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 recipe has become a holiday favorite in my family, as everyone loves pulling apart the tree and enjoying the sweet cinnamon filling.
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 Making this bread every holiday reminds me of cozy mornings sharing fresh baked treats with family.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful brunch experience.
Variations
Substitute whole wheat flour for up to half the flour for a nutty flavor.
Decorating Ideas
For extra holiday flair decorate with candied cherries or sprinkles after icing.
Save This bread is a showstopper and a delicious way to celebrate any holiday season.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve the perfect cinnamon swirl?
Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled dough and sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture thoroughly before rolling up to ensure a distinct, flavorful swirl.
- → What is the best way to shape the dough into a tree?
After slicing the rolled dough log lengthwise, twist the two halves gently to expose the swirl, then arrange the twisted dough in a tree shape on parchment paper, tucking the ends underneath for stability.
- → Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, substituting up to half of the flour with whole wheat adds a nutty flavor while maintaining texture, but more whole wheat may affect rise and softness.
- → Is the egg wash necessary?
Applying egg wash before baking gives the bread a shiny, golden crust, enhancing both appearance and texture.
- → How long should the dough rise for best results?
Let the dough rise until doubled in size—about one hour for the first proof and an additional 30 minutes after shaping—to develop flavor and lightness.