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 bread has become a holiday tradition in my family, loved by kids and adults alike for its impressive look and delicious flavor.
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 Our family gathers every December to bake and enjoy this festive bread, making it a cherished holiday memory.
Required Tools
Stand mixer or mixing bowl, rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (milk, butter). For allergy concerns, verify all ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310 per serving. Total Fat: 10 g. Carbohydrates: 48 g. Protein: 6 g.
Save to Pinterest This bread will impress your guests and add a festive touch to your holiday table.
Ask About This Recipe
- → How do I achieve the perfect cinnamon swirl?
Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously before rolling tightly to ensure distinct layers.
- → Can I substitute whole wheat flour in the dough?
Yes, you may replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and heartier texture.
- → What is the best way to shape the bread like a tree?
After twisting the cinnamon-filled dough halves, arrange the strips wide at the base and narrow toward the top, tucking ends underneath for stability.
- → Should I use icing on the bread?
Icing is optional but recommended to add sweetness and enhance the festive look; drizzle it while the bread is still warm for best results.
- → How long should the dough rise before baking?
The dough needs about one hour for the first rise until doubled, and an additional 30 minutes after shaping before baking.