and are cooked.
Then place them into fun Christmas shapes. We did a large and small Christmas trees, candy canes, wreaths. I even did an S for Santa that he could eat when he comes with the presents.
Then the hard part – waiting for them to rise so that you can put them into the oven. Depending on your kitchen and how warm it is, you will need to let these rise for at least a hour or so. Once they are double in size, bake them using the directions of your bread dough recipe.
After they are cooked, let them cool. Get your frosting ready. Homemade frosting is easy and always tastier, but I am using the store kind this time. I like it a little bit more melted, so I put it into the microwave for a few seconds. Make sure to get the frosting into the nooks of the bread. Now you are ready for the best part, M&M’s. You can use peanut or plain, or even dark – for Jordan. Place each m&m into the nooks and dips of the bread. For the tree, they will help make it look like ornaments. For the wreath they are the berries. Have fun and be creative. Enjoy!
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Really cute Marie! The question is- how do they taste? I’m curious to see how the store bought bread tastes compared to Mom’s sweet bread from scratch. Let me know. You’re awesome!
So cute! I would never have thought about using the frozen bread dough! And they all look so yummy!
Neffgang, It tastes great for how easy it is. The frosting makes it sweet enough. Mom and I talked about maybe rolling the frozen dough in sugar before they are cooked too.
Bonnie, I love using the frozen dough. I use Rhodes Rolls that are sold in the freezer section of the grocery store. I heard they are only available in Utah, but I am sure there are other brands of frozen dough out there.
My mom totally always makes these and I used to give them to my friends! This a great idea to used the frozen dough! I’ll have to try it out!
So crafty and really cute!
What a fun idea…and they look absolutely DELISH!!!!
YUMMY! I am making these tomorrow! haha! Thanks Marieeee :O)
What a great treat! they look so cute!
I am going to try these with the dough I make in my bread machine….yummy!
That looks really good! I like this idea much better than the traditional cookies!
Thanks for the comments, everyone. This is such a fun and different Christmas treat. Perfect for neighbors or friends. I hope they turn out well for you all.
Yum! What a great idea!!
These turned out great! We also tried using Rhodes cinnamon rolls using the cream cheese frosting that is included in the package. Thank you for sharing this fun idea!
Oh boy, those look absolutely delicious. I never thought about wreaths that you don’t have to hang up on the wall. Now I have to go buy some cookies, thanks a lot.
What an awesome idea! I love to make homemade bread and frosting, too, but since you proposed the store-bought kind, and admitted you use it yourself occasionally, I feel freed from guilt and (as usual from your blog) empowered to do this cute little Christmas project!
I’d love the recipe for the homemade dough!
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