Save 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 bread became a staple during our holidays because it brings festive cheer and is fun to pull apart and share.
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 Our family loves gathering around this bread each holiday morning to pull apart the cinnamon swirls and enjoy with hot coffee.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with butter or a drizzle of icing for a festive treat perfect for brunch.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer keeping.
Variations
Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture and flavor twists.
Save This bread brings warmth and festive spirit to any holiday table creating joyful moments for everyone.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of flour works best for this bread?
All-purpose flour provides the ideal balance for a soft yet structured dough, but you can substitute half with whole wheat for added nuttiness.
- → How do I achieve the cinnamon swirl effect?
Rolling the dough into a rectangle, spreading softened butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture, then rolling tightly and twisting the halves exposes the signature swirl pattern.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated after the first rise, then shaped and baked the following day for convenience.
- → What is the purpose of the egg wash?
Brushing the bread with an egg and milk mixture before baking creates a glossy, golden crust enhancing its appearance and texture.
- → Are there decorating options for the bread?
After icing, you can embellish the bread with candied cherries, sprinkles, or nuts to add festive charm and extra flavor.