Save It 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, bringing everyone together with its delicious aroma and fun shape.
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 It Sharing this bread with family creates warm festive memories every holiday season.
Preparation Tips
Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with coffee or hot chocolate for a perfect holiday treat.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Save It This cinnamon swirl bread adds joy and warmth to your holiday celebrations beautifully.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → How do I achieve a soft texture in this bread?
Use warm milk and melted butter in the dough and knead until smooth and elastic. Allowing it to rise twice helps develop a tender crumb.
- → Can I substitute whole wheat flour in the dough?
Yes, replacing up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor without sacrificing texture.
- → What is the best way to shape the dough into the Christmas tree?
After rolling the dough into a rectangle and spreading the cinnamon mixture, roll it tightly, cut lengthwise, twist the halves, and arrange the twisted dough into a wide-based, tapered Christmas tree shape.
- → Is the icing essential for this bread?
The icing adds a sweet finishing touch but is optional. A drizzle of vanilla-flavored glaze enhances the festive look and flavor.
- → How long should the bread be baked for a golden crust?
Bake at 350°F for 25 to 28 minutes until the surface is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- → Can this bread be served cold or warm?
Serving it warm brings out the buttery richness and cinnamon aroma, making it ideal with coffee or hot chocolate.