Save to Pinterest A festive, pull-apart sweet bread shaped like a Christmas tree, featuring soft, buttery layers with a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl. Perfect for a holiday brunch centerpiece.
This recipe has become a holiday staple for me and my family, filling our kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and freshly baked bread each year.
Ingredients
- Dough: 3 1/4 cups (400 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet/7 g) instant yeast, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk warm (about 110°F/43°C), 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter melted, 2 large eggs at room temperature
- Cinnamon Swirl Filling: 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar packed, 2 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter softened
- Egg Wash: 1 egg, 1 tbsp milk
- Icing (optional): 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar, 1 2 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl), combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Step 2:
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3:
- Knead (by hand or with dough hook) for 6 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4:
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Step 5:
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Step 6:
- Punch down dough, then roll out on a lightly floured surface to a 16x12-inch (40x30 cm) rectangle.
- Step 7:
- Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Step 8:
- Starting from one long side, roll up tightly into a log.
- Step 9:
- With a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise. Twist the two halves together, exposing the swirl.
- Step 10:
- Shape the twisted dough into a Christmas tree on a parchment-lined baking sheet start with a wide base, narrowing to a point. Tuck the ends underneath.
- Step 11:
- Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 12:
- Whisk egg and milk for egg wash brush over the bread.
- Step 13:
- Bake for 25 28 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 14:
- Cool slightly. For icing, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm bread before serving.
Save to Pinterest Baking this together is a yearly tradition that brings my family closer and fills our home with festive cheer.
Preparation Tips
Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
Storage Advice
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days or freeze for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea and decorate with candied cherries for extra holiday flair.
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This bread is sure to impress your guests and become a holiday favorite in your home.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of flour is best for this bread?
All-purpose flour provides the right balance for soft yet structured bread. For a nuttier flavor, whole wheat flour can replace half of the amount.
- → How do I get the swirl to stand out after baking?
Cutting the rolled dough lengthwise and twisting the halves before shaping reveals the cinnamon layers and creates a distinct swirl pattern.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be mixed and chilled overnight to develop flavor, then shaped and baked the next day following the final rise.
- → What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze wrapped tightly to maintain freshness.
- → Is the icing necessary for serving?
The icing adds a sweet finishing touch but is optional. The bread is delicious on its own or complemented by various toppings.